The moment Bonnie stepped through the archway of the great room, she sensed the mood among the women had shifted. Earlier in the day they were chatty and friendly as they discussed Sean and what their chances were with him.
“I heard he likes women who are good with children,” Jessica said. “So, at least I have that going for me.”
She had a lot more going for her in Bonnie’s opinion. Sweet, curvy, and blonde, she was kind. She’d helped with everyone else’s luggage as they hauled it into their respective bedrooms and reassured anyone with doubts.
“Of course you deserve to be here,” Jessica had said.
It would be between Bonnie and Jessica for the title of “house mom.”
“Well, I’m a NICU nurse so I can take care of our baby if its ever sick,” Tabitha added.
“I can plan and secure their financial future,” Angela said smugly, as she held out and inspected her beautifully manicured hand.
“You all have a good chance. I’m rooting for you,” Bonnie said.
Like a big sister, Bonnie took on a supportive role. Tomorrow, she’d go surprise her mother, and stay with her, eating peach pie made from locally canned peaches. Sleep for about a week. She’d take long walks, luxuriate in the scent of fresh cut grass and clean air. She would fall asleep at night listening to the soothing sounds of Lupine Lake, behind her Mama’s house. The bird twittering as they jumped from tree to tree.
She and Mama would bake cookies, cakes, and casseroles for anyone in need. Bonnie would unwind for the first time in a decade.
Later that day, Bonnie advised the women on clothing and hair style choices for the cocktail party. For herself, she’d decided on a simple pink shift dress and strappy pumps. Obviously, she wanted to look professional for the cameras, but didn’t want to mislead Sean. So, she’d split the difference between sexy and sophisticated.
“You look so classy,” Tabitha said.
Maybe this won’t be so bad if I get to hang out with the women and help them while I’m here. In the process of getting to know them, she’d figure out who might be best for Sean. Then she’d try to help him out. If he’d allow her.
But now, a few of the women were eyeing her with no small amount of curiosity. Others threw downright hostile looks in her direction. Bonnie gave everyone her practiced “audition” smile, nodded, and sashayed up to the bar for a flute of the champagne everyone else already had.
Angela wasted no time in joining her, holding her flute out with one hand and the other planked on her hip. “You could have been honest with me. I shared my strategy with you. And I told you I’m not really interested him, but you know what? I could change my mind. He’s extremely good-looking. How long did you two date? And how long ago did you break-up?”
Angela, the strategist.
“We didn’t end well, and it was a long time ago. The two of us mutually hate each other. I didn’t think it was important enough to mention. And I didn’t share a strategy with you because I don’t have one. Honestly, I don’t expect to be here after tonight.”
“I see. Okay, okay, got it.”
Bonnie could almost see the wheels turning as Angela re-adjusted and tweaked her strategy. It wasn’t much different than what she’d seen the most successful actors in show business do, and maybe if Bonnie had learned to do it too, she’d have been more of a player. Instead, for years she’d focused on craft, not understanding how to play the game. Maybe even not wanting to.
Tabitha wasn’t as understanding as she approached, wiggling her neck like a duck. “I mean, you could have told me y’all had a thing.”
“An unfair advantage above the rest of us in my opinion,” Jessica said. “I’m sorry to say, but you shouldn’t be here.”
“It didn’t end well,” Angela explained, waving a hand dismissively.
“So…he hates her, or he love-hates her?” Tabitha cocked her head.
Lori entered the room, clapping once. “Okay! That’s all of you. All ten women vying for the heart of one man. And without any further ado, let’s get this party started. Here’s Mr. Cowboy!”
Like a school of fish, all women moved forward and gathered together, a few jockeying for better position. Bonnie stayed near the back and safety from the occasional wilting glares in her direction.
“Welcome, ladies,” Sean began. “I can’t wait to get to know y’all a little better tonight. I’m looking for my wife and I know she could be in this room tonight.”
Well, someone had obviously been through some media training. Bonnie couldn’t help but be impressed. The Sean she remembered was all emotions and…abs. Oh, yeah, those abs. She hadn’t forgotten in case the commercial hadn’t showcased them enough.
“Tabitha, would you join me out on the patio?” Sean held out his hand and Tabitha nearly launched herself to him.
“Oh my gawd, oh my gawd.”
The two walked hand in hand through the French open sliding doors out to the garden patio. Sean then shut the door and led Tabitha to a bench, where he waited for her to sit first.
“Wow, pick the tits right off the bat,” Angela said. “So predictable.”
“Now, let’s not judge too hastily,” Jessica said, echoing Bonnie’s thoughts.
“She’s right,” Bonnie added.
She’d been about to say he wasn’t a breast man but that would be lying. Still, she didn’t think he’d chosen Tabitha for that reason alone. Cute and perky, Tabitha was a nurse, after all. They might have some things in common, though she was young.
“You know him. What’s he like?” Jessica said. “What does he like?”
The other women leaned in closer to Bonnie.
“We already know the canned stuff the producers showed the public, but you can give us the inside scoop.” Angela elbowed Bonnie.
“Well, Sean…Sean…” Outside, she watched him drape an arm around Tabitha’s shoulders. The feelings it drew out of her weren’t good.
They weren’t…acceptable.
Sean was right. They’d had their chance. So why did her stomach churn at the sight of him with another woman?
You know why.
The women had followed Bonnie’s gaze and there came a collective gasp from all.
“If he kisses her, I’m so out of here,” Jessica said. “Tabitha and I are as different as a store-bought bun and fresh baked bread. If she’s what he wants, then I’m not it.”
“Calm down,” Angela said. “He’s too much of a gentleman to break the rules. Right, Bonnie?”
“Ri—” Bonnie said.
“And what if she kisses him first? Is he too much of a gentleman to shove her off the bench?” another woman said.
It wasn’t a question, of course. No man alive would do such a thing, and Sean was if nothing else, a red-blooded American male.
How does it feel, Bonnie?
It’s your turn now.
In their earlier years, Sean had to contend with the men of Stone Ridge chasing her. He’d had to watch as she fended off advances, as she occasionally, when she was much younger, let things go a little too far. She’d sometimes let a smitten guy hold her hand while she knew very well, she’d never let him kiss her. Sean had been wildly jealous at times because he couldn’t see inside her heart. She’d be lying to say she hadn’t enjoyed watching him squirm and bend over backward to keep her. She’d been an idiot.
The rumors that had formed about Bonnie formed from time to time from jealous girls weren’t kind. They also weren’t true, but they’d led to more than one fight and temporary break-up. She was glad now she’d gone out of her way to reassure his male ego, happy she hadn’t let any fight go on for long. Then, she hadn’t realized they wouldn’t last forever. She’d been stupid, young, and in-love.
It felt like a lifetime ago some days.
Meanwhile, Tabitha was now leaning her head on Sean’s shoulder.
“Oh, hell no! Not on my watch.” One of the women said, setting her flute down. At the entrance to the garden patio, she pulled her tight black evening down around her hips and then swung the doors open. The camera crew eagerly followed.
Angela grinned. “Wonderful.”
“How can you say that? This is so upsetting,” Jessica said, wringing her hands. “I don’t like cat fighting.”
“Girl, what you doing on this show?” Angela said.
“I expected more out of a western reality show, maybe some more homegrown values.”
“That’s definitely what you’ll get out of Sean,” Bonnie said, attempting to diffuse their own situation though the drama was going on outside. “He’s a man’s man, through and through.”
The other women were plastered up against the sliders trying to eavesdrop.
“She’s saying she’d like a little time with Sean and Tabitha is hording it,” one of them turned back whisper.
“And Sean said he’d like another minute,” another said. “He’s actually very pleasant.”
Lori stepped inside. “I’m going to need you ladies to step back. You look ridiculous. I’m only thinking of you.”
Outdoors, the action continued. Clearly, Tabitha was upset at having her “special time” interrupted. Sean stood, taking over the situation, speaking to them both.
The women were no longer repeating what they’d eavesdropped.
“I don’t know how much more of this I can take,” Jessica said, wiping her brow.
“This is not for the faint of heart,” Angela mumbled behind her champagne flute.
Eventually, Tabitha made her way back inside, fanning herself. “He’s so hot. Did you see how he touched me? I leaned my head against his shoulder, wow! What a shoulder!”
Angela rolled her eyes. “Did you ask him anything about himself? How many kids he wants, for instance?”
Three, unless he’s become reasonable.
“No, I forgot.” Tabitha stared blankly. “He’s so…so…”
“I know,” Jessica said. “And when will I get my time with him?”
Eventually, Jessica did get her time with him, walking down the cobblestone path. Holding hands. All of the women got time with one exception.
Bonnie.
“You called it,” Angela said to Bonnie as they all waited on the patio for the cowboy hats that would be placed in the center of the room.
Only four hats, and Sean would offer a hat to each woman he wanted to stay.
“I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t choose me,” the fitness trainer from Phoenix said. While they waited, she was doing planks.
Show-off.
“Yeah, like I felt this connection,” said the farm sales equipment rep from Wyoming. “The sparks were like crackling all over the place. I will be very surprised if he doesn’t pick me.”
Angela grunted. “I think he and I have an understanding. We happen to have a lot in common.”
“If he doesn’t pick me, I’ll die.” Tabitha, who’d rolled up into a ball on the couch, dissolved into tears. “I love him.”
“Oh, honey.” Bonnie rubbed the poor girl’s back. Woman. Woman-girl. “You’ll be alright, no matter what happens.”
“I don’t think so.”
Angela’s eyes nearly rolled right out of her head and she canted her head. “Are you for real?”
“Love at first sight, I think.” Tabitha sniffed.
Finally, Lori joined them in the great room. “Ladies, Sean has made his decision. As you can see, there are only four cowboy hats. If he doesn’t offer you a hat, tonight this is the end of the line for you. Be sure to apply for our next dating show!”
Bonnie would take Lori aside later and suggest a little consideration should be in order. Women like Tabitha would take the rejection hard.
As Bonnie wondered where they’d put all her luggage, and how quickly she could get out of here, one by one the women gathered. Bonnie moved to the back of the last row.
Sean ambled back inside the room. “Thanks for your patience. As y’all know, the men in my town are not used to being in high demand. It’s more like the ladies are the ones we chase. So, thank you for being here, and considering me as a husband. It really is a great honor.”
Someone sighed.
“Get on with it,” the fitness trainer murmured.
“Do you have some sit-ups to do?” a wise ass muttered. “Don’t let us stop you.”
“Shhh,” said Jessica.
Sean picked up a hat. “Needless to say, though all you ladies are quite beautiful, I can only have one wife. At least, that’s what the great state of Texas says.”
Lots of giggles on that one. Bonnie also wanted him to get on with this. Every minute she had to look at Sean was like a root canal to her heart. Fun times.
“So…Jessica. Would you accept this hat?”
Jessica moved forward with a gazelle on a cloud. “Yes. Thank you, Sean.”
He gently placed it on her head with a grin.
Tabitha and Angela were next, all getting hats with big smiles.
All good choices, Bonnie thought, but Jessica would be best. She seemed even tempered, mature, loving, and kind. A teacher.
“And, finally...” He held out the last hat. “Skippy.”
“Who’s Skippy?” Jessica turned.
Everything in Bonnie stilled. Skippy. A wisp of a sweet memory rolled through her, causing a tender ache. She hadn’t heard that name in years, a private joke between two lovers.
She moved slowly toward Sean.
One of the women gasped.
Sean held out the Stetson. “Skippy, would you accept this hat?”
“Sure.”
He rather unceremoniously plopped it on her head. Not gently, like he had the others. It was a little big and wound up covering her eyes. She tipped it up to find him smiling.
Lori stepped forward and clapped her hands. “Everyone else, this is the end of the line for you.”
There were tears as hugs were passed around from the women leaving, far more than were staying. Sean walked out with them, holding doors open, accepting goodbye hugs.
“Skippy?” Jessica turned to Bonnie, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
“That’s…um, what Sean used to call me.”
“His ex makes the round?” Tabitha said, tears forming again. “This isn’t fair. He already has a pet name for her.”
“Like I said, you already have too much of an advantage,” Jessica said.
“Wait a second, hold up, guys.” Angela held her arms out. “I don’t know how many of you actually know this, but I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend. The producers insist on choosing at least one contestant to stay. And cause drama, right? Who could cause more drama than Sean’s ex? Girls, have a strategy and work it. Don’t be dumb about this.”
As easily as Bonnie’s heart had surged, it sank like the Titanic. Of course. Sean had been forced to keep her on. Presumably, the producers could choose a different player next week. It would be her mission to stay out of drama if she wanted to be released from the show.
On the other hand, she couldn’t exactly stop being Sean’s ex-girlfriend.
“How are you feeling?” Lori asked Sean later, after the women had retired for the night.
“Like crap. I didn’t like having to say goodbye to those women.”
“That’s the drill. You handled it well.”
Sean had personally said goodbye to each woman because this was the way he’d been raised. One by one he shook the hand of each woman, hugging back when they did, and wishing them the best from life.
“Good luck, Sean,” the fitness instructor said with a quirked brow. “Not everyone is here for the right reasons.”
“I wish I’d had more time to get to know you,” Sean said, borrowing a line from those suggested by the producers. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”
He would have said those same words to Tabitha, whom he’d wanted to send home. But the producers chose her to remain this week, saying she was clearly here for the right reasons and already loved Sean.
Plus, she cried easily and would be entertaining to watch.
Her “love” for him scared him more than it should. But Tabitha was far too young for him and he’d determined that after speaking with her for five minutes. Their so-called connection felt more like big brother to little sister. Eventually he hoped she’d see it that way too.
Jessica was very nice, a schoolteacher, and he felt a slight connection with her. Nothing earth shattering, or life altering, but…something. Might grow if nurtured. He appreciated Angela was so self-possessed and even tempered, a good balance for his more mercurial tendencies. She was incredibly down to earth and honest. She had specific goals in mind and wanted a large family. He thought maybe a connection might be able to grow there too given enough time.
He chose Skippy for the worst reason of all: he wasn’t ready to see her go. Also, he selfishly wanted her to watch him as he dated all these women.
Were things going so badly in L.A. that she wanted to jumpstart her career with a reality show? He wasn’t too naïve to realize women didn’t always have honest intentions. According to Jolette Marie, the purveyor of all reality and thirty-day fiancé shows, some women had ulterior motives. It was up to him to see if the women were here for the right reasons and proceed accordingly.
No matter what tricks his mind wanted to play, or how much Bonnie still made lust pulse through him, she clearly wasn’t here for the right reasons. She wasn’t here for him because she couldn’t be. She’d proved long ago that fame and fortune were more important than home and family. Not having been home for years said it all. She’d come back for a show which would be broadcast all over the USA.
“Tomorrow is the first group date, over at the Wade Cruz Rodeo Training Center,” Lori announced, studying her clipboard. “First thing in the morning, after the ladies have breakfast, we’ll give them the heads-up.”
He wondered how many of them would fall off a horse for the first time. He’d campaigned for ponies, but Wade had a good long laugh about that suggestion.
“And y’all will have Dr. Judson standing by?”
Their Podunk town at last had a clinic and a general doctor, thanks to Winona’s efforts, and the ladies of SORROW. But they still had only a volunteer fire department, no police, and no certified EMTs or paramedics.
“You worry more than you should. They’re riding a thirty-year-old horse that’s incredibly sweet. We’ve taken every precaution. We have liability, after all.” Lori sniffed. “Mr. Truehart made sure of that.”
“Of course, he did.” Sean chuckled. The man wasn’t a self-made multi-millionaire from taking stupid risks.
Bonnie, of course, should look good on a horse, unless she’d truly forgotten everything.