“You own a candle store?”
I loathed Madison, the snooty-lawyer contestant, but kept smiling. I tensed my jaw once but stopped when I realized my reaction would come across as bitchy on television.
As soon as I walked into the room, she’d zoomed in and asked if we could go talk somewhere privately. A booth with velvet curtains was set up for that very purpose, as were cameras, and only one camera person would share our space. Thankfully, they were far enough away so their presence wasn’t as invasive as I expected. “I started an organic candle business in college for my senior project. I had already graduated when I joined the show during its first season.”
“Isn’t that strange? Maybe they based the show on you.” Her nasally laugh grated on my nerves.
I needed out of this booth. We’d been alone only five minutes, but time felt like a wet blanket weighing me down. It was hard to maintain my enthusiasm. “I think it was just a coincidence.”
She smirked as though she knew something I didn’t. Obviously we didn’t connect. In the first three minutes she talked about her law firm, how she scored a one sixty-two on her LSAT, and that she owned a Porsche and a Range Rover. I almost snorted as I thought about my ten-year-old Toyota Prius with peeling paint and a dented bumper that sat in my driveway getting bleached out by the sun because my garage was full of candle-making supplies. I’d never even sat in a Porsche. Madison would be the one everyone disliked but wanted me to put up with for the drama. I could almost hear Denise telling me to keep her for rating purposes.
How was I going to get out of here? I couldn’t fake a headache because I still had to talk to nine other sparkettes. “I should probably go spend some time getting to know everyone.”
Madison put her hand on my wrist. “I’m excited to become better acquainted, Savannah.”
I raised my eyebrows and smiled. “Thank you for the private chat. I’ll see you later.” She should have been the one to leave the booth, but I didn’t know how to say “get the fuck out” without sounding rude. Besides, if I pushed her out, the audience would hate me after one episode. I left her sitting in the booth.
Alix swooped up beside me with a charming grin and clinked their glass against mine. “I didn’t think I was going to get you this soon.”
I couldn’t stop my smile. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to find you,” I said.
They leaned in and whispered, “I saw your slight frown when she whisked you away. I was actually on my way to rescue you.”
“Thank you. Should we go somewhere a little quieter?” I was peeved that Madison was still in the private booth.
“Do you want to get some fresh air? I know it’s raining, but there’s a nice, covered deck out back.” They pointed to a door behind four hopeful sparkettes, who stood huddled in a group doing everything possible to gain my attention. I politely smiled as I walked by and told them I would find them later. Alix opened the door, and butterflies exploded in my stomach when I felt their fingertips brush my lower back. The humidity was awful, and I knew after my chat with Alix that Mandee would have to freshen me up, but it felt so good to be out of the house that smelled like perfume, flowers, and competition.
“Please have a seat.” Alix pointed to a small love seat.
I watched as they unbuttoned their suit jacket and waited for me to get settled comfortably before sitting. “Tell me more about the smooth tattoo artist from Portland.”
“I’m impressed that you remembered. Let’s see, my brother and I opened our shop three years ago.”
“Are you both tattoo artists?”
They nodded proudly.
“That’s impressive. You don’t hear about two artists in the same family very often,” I said. At least I hadn’t.
“He’s done most of my tats. Anyway, enough about me. Tell me more about you. What do you do? Do you have any pets? What are your hobbies? Do you have a favorite sparkette here yet?”
“Ah, look at you, sneaking that last question in.” I was rewarded with a wink. “I own a small organic candle company in Scottsdale, Arizona. I don’t have any pets because I work six days a week. Sleep is a hobby I wish I had more time for, and a few people have caught my eye, yourself included.”
Alix put their hand over their heart. “I’m flattered.”
“So am I.”
Our cute banter was going to make for some great television. I could almost hear Denise rave about how charming it was. I nearly groaned when I saw someone approaching.
“Hi. Do you mind if I steal Savannah away?” Thea, the English professor from Boston, quietly crept into our space.
I almost pouted. I had spent only a few minutes with Alix, but I understood we were on a time limit, and people wanted their fair share of time with me. Alix squeezed my hand first and stood.
“I’ll excuse myself so you can have this place. It’s quieter than inside. Savannah, I hope to spend time with you again soon.” Alix nodded at us, rebuttoned their jacket, and strode away. It was hard not to watch the lithe figure disappear into the house.
“Thea, right?”
“Yes. Good memory. I’m sure it’s hard to keep us all straight. Well, not straight, but you know what I mean.”
“I do. Tell me about yourself.” I leaned slightly forward to study her. She looked more professional than classy and reminded me of somebody running for political office. She had a short, layered pixie cut with highlights and hazel eyes that were mostly blue, with intense brown flecks.
“I teach nineteenth-century British literature at a college in Boston.”
“That must be rewarding.”
“I’m also on the LGBTQ Alliance committee on campus. It is very rewarding to work with young queer people.” She leaned closer. “Tell me about you.”
By the time I had spent at least ten minutes with each contestant, I was desperate for a break. As if on cue, Lauren appeared by my side.
“Has everyone had a moment or two with Savannah?”
“Not enough,” Madison said.
Most sparkettes nodded. Lauren ignored Madison.
“I’m going to steal Savannah for a moment. Keep enjoying yourselves. Good news. No elimination tonight. Only fun,” Lauren said.
Celebratory whoops followed by glasses clinking echoed in the vast space. I followed Lauren into the room with the head shots and sat in a chair that hadn’t been there before. Two cameramen crammed into the room with us, one focused on Lauren’s face and the other on mine. Mandee squeezed in to quickly touch up my makeup and slipped out within a minute. Lauren smoothed back her hair, even though not a single strand was out of place. How was she so cool right now?
“Okay, so I’m going to ask you some general questions. Just be honest, but remember the cameras are rolling.” She ducked her head and whispered, “You and I can talk about the nitty-gritty later at your place.” Lauren was wonderful at making me feel comfortable in this chaotic world. It was completely different on this side, and I felt a tiny bit of sympathy for Katie Parson.
“Great. I’m ready.”
She nodded at me and to the cameramen. “Savannah, it’s been quite an evening. What are your thoughts so far?”
I clamped down and refrained from saying “uh” and “um” at the beginning of each sentence. “I’ve met some really wonderful people here, and I’m excited to have longer, more meaningful conversations with them in the days and weeks to come.” Her beautiful smile told me I had nailed the answer.
“It’s different being the flame than a sparkette. Has one particular person caught your interest tonight? Have you found anyone you would like to spend some one-on-one time with?”
I had to pick the first contestant for a date tomorrow. It included a swanky picnic on the beach with a giant umbrella, comfy beach chairs, fans, and a whole bunch of food we would barely touch. We would eat before shooting our date, so we didn’t have to worry about sand coating the food or the camera catching strips of lettuce in our teeth. “I know who I’m inviting on the first date.”
“Why did you pick this particular person?”
It was a toss-up between Alix the tattoo artist and Ophelia the life coach. Both were extremely kind and respectful. If I picked Ophelia for the picnic, Alix and I could have dinner together alone for my next one-on-one, which would be more intimate and romantic. “I picked this particular person because she was not only kind when we met but made me feel good about my decision to be here.”
“Should we go back so you can invite whoever it is?”
I nodded. “That sounds great.” I was already tired of being under the lights, having cameras shoved in my face, and Mandee buzzing around me ready to erase any shine on my skin. We’d been at this for five hours now. It was almost midnight, and I still had to pick a date and share a final drink with the contestants. I followed Lauren back into the large meeting room, which was now empty of all its thick, weighted privacy curtains. The sparkettes were sitting on a large sectional couch, a chaise unit, and three chairs. All eyes were on me, and a small trickle of sweat started to bead up on my lower back. This was a lot of attention.
“Thank you all so much for taking time out of your lives and careers, and time away from your families to meet me and see if we have a spark. I have a wonderful group of people who are here for the right reasons. Having been in your shoes, I know this situation isn’t easy, and I appreciate your sacrifices.” I turned to Lauren to signal that I was done.
“Okay, everyone. It’s the time of the night when Savannah makes her first date choice. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t picked. We have several exciting dates planned this week, with several opportunities to have some alone time with Savannah. Are you ready?”
I nodded and turned to the group. “Ophelia, would you like to take a walk with me?” It was hard to see nine sets of shoulders sag when she jumped up.
“I would love to.” Her smile was so genuine that my sudden guilt at the remaining disappointed contestants evaporated.
When we rounded the corner to head outside, I reached for her hand. “Tomorrow we’re having a picnic on the beach, but it’s going to be a pretty posh setup, so we don’t have to worry about getting too much sun.” Our date was private because we didn’t want the paparazzi to find out ahead of time who was on the show. The reveals were made on a very strict schedule. My commercials were about to drop though. Jane was the only one in my life who knew where I really was. The rest of the employees thought I was visiting my sick mother. She was on a cruise somewhere in the Caribbean and wouldn’t stop by for an impromptu visit out of the blue, thus exposing my secret. Eventually, my small circle would find out, but we had to keep everything a secret until it was revealed nationwide. I had cowardly left my mom a voice mail the day before I left, even though I knew I should have had a conversation with her. Honestly, we weren’t that close.
“I’m so excited and honored to get the first date,” Ophelia said.
Her green eyes were stunning, and I believed every word she said. Maybe I was naive, but I felt she was a part of this show for all the right reasons. I’d forgotten about the cameras around us. We didn’t have a lot of time because I still had nine other people in the other room wanting to say good night, but I took a moment and allowed the rush of excitement to flood my veins.
* * *
“How was your first day?”
I opened the door to find Lauren balancing two coffees and a box of doughnuts. She looked adorable in yoga pants, a tasteful workout shirt, and flip-flops. It took me a few seconds to close my mouth and find my voice. I was wrong about her. She knew how to be casual.
“Uh, hi. I was just unwinding.” Ten minutes ago, I was about to fall face-first on my mattress but decided to shower and scrub my skin of what felt like a pound of professional makeup. I certainly didn’t need clogged pores on national television. I stood in front of her wearing an oversized robe and a tight smile, my curly hair still wet. I was vulnerable, exhausted, and raw. Doughnuts and a kind face seemed like the perfect solution.
“Since it’s almost four in the morning, I decided this was a better option than wine or more alcohol. I wanted to find out, off camera, how you were doing.”
I cleared my throat and stepped back so she could enter. “If Buzzy sees us, we’ll both be in trouble. Hurry up and get inside.” I ignored the cameras staged around the mansion. She walked past me and went straight upstairs to my bedroom. I followed without question because she obviously had a reason.
“The master suite and the bathrooms are the only places where they don’t have cameras. They can’t record without your consent. I wanted to get a feel for where you stand on the whole experience from this side without them hearing us. Do you have a few minutes?”
My picnic was at two in the afternoon. I had to meet Mandee at one for makeup and hair. Buzzy had an outfit, including a bikini, ready for me in wardrobe, so technically I didn’t have to get up until noon. That was eight hours from now. “Sure. It’s nice to have somebody to talk to.”
“Two creams, two sugars.” She handed me a coffee. “You’re my third season. I’ve seen other flames struggle with isolation.”
I sat on the edge of my bed, trying not to worry about how I looked. After two weeks of photo and video shoots, one would think I would be more comfortable in a robe in front of strangers, but something was different about Lauren. I plucked a glazed doughnut from the box and, after I took a bite, moaned at its warmth and freshness. “Oh, my God. This is the best doughnut I’ve ever had.”
“Freddie’s. They make the best doughnuts here in town.”
I stopped chewing when her tongue peeked out from between her full lips to catch a crumb in the corner of her mouth. How had I never noticed how red and smooth her lips were? I looked away before she caught me staring. “These are so yummy. My stomach wasn’t happy with all the champagne. I need to remember to eat before shooting.”
“You’ve definitely earned the right to at least one. We can’t have you shriveling away on this show.”
I snorted, then covered my face in alarm. “I’m so sorry. I never do that.”
Lauren threw back her head and laughed. “That was hilarious.”
“That was embarrassing.” I was mortified.
She patted my knee. “You’re fine. It was actually cute.” She took another bite and started the inquisition. “So, you liked Ophelia and who else?”
Even though the cameras weren’t on us, I chose my words carefully. I thought her kindness was real, but I’d also thought Katie Parson liked me. Trust didn’t come easy. “It’s still early. I spent minimal time with each contestant.” I shrugged.
“Oh, come on. I saw your face light up a few times. I promise this information stays between us. It’s important to have a confidante, especially since you’re cut off from the outside world. I want to be your friend, Savannah, and I’m not just saying that. I like you. I find you interesting, and we have a lot in common.”
What could a previous CNN overseas reporter and I have in common? “I definitely could use a friend.” I decided not to ask her what our commonalities were. Some things were better off unsaid, because what if she was wrong? “Okay, so far Ophelia and Alix are my favorites.”
“Alix is so flirty and fun. You’ll have a good time with them.”
“I’m surprised When Sparks Fly approved a nonbinary contestant,” I said.
She took a sip of coffee. “They relied on your questionnaire. Somewhere in those thirty pages, you must have circled nonbinary as a dating option.”
“Oh, for sure. I’m just surprised the show went with it. Alix is sexy as hell with their perfectly coiffed hair and stunning blue eyes. I mean, they aren’t as pretty as yours.” Oh, hell. Did I really just say that? “I can tell that Alix is trouble, but the fun kind.”
This was the second time she blushed around me. “Thank you.”
I skipped ahead so her discomfort at my attention would be forgotten. “I also like Kaisley, the speech pathologist. She’s very nice and wasn’t aggressive. She told me she has a son. But don’t ask me his name. I’m still learning things.”
“Kaden. His name is Kaden,” Lauren said. “And his name has already been added to her info sheet.”
“So, they will add everything I’ve learned to the info sheets in the side room?”
Lauren nodded. “Less stress on you.”
“I love it. Did they always do that?”
She shook her head. “That was part of the struggle early on when I joined the show. I watched a few seasons and jotted down some ideas before I presented to them.”
“Wait. You approached them to be on the show?” I was shocked. I thought for sure they had pursued her with stacks of cash. Lauren was an award-winning journalist from a reputable network. When Sparks Fly was a show that most people thought was fake. Respect was hard to find on reality television.
“Are you surprised?” she asked.
“Yes, very much so.”
She carefully wiped her hands on a napkin, then curled her legs under her. She was as comfortable in casual clothes as she was dolled up. After sipping her coffee, she rested her head against the high wingback chair and took a deep breath. “I wanted something that wouldn’t destroy my faith in humanity. I knew the show wasn’t a big hit but that, with the right contestants and proper background work, we could have a show that rivaled The Bachelorette. Reality television hasn’t been kind to the LGBTQ community. All they depict are adults behaving like horny teenagers with bikini malfunctions instead of people deserving of love and romance.” She air-quoted “malfunctions” for effect. “Don’t get me wrong. You were in the first season, but nobody knew what direction it would take. It’s grown so much, and I just wanted the opportunity to shape it into something special. Mold it into something real.”
“Was it your idea to contact me?”
She stared at me with unguarded blue eyes, and my knees felt weak. “It was. I watched the first season and thought you were exactly the person who could help change the direction of the show later. You were real. Genuine. You fell in love with Katie, and we were all crushed when she dismissed you. I honestly can’t wait until people find out you’re our next flame.”
I pursed my lips. “But you didn’t contact me until just now. It’s your third season.”
Lauren smiled and stood, indicating she was leaving. “I wanted to get the show right before I invited you. Plus, it was the perfect time. Ten years later, a better show, more perks, and your return will cause a stir. Ratings will climb because the Sparks loyalists will tune in, and so will the original fans. Everyone will want to be on your journey with you.”
So many questions popped into my head. Was Lauren queer? Why else would she want to be on this show? Was she in a relationship? I couldn’t imagine why she was interested in Sparks, and I definitely couldn’t imagine why she thought I was such a good fit. I was a nobody from Arizona. My looks were slightly above average, even though Mandee somehow managed to make me look hot with her magical makeup brushes. And Buzzy knew exactly how to show off my body without making me look wanton. But none of these questions came out of my mouth. Lauren’s story was hers to tell when she was comfortable around me.
“Thanks again for the doughnuts and coffee and the chat. It’s nice to have an ally.”
“Keep the doughnuts, but don’t tell Buzzy.” Her long ponytail swayed ever so slightly as she made her way to the door. “Get some sleep. Big date coming up,” she said before closing the door behind her.
“I’ll be asleep in two minutes,” I said.
After she left, I lowered the room-darkening blinds and crawled under the sheets. Would the show be successful? My heartbeat kicked up a notch as I reflected on my evening. Not only did I meet some nice people, but most of them seemed genuine and here for the same reason I was—to find love and prove that it could be done on television.