Page 24 of Midnight Snack

“Thank you.” My mind is racing with thoughts of what on Earth she’s going to tell me.

“I’m pretty sure this has all been a set up,” she says.

Her words don’t make sense, almost as if she’s spoken them in a different language.

“I don’t follow.”

“Damien. He was in on it with the producer, I guess, and he hand-picked you for his partner. They don’t normally let celebrity contestants make the final decision. But with you, that’s what happened.”

“But why would he⁠—”

I already know the answer before I finish the question. He knew I’d be perfect because I’m naive and foolish. So the whole seduction thing was an act. Probably to boost the ratings and therefore boost his income from his online performances. Maybe he can start an OnlyFans and roll around naked in all the money.

I realize I’m crying when the tears fall and hit my chest. I swipe at them angrily.

“I need to get out of here,” I say.

“I thought you might. I had someone bring your car around. I’ll pack our stuff and ship it to you if you don’t want to take the time to go back to the cabin.”

“Yes, please.” I look at her face and see genuine kindness looking back. Along with a heavy dose of what I’m guessing is pity. “Thank you for telling me.”

“Of course. For what it’s worth, I think you’re the best novice we’ve ever had on the show. I hope you win it all.”

I nod and then disappear out the side door. Then I’m slipping into my car and driving out of Midnight Falls.

chapter

thirteen

Damien

“What do you mean she just left?” I roar. I don’t lose my temper often because I’m a pretty easy going guy. And also I would have been beaten to death by a hoard of angry Cajun women had I had much of a temper. But now, with the news that the love of my life has just left. Now, I’m fucking furious.

“I want to know what happened. She was right there with me.” I point to the spot we were standing earlier. “Then one of your assistants called her over and just like that she was gone.”

“Which assistant?”

I glance around the space and spot her over by one of camera men. “That one.”

“Amelia, come here please.”

Her eyes widen, but she scurries over to us. “Do you know anything about why Ms. Mathis has disappeared?” the producer asks.

Amelia shakes her head.

The producer, clearly done with this conversation, shrugs me off and leaves the set claiming a meeting with the network.

I turn back to the assistant producer. “Amelia, I don’t care what you’ve done, but I know you just lied to your boss. I just need to know where my girl is.” I feel like I’m fucking crawling out of my skin without her nearby.

I knew the moment I stepped out of my dressing room that something was wrong. The air around me felt wilted and sad.

Amelia bites down on her lip, then looks up at me. “I need to know what your intentions are for Caroline. She is a very sweet woman who does not deserve to be a pawn in some ratings scheme.”

“Cher, I don’t know what you’re talking about. There is no scheme. At least not one I’m involved with. I’m in love with Caroline. She’s my future, but I can’t tell her any of that because she’s disappeared.”

Her eyes narrow on me. “You promise you’re not lying?”

“Yeah, I’ve got a house full of bossy Catholic women at home ready to heap some serious guilt on me if I did.”