I can consider just one factor to say.

“You’ll have my resignation by the top of the week.”

Mr. Heckman splutters and I finish the decision. There’s nothing he can say to alter my thoughts, and anyway, it’s nearly time for me to report downstairs.

I’m going to complete filming this cooking competitors. I’m going to lose—no illusions there. However then in a few days I’m going to go dwelling and begin my very own goddamn life. No extra ready for permission. No extra ready for someone else to acknowledge me for it.

It’s my flip.

23

Drew

Bailey didn’t win.

I’m shocked and fairly disenchanted. I actually thought she had a shot—hell, it’s why I inspired her to enroll within the first place. She’s a kickass cook dinner and a grade-A human being. I noticed a few of the early footage, and although I do know it’s nonetheless going by means of a heavy enhancing course of, Bailey appears superb on digicam.

In fact she does. Bailey’s by no means appeared something aside from superb to me, even all these years we stayed in our clearly-marked buddy zone corners.

She takes the information higher than I do. After the on-camera announcement, she congratulates the winner with far more heat than I may have managed in her footwear. A few the opposite contestants don’t even attempt to act gracious, together with Tracy Elffers, who doesn’t hassle to hide her shock and disgust.

The contestants will undergo one final spherical of exit interviews this week, and there’s already a tentative reunion date scheduled, relying on how the rankings prove when this factor airs, however in any other case, we’re accomplished. It’s lastly over.

I take a deep breath, looking the gang for Cooper. Bailey can be tied up for one more hour but, however perhaps he and I can get out of right here.

One thing’s occurred to me this week. I can’t clarify it, however someday between falling onto that sofa with Bailey and Cooper and right this moment one thing’s totally different.

I’m surprised to appreciate it’s hope.

Regardless of the risk nonetheless hanging someplace over my head, regardless of my household’s expectations, regardless of the insane unlikelihood of our scenario… Cooper and Bailey have given me hope. It doesn’t matter what else occurs after this, I believe we’ve bought a shot, an actual honest-to-God shot at making this factor between us work.

Certain, it’s difficult, however what isn’t?

“You would possibly wish to dial it again a little bit,” says Kenna, showing subsequent to me with no warning. “Smiling like that after your lady simply misplaced would possibly perhaps ship the flawed form of message.”

I tone it right down to a smile. “What can I say? It’s been an excellent week.”

“Yeah?” Kenna appears up from her cellphone and narrows her eyes, finding out me. “Not what I’d count on from someone beneath investigation for company sabotage.”

“Oh, please,” I say. “You understand that’s bullshit as a lot as I do.”

Kenna nods, going again to her cellphone, tapping away.

“I do know,” she says. “It makes me surprise, although.”

“What?”

“Simply what it’s that makes you smile like that anyway,” she says. I get the impression she’s doing her finest to maintain a lid on it, however she’s curious as hell.

“Hey,” I say, bumping her with my elbow to get her to have a look at me. “We’ve been working collectively for a very long time. I consider you as a buddy.”

She smiles. “Similar goes, Drew. You understand that.”

“So ask me someday,” I say. Kenna cocks her head in query. “I can’t speak about it proper now. Possibly not even anytime quickly. However we’re associates. I belief you. So ask me someday, and I’ll inform you why I’m smiling.”

Kenna appears at me for a protracted second. There’s by no means been even a touch of attraction between us, regardless of how pretty she is, or I’d by no means have mentioned something so unprofessional. However she caught up for me after Greeley’s nasty accusation, and if there’s anyone at work I can depend on to again me up, she’s the one who’d do it. Ty too, in all probability, however since he’s my boss, I don’t plan to go outing my suddenly-atypical love life to him if I don’t must.

Kenna lastly nods once more, accepting my phrases after excited about it, then neatly altering the topic.

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