“Seems like a fun activity,” a voice says from behind me.
Turning, I catch sight of Scott, a guy I once met in a bar after swiping right.
“What are you doing here?” I ask, surprised.
“My uncle is on the crew and got me a job,” he answers.
“Oh, wow.”
“Maybe we could catch up some time,” he replies.
“Yeah, sure. I gotta go right now, though.” I gesture to the competition.
“Have fun.” Scott waves goodbye and runs off to do whatever it is he does.
It was one date and I never called again. Back then, I think I was lonely and looking for a good time. It never even got that far. It’s not that I’m not happy to see him, but it’s weird. Weird that he just pops up on the show. I push the stalking notion out of my mind, but I still find it odd that he’s here.
Taking a seat next to Carlton, I watch the hilarity that is this tractor pull.
Waving at Aspen, I plan on introducing her to everyone later. I especially want Shane and Snow to know her.
One team finally has their trailer hooked, but they’re arguing about who will drive.
“I think I should drive,” one guy says.
“Why? Because you’re a man?” a redhead shouts at him.
“No, because I’ve driven one before,” he states calmly.
“Yeah, let him drive,” a blond chirps.
“Climb on, ladies and gents,” says the guy whose name is Matt, I think.
They start their trek, and then another team finally figures it out. One guy jumps in the driver seat, and no one protests.
The other two teams are having issues and I can’t help but laugh. I know I shouldn’t, but it’s impossible not to.
“You said at the mingle party that you’ve done this before,” a brunette yells.
“In a game, a farm game.”
“Holy hell,” one guy says, throwing up his hands.
“And you aren’t any help,” a blond says to Aspen. It takes everything in me not to go down there and protect her, but I can’t. She wouldn’t want me to, either. I watch as Aspen shrugs, taking everything in stride. I wish I could be like my sister sometimes.
The fighting and bickering between the last two teams go on for what seems like forever. They continue so long that the team that figured it out first, has already returned from dropping hay. I catch Aspen’s eye and sign that we’ll talk later—about what she’s heard from the others. I also make sure to tell her I love her.
She replies with “Ditto.”
“Team three, someone will check your bales to see if you are truly the winner,” Carlton announces as the other team pulls up. He signals for one of the runners to check both teams.
“Competition is over. We’ll check your posts and relay who the winner is shortly.” Carlton informs everyone. “As for the two losing teams, you may make your way to breakfast, but don’t go far.”
They all slink off, heads hanging. I’m glad I’m not them. Though, I don’t want any of them.
There will be more tasks. Can’t win them all.
“Team three, you are the winner. You all may make your way to the food tent.” Carlton has to shout as they run for the food. “Don’t go far, either. The catch will be revealed in a bit.”