Love 'Em or Leave 'Em Read Online Free PDF

group headed back into the mansion.
    "Thank God I didn't get picked," Tami announced. "There is no way I would traipse around a bunch of stinky animals in a zoo. I don't care how much money Luke makes"
    "No kidding," chimed in Lindsey. "When he takes me out, it had better be in style. I didn't come here to be treated like a child. I expect linens and crystal, not popcorn and snow cones" She turned and walked back into the mansion.
    "Look at Miss Hoity Toity," Ashley whispered to Liz. "You can see right up her nose, she's holding it so high." They walked back inside too, snickering as they went.
    "Hello?"
    "He gave me a rose"
    "What?"
    "Kelli. You said he wouldn't even notice me. That if I played it cool, I'd get right out and could go home." Ashley huddled on the toilet seat in the bathroom. The shower and sink ran full blast and the bathroom fan added to the noise.
    "Are you serious? You're on the show! This is so exciting!"
    "It is not exciting," she yelled in her whisper voice. "I did everything you asked. I put on the stupid dress and put myself through the ringer to get there in time. I humiliated myself in front of the cameras and Lord knows how many other people" She stood and paced the small room. "I can't do this, Kelli. You know I can't. You said `one day.' You promised."
    "Oh honey, I said `probably one day.' There were no guarantees. Apparently he liked you. At least enough to get to know you more. It'll be fine"
    "It will not be fine! I didn't bring enough underwear to stay longer! What am I supposed to do? I don't even know how this thing works." She swiped her hand across the steamed-up mirror. Her frustrated and frightened reflection stared back. "I'll look like an idiot next to all the other women. Have you seen these women? They're gorgeous. I'm not talking just pretty-I mean incredible." She turned her back on the face in the mirror and leaned against the sink.
    "I know, Ashley. I helped select them. And stop selling yourself short. What are you doing on the phone? You know that's forbidden."
    "Hey, I need a line to the outside world here. Kelli, I'm warning you, if this gig goes south on me, I am holding you responsible."
    "Fine. Just remember, you can't let anyone know you don't want to be there. If the producers find out, I'll be fired. The rest of them all took personality tests, IQ tests, drug tests, and a bunch of other qualifiers. Now that you're staying for the next few days, I'd better fill up your file in case they go looking for backstory"
    "Oh, Kelli, why did I let you get me into this?"
    "Because you love me and would do anything for me"
    "Yeah, yeah, I know. You creep. It is going to take a lot of chocolate for you to pay this one off."
    "I'll have it ready and waiting the moment you get off the show. Heck, you may be free by this weekend."
    "I'd better be! How am I going to survive in this mansion filled with love-starved beauty queens? They drive me nuts."
    "You'll be fine. You always adapt well. Plus there are some very nice women there. I'm sure you'll make a friend or two"
    "I suppose. I did meet two who are nice, but you should see some of them. One of them looks like she walked right out of a brothel. Oh, and another. Cricket! What is wrong with her parents? Who would name their kid 'Cricket'?"
    "Her real name is Charlotte, and she's from a very nice family on the East Coast. Listen, I've got to run, but try to enjoy yourself. Who knows? You might even have fun."
    Ashley flipped the phone shut. Fun. Sure. Then why did her stomach feel like it was sinking?
    Ashley sat on her small bed, legs crossed. Rachel returned from the day at the zoo filled with information and ready to dish.
    "Shelby, it turns out, is a genuine beauty-pageant girl." Rachel plopped on the edge of her bed.
    "No big shocker there," Liz said.
    "She came from a suburb of Dallas and grew up doing the beauty-contest circuit."
    Ashley wasn't surprised. Shelby wore her blond hair long and highlighted to perfection. Her body