The Reluctant Bachelor (10 page)

“Can we talk outside?” the brunette asked.

Always the talking outside. Couldn’t they stay where it was warm by the fire? Instead of suggesting that, he nodded. “But let’s take our coats.”

In the foyer, they both grabbed coats, then stepped out onto the porch. Rick could see his breath as soon as they walked into the cold. He crossed his arms more for the warmth than anything. One of the cameramen turned on lights and gave a thumbs-up before either one said a word. “How are things going, Britney?”

She glanced at the camera, then at Rick. “Um...”

Rick addressed the cameraman. “Eddie, why don’t you take a five-minute break? I think we need some privacy.” He motioned with his head toward the garage. “I promise you won’t miss anything juicy.”

“No can do, Rick. Boss lady would have my hide.”

Britney shook her head and took a seat on the stone bench. “It’s fine. I signed up for this. And it’s not something I can’t say on camera.”

Rick nodded and focused his attention on the young woman. “What’s wrong, Brit?”

She stayed quiet for so long that he thought she wouldn’t share what was on her mind. Finally, she began, “Rick, you’re a nice guy, but—”

Really? That was what she wanted to talk about? He chuckled. “You’re giving me the ‘It’s not you, it’s me’ speech? Wow.”

“I grew up in a town just like this and promised I’d never go back.” Britney took a deep breath and shook her head. “I can’t do this. Not even for a catch like you.”

What was so wrong with his town? Everyone seemed to want to get away from it. But Rick liked it. Loved it. It was friends. And family. It was home. “We want different things is all.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “I won’t give you a necklace tonight, okay?”

“Thanks, Rick. If it was anywhere else...”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I wish you the best.”

Britney threw her arms around him. “You, too.” She started to rise. Then she sat back down. “Don’t trust Mona.”

What?
He’d only had a brief conversation with Mona. They certainly weren’t picking out china patterns at this point. “Why shouldn’t I?”

Britney bit her lip. “I don’t think she’s in this for the right reasons.” She leaned in closer. “None of us do. Just be careful, okay?”

Rick nodded, still stunned. Someone cleared her throat behind them, and he turned to see Lizzie. He patted Britney’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go back inside and get warm? I have something to take care of.”

Once Britney shut the front door, Lizzie stared at Eddie until he turned the camera off and returned to the garage. Rick stood and started to open the door. Lizzie took a step in front of it, barring his way. The hits kept coming. “Liz, I’m freezing. What do you want?”

“Brandy’s waiting in the garage until we’re ready.” She stepped closer to him, touched his arm. “You’re sure that you’re okay with this?”

He shrugged. “You said it would give me closure, so why not?”

She held up her clipboard. “Want to go over the contestants and narrow down who you’re sending home tonight?”

Rick shook his head. “I think I’ll do this one on my own.”

“Oh.” She tried to keep the hurt out of her voice, but Rick heard it all the same. “I only wanted to help.”

“I’ve got to make these decisions on my own eventually.” He gave a shrug and a grin he didn’t really feel, then opened the door to the house and walked inside.

* * *

E
LIZABETH
COULD
TELL
that Rick hated the elimination. His brow was damp, his eyes wide. If his coughing was any indication, he had a dry throat, too. No one liked rejection, and he hated being the one who handed it out.

Rick stood in front of the refurbished fireplace with twelve necklaces in his hands. “Ah...ladies?”

Immediately, the conversation dropped to a lull and the remaining contestants gathered in a semicircle in front of Rick. Elizabeth gripped her clipboard. In the past, Rick had discussed the women with her and given a hint about who he was sending home. But this time he’d kept the decision close to his chest, which meant that she was as clueless as the rest of their viewing audience. And she didn’t like that one bit.

Elizabeth closed her eyes and mumbled, “Pick Melissa. You like her. So pick her. Please.”

On the monitor, Rick looked at each woman a moment. “This is always the toughest part of our time here. Choosing who will stay and who goes home.” He cleared his throat. “So...” He took one gold necklace and dangled the heart charm. Glanced at each woman. “Melissa.”

Elizabeth went limp with relief.

Melissa walked to stand in front of Rick. He unclasped the necklace and held it out. “Melissa, will you accept my heart?”

The woman smiled and nodded. Dipped her head so that Rick could place the necklace around her neck. Touched the charm to her chest. Leaned in toward him and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

The ceremony continued until eleven more women had joined Melissa next to Rick. Elizabeth examined them on the monitor. Melissa was definitely the nice girl in the bunch. He’d also chosen two women who had already fought at the house over bathroom space, a loud smart aleck who made him laugh and several who could blend in anywhere. They’d probably be the next to leave.

Rick took the time to say goodbye to each contestant he hadn’t chosen while Elizabeth prepared for the surprise. Brandy returning may have been Devon’s idea, but it was Rick’s brilliant plan to introduce her after the goodbye ceremony. Making it a cliff-hanger for the next episode ensured ratings for both shows.

One of her cameramen hopped up. “We got a crier on the porch. I’m on it.”

He ran out of the garage before Elizabeth could stop him. While the crying women often made ratings, she personally hated seeing it happen. She grabbed her coat and ran after Eddie.

The young woman saw them coming and turned away. Eddie already had the camera running before he reached the porch. Elizabeth put her hand on his shoulder and shook her head. “Give us a moment?”

Eddie sighed a little too loudly. “The audience loves these scenes.”

“Only because Bob insisted on exploiting them. I’m in charge here now.” When her cameraman walked away grumbling about missed opportunities, Elizabeth approached the woman. “Kayla, are you all right?”

She squinted at Elizabeth through tears. “Do I look all right to you?”

Not with those red eyes and stained cheeks. Elizabeth dropped her voice. “Listen, Rick’s a great guy, which is why he’s on the show, but he’s not the only one out there. Just because it didn’t work out this time doesn’t mean your life is over.” She placed a hand on Kayla’s shoulder, hoping it would bring some comfort.

Instead the young woman whirled on her. “What would you know about it?”

Elizabeth gave a soft chuckle. “I know plenty about men, good and bad. But I also know that life doesn’t stop after a breakup. You’re going to be okay.”

Kayla shook her head, unwilling to listen. “What if he was the one? I thought that we had a chance....”

“Every woman does. But the reality is that there’s someone else out there who is perfect for you. In the meantime, worry less about a prince to rescue you and focus on making the best of yourself.”

Kayla glanced at Elizabeth’s left hand. “I don’t see a ring on your finger, so what would you know about it?”

“My prince is this job. That’s what I wake up for every day. It’s what saves me from the dragons out there.”

Kayla shook her head and walked off the porch. “Whatever.”

How many times had she had this conversation with those going home? How many more times would she before someone believed her? She turned to go back to the garage. She spotted Rick watching her. “Kayla was upset.”

He nodded and turned his attention to the house. “They’re waiting for you before we bring in Brandy.”

Back to business.
“Right. How do you think it went?”

He turned to look at her. Shrugged, though she knew it took more effort than he had. “I hate telling someone that we didn’t click. But that’s all a part of life, right?” He gave a soft laugh, but she could tell he took no pleasure in it. “Now, let’s go knock the socks off this game.”

Elizabeth turned to watch Kayla get in the waiting car. She held up a hand, but the other woman ignored it and slammed the door shut.

From inside, she could hear the murmurs of voices reach a fever pitch. So much for waiting for her to spring Brandy on them.

“But you can’t! She can’t!”

Here we go....
Elizabeth stepped inside and glanced at the remaining contestants. “Is there a problem?”

Brandy raised her hand from the corner. “I guess that would be me.”

“If you want someone to be angry with, pick me.” Rick stepped forward. “This show is about second chances for me, and I figured she deserved one, too.”

The contestants looked at each other; most of them didn’t seem happy about it. Finally, Melissa said, “You’re welcome to room with me if you’d like. My roommate, Britney, got sent home tonight.”

Brandy nodded but didn’t say anything. Neither did anyone else until Rick clapped his hands together. “Well, I don’t know about you, but I could use some more of that fabulous chocolate mousse we had at dinner. Any other takers?”

The women slowly followed him back into the kitchen. That man could probably get them to do almost anything, Elizabeth marveled.

Brandy stayed behind. “I didn’t think my being here would upset them so much.”

“It’s a competition. Remember the feud between Wade and Larry? Anything that could get in your way is immediately viewed with suspicion and anger.” Elizabeth consulted her clipboard. “I’ll make sure your luggage gets moved to the house tonight.”

“Thanks.” Brandy started to leave but turned back. “Why don’t you want me here?”

“I never said I didn’t.”

“Right.”

Elizabeth called after her, “He’s a good man. He doesn’t deserve to get hurt. By you or anyone else.”

The other woman turned and shook her head. “I don’t want to hurt him.” She shrugged. “Guess I’ll try to get in on some of that dessert, too.”

Elizabeth watched her leave and took a deep breath. She needed to get a better handle on hiding her feelings.

CHAPTER TEN

R
ICK
LET
HIMSELF
into the back door of the house where the remaining women were staying—they no longer needed both places. He’d gotten a key from one of the crew members to plan this surprise breakfast. If Lizzie knew about it, she’d probably have his hide. So the less she knew, the better. This was something he wanted to do for the women, not the camera.

Silence greeted him in the kitchen as he set down the plastic bags of groceries that he’d brought with him. He took off his coat and tossed it on the back of one of the stools. Searching, he found the supplies he needed: whisk, bowls, pans, spatula. As well as a frilly apron that he was sure looked better on the sleeping inhabitants of the house than it did on him.

By the time the coffee had finished brewing, Rick had been joined by two of the contestants, Jenny and Becky. He used some flair to flip a perfect golden pancake onto a plate, then topped it with another. He added a few pieces of bacon to the side. And the first plate was served.

Becky murmured her thanks as Rick started on Jenny’s plate. “You guys are up awfully early.”

Jenny watched him. “Hard to sleep when the aroma of fresh coffee hits my nose.” She took her plate from him. “This looks fabulous. Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” He winked at her and started preparing another plate. “Everyone else still sleeping?”

The women nodded but continued eating. Rick topped off their mugs of coffee, then poured himself one. He started brewing another pot so it would be fresh for whoever came downstairs next. “So what do you think of my town?”

Becky swallowed. “It’s cute. But small.” She cut her pancake into tiny bites. “Kind of like me.”

Rick raised his coffee cup. “Hear, hear.” He heard feet on the stairs and started pouring pancake batter onto the griddle. “Sounds like we have more customers.”

When the women saw him standing there, some left to go upstairs and change. Put on makeup. Do whatever it was that women did before facing the world. He thought they already looked beautiful. Rick stopped them. “It’s a pj’s breakfast. Come as you are.”

Soon the kitchen couldn’t hold them all, so the women who already had breakfast took their plates into the dining room while Rick brought out more for those who had arrived later as he did at the diner. Sometimes, he couldn’t escape it. Once they had all been served, he took a seat at the head of the table. They looked at him as if waiting for him to say something. He stalled and took a sip of his coffee. They still waited. “So what’s on the agenda today?”

“We thought you’d know,” Brandy said.

She’d been the last to join them, the last at the table. He’d noticed how some had turned their chairs as if to shut her out. He caught her gaze then nodded at her, hoping it reassured her. “I’m as clueless as you. Lizzie usually posts a schedule around here somewhere, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

The woman in question stood in the doorway of the dining room. Anger and tension seemed to radiate from her. And the look that she gave him could have scorched the apron off him. “Did I miss the invitation for breakfast?”

Rick stood and held up his hands. “I wanted to do something just for them. A surprise breakfast.”

“Oh, it’s a surprise, all right.” She crossed her arms as she took in the scene. Then she zeroed in on him. “A word alone?”

He poured his producer a cup of coffee, then joined her in the living room.

* * *

E
LIZABETH
COULDN
’
T
believe it. Why was Rick at the house? Where was the camera? The crew? “What were you thinking?”

Rick held out a mug of coffee. “Like I said, I wanted to do something nice for them. What’s the big deal?”

“The big deal?” She shook her head. And peeled her coat off and tossed it over the back of one of the love seats. “You’re robbing the audience of special moments like that.”

“I didn’t do it to score points with the audience.” He placed the cup of coffee in her hands, then ran his hands through his hair. “I wanted to do this to thank the women who are still here. Just from me to them. Nothing else.”

She looked around the room. “How did you get in?”

Rick colored slightly as he dug a key out of his jeans pocket. “Don’t get mad.”

“I’m beyond that.” Elizabeth held out her hand and closed it around the warm key when he placed it there. “I was already dreading holding my meeting this morning, and you being here isn’t making my job easier.”

“I wasn’t thinking about you when I made these plans.”

“Obviously.” That was the problem. He had only thought about doing something nice for these women. So why was she jumping down his back? Something she didn’t want to think about. Not right now. “Any other surprises you need to tell me about?”

Rick dropped his gaze to his feet and shook his head. Elizabeth sighed and touched his arm. “Making breakfast for them was really sweet. But next time can we show it on air?”

“Deal.” He glanced at her face. “You look like you haven’t slept or eaten. Want me to make you a plate?”

Rather than fight him, she agreed. She joined the women in the dining room and took Rick’s spot at the head of the table.

When Rick returned to the dining room with her breakfast, Elizabeth thanked him. “Sweet of Rick to surprise you this morning, huh?” Might as well start things out nice. Because the rest of the meeting wouldn’t be.

There was light applause and words of thanks. Elizabeth smiled at him. “Thank you. Now we girls have some things to discuss without you.”

“Dismissed just like that?” Rick chuckled as if to show he didn’t care. But the look in his eyes told her he might. “I’ll see you all later.”

Once he left, Elizabeth pulled her clipboard closer. “Just some quick notes, and then I need to see Mona and Leslie alone.”

With efficiency, she laid out the day’s schedule and stressed how important it was to explore the town. “Who knows, you could end up living here. Any questions?” No one raised a hand. “Details for those of you going on the trip to the winery this afternoon are posted on the whiteboard in the kitchen. Otherwise, you’re free.”

They got up and left, and the two she needed to talk to stayed behind. Elizabeth waited until the room was empty, then moved down the table to sit closer to the two women. Mona had her arms crossed already, as if she knew what they were going to discuss, while Leslie kept her gaze on her hands.

She waited for them both to look at her. “Listen. I know space is precious with all of you living here in cramped quarters. But I will absolutely not tolerate any kind of turf war on set.”

Leslie frowned and Mona narrowed her eyes at the other woman. “It’s hardly a turf war. She’s a thief.”

“I am not!” Leslie stood. She slowly sat back down as Elizabeth kept her gaze on her. “I didn’t know it was hers.”

“Regardless, the fighting has to stop.” Elizabeth leaned forward. “Although it does get us better ratings on the show, it’s not good for you or for the others living here.”

“The show?” Mona wrinkled her nose. “She took my necklace, and you’re worried about the show?” She scowled at Leslie. “You better be worried about the police.”

Every show had one of these meetings. Every bachelor had a group of women who couldn’t live together without a fight. Or several. “The necklaces that Rick gives out all look alike. It’s a simple misunderstanding.”

Mona leaned back in her chair. “She wants me off the show. Her and everybody else in this house.”

“Rick decides who leaves, Mona. So can we cut the drama?” She reached for her clipboard and glanced at her notes. “But I think we need to separate you two. Jenny has a free bed in her room. Who wants it?”

Mona stared at Leslie until the woman raised her hand. “I do.”

“Good. I’ll let you get your things moved.”

Leslie rose to her feet, then glanced at Mona. “I’m sorry about the necklace. I thought it was mine.”

“Whatever.”

Elizabeth let Leslie pass. She turned to Mona. “Now you have the room to yourself. That should satisfy you. So stop the threats.” She got to her feet. “Maybe there’s a reason they don’t want you here. Something to think about.”

Mona rolled her eyes. “All I need to think about is that ring on my finger at the end of this show.”

Elizabeth left, shaking her head. There was one of those every season, too.

* * *

H
IS
MOM
PIPED
lemon filling into the tiny pastry cups, concentration making her tongue peep out at the side of her mouth. “Ma, they’re not expecting perfection.” He reached out to take one from the tray but got his hand slapped away.

“These are for the ladies. Not you.” She started on the next one, looked up at him and sighed. “Fine. But only one.”

Rick took one of the first she’d made, which looked a little lopsided. He bit into it and closed his eyes. “These are fabulous.”

She continued filling the pastries. “Of course they are. I made them.”

He leaned on the counter and licked off his fingers, watching her for a moment. “Is there something I can do to help you out?”

“Can you count the plates and silverware? Make sure I got them all out?”

Rick pushed off the counter and walked to the kitchen table, where stacks of china and rows of forks and spoons were laid out in precision. “I think it’s nice that you’re doing this for the ladies,” he said.

“And filming it.”

He shrugged. “You didn’t have to agree to that, you know.” He fingered the top of one fork. “But I’m sure Lizzie appreciates it.”

His mom placed the last pastry cup on the tray, surveying her work. “I’m doing this for you, not her.” She glanced at the clock. “The mini quiches come out in ten minutes. Salads are made.” She looked around the kitchen. “Can you arrange the cookies on the trays when you finish? I’ll start brewing the tea and making the coffee.”

Rick enjoyed working with his mom like this in the kitchen. On holidays, he’d been her little helper, mashing potatoes or preparing salads. In high school, he’d worked for his parents at the diner, then rejoined her staff after the accident that had robbed him of his baseball career. She’d taught him everything he knew, then handed her dream over to him. He loved her for that.

He pulled tubs of homemade cookies from the pantry and started to fill crystal trays with them. He wished he’d inherited her baking gene. It would make life more interesting at the diner. Though Ernesto did have a talented hand with pies. Taking a quick glance to see if the coast was clear, he popped one of the cookies into his mouth. His mom sighed. “At least leave some for your ladies.”

“You made enough for them, the crew and the rest of the town if they show up for tea.” He continued putting cookies on the tray, then paused. “What do you think of Brandy coming back?”

His mom stopped scooping coffee into the percolator and looked out the window for a moment. “She seems willing to try a second time. Why?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I thought her coming back might rekindle what we had, but that’s gone. Replaced by something...different, I guess.”

His mom tilted her head to the side. “Different bad or different good?”

“I don’t know. Just different.” He resumed putting the cookies on the tray. “I still like her, but I don’t trust her. Does that make sense?”

He felt his mom put her hand on his shoulder. Turned to see her watching him, love shining at him. He knew that had never changed. Would never change. He gave her a soft smile. “None of this makes sense, right?”

“Son, I stopped trying to make sense of things a long time ago.” He chuckled as she continued, “What matters to me is that you are happy. That you are healthy.” She started to walk away. “And that you make me a grandmother.”

Thanks, Mom. Nothing like adding more pressure to the process.
He cleared his throat. “Can you keep your eyes and ears open today? Let me know what you think? I need help this time. And I’m not afraid to ask.”

She walked back to his side, then kissed his cheek. “Of course. Love you.” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Now, finish that tray and get out of here. It’s ladies only.”

He returned her smile and kept arranging cookies.

* * *

E
LIZABETH
WAS
OUT
of ideas. Rick wanted to showcase the community more on air, but her creative well had run dry. They’d danced with the seniors. Played with the animals. The only other logistical nightmare left was doing something with kids. And as a rule, she steered her production away from them. Kids might look cute on film, but they were too unpredictable. But then, when had that stopped her before?

Rick sat across from her in the back booth at the diner after a long day of shooting interviews, his least favorite thing on the show besides the elimination ceremonies. He had his arms draped across the back of the booth, head back, eyes closed. She studied him, wondering what else she could do to help him find the right woman. She felt as if she was failing. And he deserved so much more. To be loved and cared for. She reached across the table and smoothed a stray lock of hair that had fallen across his forehead.

* * *

He woke with a start and found her staring at him. “See something you like?”

“What do you think about kids?”

“Having them? I’m for it.” He stretched his legs out so that his feet rested on the seat beside her. “You volunteering?”

“No way.” She shook her head furiously at the suggestion. Her, a mother? What did she know about raising a child? Not as if she had any strong role models in that area. “I meant on the show.”

“Don’t they say never to work with animals or kids in show business?”

“Only the wimps say that.” She drew large circles on her clipboard, willing the ideas to come. Hoping they’d come. Because she needed a lot of them and soon. “I thought you being around kids might raise your appeal.”

He leaned across the table. “Aren’t I appealing enough?” He held out his arms. “I mean, look at me. I’m every mother’s dream future son-in-law.”