Chapter Fourteen #4
She nodded that she would. “Not that you boys did anything wrong, of course. I’m happy you and Cliff hit it off. So, why did your roommate give you a hard time about it? What did he expect would happen?”
“Aaron thought I was being used. Daryl told everyone that a bachelor never settles on the person they chose for the first date. Apparently, producers pressure the show’s star to go on a first date with the least likely choice because they don’t want the whole series to be about that same guy,” I explained.
“I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. I knew I wasn’t on par with the rest of these contestants.
It still hurts to receive the confirmation, though. ”
“Sounds like you’re drawing a lot of conclusions based on the words of an agitator,” she chastised.
“I know my son. Cliff isn’t going to make an important life decision based on what producers tell him.
If he liked you, and I’m guessing he did—considering he allowed himself to be filmed getting amorous with you—then you’re in the running.
If I were you, I’d focus on trying to figure out why your roommate, the guy who allegedly cares about you so much, acted like a fuck-wad. ”
I flushed. Ms. Walker sure didn’t talk like my mom did. “He said he didn’t want to see me heartbroken.”
Ms. Walker narrowed her eyes. “Or he’s trying to get into your head. Competition can bring out the worst in people. Maybe he’s jealous that you got the first date and it went well.”
I reminded myself that she didn’t know Aaron is straight and that he isn’t interested in her son.
I decided to manipulate the truth so she’d back away from her unfounded accusation without me breaking my non-disclosure agreement.
“Um, Aaron shared with me that he hasn’t felt a…
spark with Cliff. So, I don’t think that’s it…
” She frowned at that. “I mean, he thinks your son is great. Totally! It’s just not gelling for him.
Aaron will stay on because of the contractual agreement, but he won’t do anything to encourage Cliff because he’s not the type of person to play someone just to win a contest. And he doesn’t want to inadvertently mess up Cliff’s chances to find his best match.
Obviously, I’m telling you all this in confidence. ”
She contemplated that. “Maybe his jealousy isn’t about losing Cliff. Maybe it’s about losing you.”
If Aaron still ended up executing his plan to pretend he was falling for me, then Ms. Walker’s suspicion could be beneficial—particularly if the camera crew asked for her opinion.
“Um, well, up until now, he’s never indicated that he’s interested in me that way.
” I thought that was a safe comment to make.
Ms. Walker shrugged. “It doesn’t need to be romantic. It sounds like the two of you have built a co-dependent relationship—in a nice way. Maybe he fears losing that.”
“Nothing would change,” I protested.
“Of course it would,” she countered. “You might stay somewhat close, but by necessity, your time together would diminish significantly. He wouldn’t be the center of your world anymore, and eventually, you’ll start relying on Cliff instead of your friend.
I’m sure he realizes that. And you couldn’t possibly be to him what you are now, either, without sacrificing Cliff’s needs.
Add that you’d be surrounded by wealth and privilege and living in a world that your friend can visit but isn’t a part of… How could he not feel estranged?”
I recalled Aaron’s comment that if Cliff chose me, he didn’t know where that left him.
He had made it sound like it was about ruining the charade we had planned.
But after I had shared with him that there were workarounds, Aaron had conceded quickly.
He was a smart man who wouldn’t have struggled to pivot as the situation changed.
It made me wonder if Ms. Walker’s suspicion was the real reason for his behavior.
And unfortunately, as I thought about her comments, I realized that she was correct regarding how things would alter if Cliff chose me.
“I hadn’t considered all that,” I admitted.
She nodded. “Maybe you need to. You’re a dear, and if you want Cliff regardless of the cost, and my son feels the same, then I will welcome you to the family with open arms. But don’t make my son fall in love with you if you can’t accept the consequences.”
“Yeah. Okay,” I replied. “Thank you for your advice.”
She leaned back in the chair. “Maybe take a break from your worries. You could grab one of those steamy books and read for a while. I haven’t gone through all the gay romances yet, but I can tell you which one I’ve read that have the hottest sex scenes.
” She paused, appearing concerned. “Oh, you aren’t offended by gang-bangs, are you?
If I recall, there was one pretty graphic scene. ”
I coughed, relieved that unlike earlier, I had nothing in my mouth to spit out. “Uh, actually, I think I should get back to the room and try to patch things up with Aaron.”
“Suit yourself. Let me know if you change your mind about Daryl and prefer to see him swimming with the fishes.”