More than Distance

21

Maybe I should go on the show. What did I have to lose at this point? Getting away for the summer while going on a fun reality TV show would be the perfect escape from all my real life drama.

I grabbed my phone and—after ignoring another text from my ex-boyfriend begging me to take him back—sent Ryan a message. Still want to be my partner on the show?

Within a few seconds he texted back: I’m in.

Nine

Carla

One week later, I stared across the bustling Santa Monica Pier at the crisp blue ocean and took a deep breath of salty air. The warm, sunny day felt ripe with possibilities and new beginnings. I was ready for anything.

I turned to Ryan with a mix of nervousness and excitement swirling in my gut. “Do you have everything?”

“You mean, did I follow your extensive color-coded packing lists?” He raised an eyebrow at me. “Yes, I have everything.”

“I was just trying to help. Preparation is key in a competition like this.”

The show had given us a short list of items we should bring, such as sunblock and shampoo, along with a list of things we weren’t allowed like maps or computers. I’d taken those lists and then made my own much longer one with all the things I would need, from toothpaste to tampons. Then I’d sent Ryan a list too, for his convenience of course, along with some suggested episodes for him to watch and study. If he didn’t want to use them, that was his loss. Some people went on reality TV shows without doing any planning, but I was not one of them.

“Your notes were helpful,” Ryan grudgingly admitted. “But none of that will matter if they take all our gear during one of the challenges, like in the episode where the mom and son won by using that off-road shortcut.”

My mouth split into a huge smile. “So you did watch the episodes I suggested!”

He hefted his backpack onto his shoulders and gave me a lazy smirk. “Maybe.”

Butterflies fluttered through my stomach at the knowledge he’d done his homework, along with that smirk. Under the bright sunlight, his jet black hair shined like onyx and looked so thick and inviting I wanted to run my fingers through it. He wore a dark blue dress shirt that was so perfectly tailored to his body I knew it had to be expensive, along with black jeans that made it hard not to stare at his long legs and perfect butt. Remind me again how I was supposed to keep my hands off him—and keep my heart intact—for the next few weeks?

Nothing to do but get on with it. I threw my backpack on and we started toward the commotion in front of us. We were allowed only a single bag each, but I was a pro at packing and over the past few days I’d spent hours plotting out all of my outfits for the show. I’d made sure to bring clothes that mixed and matched with each other, wouldn’t get wrinkled, and could be easily washed.

One end of the parking lot was fenced off and we had to show our IDs to get past security. Once we were inside, a guy in a Road Trip Race shirt directed us to one of the red tents that had been set up. Other people milled about with backpacks on, who I assumed were our competition. We stepped inside the tent and walked toward a woman who was checking people in, with a backdrop behind her that said Road Trip Race: Couples Edition.

Wait…what?

Hang on. That couldn’t be right. No one had mentioned anything about this season being for couples only. Maybe we were in the wrong place or something. I glanced around, checking out our competitors again, and they did look like couples. The signs were all there. Wedding rings. Holding hands. Standing a bit too close to each other.

Oh no. What had I signed us up for?

“Couples edition?” Ryan asked.

Before he could get any more out, Giselle Roberts herself swept over to us, wearing dark shades and a sun hat. She was an older, curvy black woman who always managed to look both completely gorgeous and totally professional. I had a lot of respect for her since she had produced so many successful TV shows over the past few years, especially in an industry that wasn’t always supportive of women or people of color.

“Carla!” She gave me a quick hug. “So good to see you. I was just talking to your mom actually.”

I smiled and tried to ignore the reminder that Mom was on her way to New York and I wasn’t. “It’s great to see you too. Thank you for inviting me on the show.”

“I’m so happy you could make it. And I see you brought your partner.” She offered her hand with a smile. “I’m Giselle Roberts, creator of Road Trip Race.”

“It’s an honor.” He shook her hand. “Ryan Evans.”

“Lovely to meet you. Carla told me you were together and I’m delighted you’re coming on the show. Viewers will love it. My son is a huge fan of your game, by the way. I can’t go a day without hearing him talk about Outerworld.”

“Sorry about that,” Ryan said, sounding not sorry at all.

I took another glance at the Couples Edition logo behind her, my head still spinning. “Um, I didn’t realize the show had a special focus this season…”

“Didn’t I mention that on the phone?” Giselle asked. “We’re trying something new to spice up the show and boost ratings. This season it’s couples only and all the challenges will be romantic and sexy. Fun, right?”