Chapter 31 Garrick
Garrick
‘Does it have to be two girls?’ I ask Ms Ripley again as they fit me for my mic. I shift uncomfortably in my knight’s leathers. The Beeloved pin I wear, along with the sash for the show, makes me feel a little pompous, but at least I only have to wear it during eliminations.
‘Now is a little late for this discussion,’ she responds, not looking up as she sends off emails on her phone. I glance around, searching for Juliet, but she’s off with the girls getting them ready for the shoot.
‘I did bring this up last week.’ I feel bad sending two girls home right before the holidays.
I’m the guy who dresses up as Santa and hands out presents, not bus tickets to So-long-farewell-ville.
But the producers thought a double elimination would add much-needed tension until the show returns after Christmas.
I can’t disagree with the logic – I love a good shock ending.
But being the one creating it is a whole other thing.
‘Garrick, we’ve already set the schedule, so there’s no use going on about it now.’ I hear a little of Juliet in that tone, but it’s a lot less fun coming from her mom.
I clear my throat, focusing on breathing as the lights heat the room above the Royal Fare. Today’s the 23rd, and the park is open during the day, which it usually isn’t, so we’re limited on shooting areas. Still, it’s for the best. FTG wanted to get that holiday tourism while we still can.
Which means everything this morning is rushed.
Before I know it, the elimination is done – it’s easier when there are only six girls.
I send home Sofia and Riya. They were both super cool, and I enjoyed hanging out with them, but like all the others I didn’t feel like I was losing a love match.
I’m sure Riya’s boyfriend will be happy to have her home.
It used to be so easy to put on an act, so much so it didn’t even feel like that. But ever since the kiss with Juliet … It’s hard not to search for her, which is bad when I’m supposed to be staring at the girls in front of me and not the one behind the camera.
With a quick costume change and a few added festive balloons, the room is transformed into a goodbye party as the girls go home for the holidays.
The cameras catch my short chats with each of them.
I offer plenty of cutesy one-liners they can add to the episode that will air tonight, like ‘I hope Santa treats you well’ and ‘Don’t get frostbite building those snowmen’.
I hug the girls goodbye, and they get a shot of me waving from the castle balcony as the coach heads away. I actually don’t see them leave, and when I’m waving, it’s to the kids riding Ice Shards, but with the magic of editing the audience will never know.
I don’t know where Juliet got off to after the date. But I have to head to the park for Knight School. I cannot wait for the break coming up. These last few days have been non-stop.
The camera crew is packing up and I say my goodbyes as I walk toward the costume department to get suited. Our new additions to the FTG family have been a lot of fun. I enjoy all the hustle and bustle of people. Makes me feel alive.
‘Hey, Raul,’ I say to one of the kitchen employees headed out as I’m going in. ‘Are you working today? I bet the kids are going crazy with Christmas just two days away.’
He gives me a tight smile. ‘Yeah, getting in as many hours as possible before we close for the rest of the year. It’s been tight with the holidays, so I’m hoping maybe I could talk to you or the boss?’
‘Oh, about?’ My palms start to sweat, and there’s a churning in my gut. I almost forgot we were going to have to fire someone. I’ve been so busy doing all the other stuff, but now it’s coming back into focus.
‘I was wondering, if we keep up the catering, you think I might be able to get a raise? I’ve been here two years now. And I love FTG, but a little extra cash would be nice.’
I rub the back of my neck, swallowing hard. ‘I know, man, you do a great job. I’ll see if I can put in a good word for you.’ The lie tastes like bitter ash on my tongue, but what am I supposed to say? Sorry, you actually might be fired instead. It’s Christmas, for heaven’s sake.
‘Thanks, Garrick. I really appreciate it.’ He heads out a little lighter with the prospect of a raise on the horizon. But I feel like I’m being weighed down by all the responsibility I never asked for.
When I get to Knight School, Ivor, Aldrich and Tristian are already there.
‘Did you get Dad a present?’ Ivor asks.
I glance over to Tristian. He raises his eyebrows. ‘Why are you looking at me?’
‘Because we’re twins, dude. We always go in on gifts together. We’re a package deal.’ Hot air clouds around my face as I breathe out. I need to get on stage and start some fighting, so I don’t freeze my bits off.
‘I asked you three months ago if you had any ideas of what to get Dad and if you wanted to go in on a present. You never said. So, I just went ahead and got something for him.’ Tristian pulls at his leathers, adjusting the sword shining in its sheath.
‘And you can put my name on it.’ I grab my sword and give it a shine before we head out.
‘What? Too busy with all of your ladies to worry about Christmas?’ Aldrich elbows me in the ribs.
‘Yeah, and I’m carrying this park’s entire future on my back. That should give me some leeway.’ It’s a joke. But is it? If this blows up in our faces, I will be responsible. An image of Juliet flashes before my eyes. Her soft lips against mine.
The fighting helps me loosen up. When I have the sword in my hand, the world falls away and I’m the most me I ever feel – even if I am pretending to be a knight in shining armor. Well, leather.
After Knight School, I head toward the front of the castle for my meet-and-greet by the tree. I’m supposed to use the backstage routes, but I like to wave at the guests as I walk around the park.
‘Garrick!’ Two high-pitched voices yell as I exit the tunnel under the castle.
My foot misses a step and I stumble, catching myself with the ease of a fencer quick on their toes.
I’ve had my real name yelled at me in the park before, but I sense this is different.
I put a hand up to block the winter sun shining in my eyes.
Two girls around my age stand to my left with Beeloved show T-shirts.
I didn’t know they were selling these – maybe the girls made them themselves. I appreciate the initiative.
‘Good day, ladies. I’m afraid you have me mistaken for some other handsome fellow.’ I smile and give a hearty bow. ‘I shall keep word out that you’re searching for him.’
The girls giggle as I try to maneuver around them, but they block my way. Fortune favors the bold, I suppose. ‘Who are you going to pick?’ the shorter of the two asks.
‘Sorry, again, you have the wrong knight.’ This isn’t the first time someone in the park has recognized me from the show. That was sort of the whole point of it, to get FTG promo. But these two are the most persistent.
‘I really hope it’s Arianna. You two have the best chemistry,’ says the taller girl.
My insides squeeze. I knew people would be invested in my choice; that’s the trick of these types of shows, but it’s different when they say it to your face.
‘I do hope you have a lovely day and that this Garrick and Arianna find happiness.’ I salute before quickly darting past them.
‘I told you he’d pick her.’ Their squeals follow me to the Christmas tree.
A cold sweat ices my skin as the winter wind glides across me, sending chills down my spine.
Arianna is a good choice, probably the one most people think I will choose since we have the most in common.
But the only face I can’t get out of my mind is the one the camera has never seen and the audience isn’t rooting for.