“We can talk later,” he replies with a chuckle and walks to the side and back to his cabin.
I’m so out of it since seeing him, I don’t really even remember any of the other contestants. Other than Briana. She’s a dancer and knows Snow.
Not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
“That was all of them, ladies and gentlemen out there in TV land.” Carlton starts wrapping things up. “In a bit, we will see them mingle and get to know each other. Let the fun begin.” Carlton signs off and waves to the camera.
“Cut.”
“You okay?” Carlton asks me.
“I’m a little dazed right now,” I admit.
“I’m guessing you and Afton have some history together.”
“We do.” Yep, I’m in shock.
“Well, I hope it all works out for you, whatever path you choose. See you at the elimination.” Carlton shakes my hand and heads off to his wife.
He doesn’t have to be at the mingle. Cameras will be on, and Sal will announce what will happen. They brought the bar outside, so I know it will be stocked.
I storm toward the house to get out of this monkey suit. I wanted to yank at my collar throughout the whole thing.
The damn thing is suffocating me.
Stopping in the kitchen, I study Snow and Shane for a bit. Until they realize I’m here.
“Oh, how did it go?” Snow comes over for a kiss.
“Crappy,” I tell her, leaving out that my ex is one of the contestants. That’s for another day.
“Have time for a soak?” Shane asks with a wink.
“I have a couple hours.” I give him my first genuine smile of the night. “I kind of need it.”
“I’ll go start the jets while you change.” He grabs Snow’s hand, and we head upstairs to his room. The hot tub is on his private balcony.
Snow stops me. “You look good in a tux.”
“Thanks.” I kiss her quickly and go change.
I need some fun before the next part of hell begins. With Afton here, my mind is going to be reeling—two different ways, if I’m being honest—and I’m not sure how I’ll deal with that.