Deal Breakers

Day 40

The next morning I was in a different world, I trudged along in line for breakfast and my shoulders were heavy with the weight of last night. I felt drained, I was exhausted because I never slept after Chase's little 2 AM visit. I'd thrown my hair into a messy bun, found whatever black ensemble was clean, and joined everyone for breakfast. Ellen was still nowhere to be seen, everyone had started to chatter about why she left or if she got fired.

The cabin was quiet, the only sound was the light chatter between the contestants that was left. Everyone was spread out, having their little gossip session. I took my plate full of eggs and settled in my favorite corner, far away from everyone. I was nestled in the far left corner of the cabin, across from the fireplace where Samantha and Jacob were conversing seriously. Jacob kept shaking his head, in a disapproving motion. Samantha continued to roll her eyes at him, their interaction made me wonder what could be happening so dire.

I wish I could hear what they're saying.

Peter was on his morning run, he'd left before sunrise. That's my Pete, determined.

He might not be your Pete much longer, said a voice that sounded an awful lot like mine. I shook my head, not wanting to be tied down by those thoughts right now. I pulled at the sleeves of my sweatshirt, and all of a sudden it felt too tight and heavy on my skin.

Chase was chatting with Denver and Rachel a few feet away from me, I pretended not to listen while I pushed the eggs in my plate around with my fork. They were cackling and joking so loudly though, it was hard not to.

"Interesting," Chase said with a chuckle. "Hot yoga, what exactly is that like?"

Rachel who never talked much was gushing, "Exactly what you think. But it's such an eye-opener, you'll never be the same after one session with me."

"She's not lying." Denver agreed. "It's how she got me to marry her." Rachel punched him playfully in the arm.

"Has James tried it?" Chase asked casually, but something about his tone was suspicious.

"Oh yeah, he loves it." Rachel purred. I think she might be flirting with him, but I wasn't sure if maybe I just think everyone wants Chase.

"Yup," Denver chuckled. "Grandpa loves the hot yoga."

"Grandpa?" Chase repeated. "I thought James is your uncle?"

"He is," Rachel said quickly. "Denver always calls him grandpa because of their age gap."

"Oh.."

"Yeah," Denver muttered.

"Makes sense, I guess," Chase replied.

I rolled my eyes at the audacity, who cares what Denver calls his uncle? Chase is always putting himself in other people's business. I snorted internally, tired of him and his stubbornness. If he hadn't kissed, I wouldn't have to break Peter's heart. Once the final round is over, I'm going to have to come clean to Peter about that kiss and Chase's feelings for me, I know how much this is going to hurt and shock him. I bet he won't even believe his brother has feelings for me, but the tapes will eventually show him everything.

"Hi," Peter had caught me off guard.

"Hey, I didn't see you walk in." Peter sat beside me on the loveseat, wrapping his arms around me. He took a deep breath in, smelling my neck. In my peripheral I saw Chase glance over at us and roll his eyes.

"Sorry, I woke up and just needed to run." Peter took another whiff of me.

"Are you planning to eat me?"

"Excuse me?" He chuckled. "Little forward, but-"

"I meant because you keep smelling me."

"I like your smell." He shrugged. "You have your own scent."