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11:20 am
Undisclosed Location
The two hour journey had been surprisingly interesting with Webb as the driver. Mac had glimpsed for the first time his social side that'd been finely cultured by his mother. Amazingly, he can actually be quite charming. She filed the reflections away to purse at a later date. When they'd first arrived, Webb had furtively slipped away. Everyone else had been promptly ushered into a spacious conference room which they were now occupying. No introductions had been made except from Evan Anderson, this year's host of the Bachelor. There were nine other judges sitting with Mac separately at the back of the room. She was the 'youngest.' The remaining judging panel was made up of older women in their mid forties.
At the front, Harm lounged comfortably along with the other four possible Bachelors. Judging by the looks of their laid back postures; folded arms, puffed out chests and propped up feet, each person's confident they're going to win. Mac silently sniggered. Pity there's only enough room for one inflated ego. And it's only just enough for Harm alone. The back of his head tilted around slightly as if he could read her thoughts. Mac hastily abandoned any more unpleasant thoughts about her partner and turned her attention back to Evan. After a quick but pleasant, get to know me, he'd launched straight into the show's game plans.
"The first series went for a total of four weeks. Now that it's a proven hit, the networks are putting big bucks into making an even more lavish show. This time around, it's going to run for eight, maybe nine weeks."
"Yea, so you get more time to get to know your women" chipped in another assistant with a large grin. The five men broke out in expected, loud laughter. Mac noticed Harm's shoulder shake with what she could only assume to be amusement at the news.
"Not only that," Evan looked around smiling broadly. "They're taking the show on the road. So whichever one of you lucky bastards will not only get to romance the ladies in the good ol' US of A, but also the streets of Europe, Asia, the Caribbean Islands ..." At this, hoots and cheers erupted among the group. There was amused chuckles and a few shaking heads among the judges.
"Now in a minute, we're going to let you guys out to socialise with each other. There's plenty of food and drinks so enjoy yourselves and may the best man win! Don't forget, the judges will be watching with sharper, eagle eyes. We're also going to put together some footage for a special preview episode." Evan stood up, concluding the briefing with a knowing wink. "So make good use of the practice and when you step through that door, it's time to turn on the charm!"
Well that was the most useless piece of advice Harm's ever received, Mac thought to herself sarcastically. His charm automatically switches on to full throttle whenever a good looking blonde of the opposite sex comes within ten feet.
All five Bachelor try-outs were gathered together in a loose circle, no doubt trading secrets, parring oversized egos and basically socializing as mere males do.
Following in the footsteps of the other judges, Mac turned her full attention to the group, pretending to take down a few notes. These men were without question, a cross section of America's finest male specimens. She looked down at the stapled book of bios she'd been given.
Ken was … well, Barbie's playmate. His parents had obviously been able to foretell the future knowing they had a winner on their hands and adequately named their son as so. With his classic good looks, he was an uncanny six foot six inches replica of the Barbie doll. His flawless features was a combination of neatly combed rooted blonde hair with dazzling white teeth and meticulously clad in suit and tie, he seemed too perfect to be true. Mac immediately pictured the long line of Renee's that'd been in his life.
Bachelor hopeful number two was an average height, conservatively dressed, lanky brunette. James Dean. Mac bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. Gee, where do they get these people from? Some kind of manufactured factory? Luckily, the guy appeared to have a good sense of humour. Otherwise, Mac suspected, he would've long been driven to insanity by the image comparisons and cracks about his name.
Aaron was a quiet Asian-American. If they were really in the process of an un-staged casting, she wouldn't have minded choosing him as the next Bachelor. He possessed a genuine charismatic aura that spoke of intrigue and excitement.
However, her first choice (if Harm wasn't in the picture) would go to Damien. Females young and old were sure to latch on to this one. The man was … a hunk, for lack of a better word. Mac trailed her eyes down the entire package. Sandy blonde hair, startling clear blue eyes and with a build even larger than Harm's, Damien was your typical star quarterback in the College football team.
Why couldn't I have met guys like him ten years ago? She was pulled out her daydreams when the real deal strolled over. She felt her ears heat up. What the heck's wrong with you, you're letting this whole thing get to your head already. You haven't drooled over a guy since eighth grade!
"Hi, I'm Damien." He flashed her a wide smile that could've rivalled Harm's flyboy grin any day.
"Sarah MacKenzie" Mac slipped on what she hoped was a relaxed, casual smile.
"Sarah," he repeated with a delighted beam, as if her name was some kind of rare treat. "It would be my greatest pleasure if I ever had the chance to date a beautiful lady like yourself."
Mac found herself blushing and flattered. Ok, so it wouldn't hurt to indulge in fantasies once in a long while. Compliments from a man of his looks and age were a dime a dozen. He probably didn't guess she was at least a good six or seven years older. Like an anti-charm, Harm appeared at her side. He stood close a little too possessively for two people who hadn't supposedly met.
"I didn't know we were allowed to directly sway the judges in our favour" he fixed Damien a joking sceptical look.
"Well, I guess it's your turn my friend" Damien raised his glass to Mac, giving her an extra smile and wandered off.
Mac turned to Harm keeping her face neutral, but pouring the accusation into her voice. "Just what exactly was that?"
Harm was saved by the bell, or rather a wiry man with a large camera. "Oi, look here this way. Publicity shots." He stated bluntly; camera poised, pointedly waiting for Harm to strike a pose.
Mac took two steps aside and watched as Harm smiled for the camera. Like she'd learnt in previous encounters, he was a natural photogenic. He posed unabashedly as she'd expected, subtly projecting his innate charm and good looks.
"Ok now, a few shots, top four shirt buttons undone," the man instructed impatiently.
"Ahh … I don't think that's necessary," Harm refused politely.
"Look, lover boy," camera-man growled. "We ain't gonna have you stuck all prime and proper. The majority of the female audience want a lot of flesh and what the viewers want, the viewers get. Got it?"
Mac saw Harm scowl faintly at the man's attitude and then he relented, his hand moving to his shirt. She caught sight of chest hair before realising she was staring and quickly glanced away embarrassed.
Unknown camera-man took a few more shots and stalked off without another word.
Before she could formulate a teasing remark, a man with a patch of fine white hair approached them. "Ahh, I see you've met Mad Max he's a tad … eccentric."
"I can tell," Harm replied dryly, re-buttoning his shirt.
"Mad Max?" Mac inquired curiously.
The man chuckled loudly, "Yea, Max Williamson. Well known as Mad Max around here. He might be slightly off the scale, but he's the best darn cinematographer this side of town." He extended his hand, "I'm Dan Bradford the producer, welcome to the show."
Harm and Mac returned his handshake and made introductions with concealed, genuine surprise. Upon first impression, he had their instant approval. Both had automatically put the producer on top of the list of suspects in whatever it was that Webb was investigating. But it seemed like he was a decent bloke.
"You're got good potential Harm," Dan clapped him on the back and with a nod at Mac, he moved on around the room.
Not to look suspicious by spending too much time standing together, Mac walked off after darting Harm a dark, veiled look that she knew only he could read. Reminding him she hadn't forgotten about Damien. She rejoined the group of other judges, just in time to catch the blatant innuendoes of their tête-à-tête.
"… cute butts. You get my drift?" a woman who looked like a mother of two, wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Oh yea, I'm positively swept away by the current, Mac responded in her mind wryly. She joined in feebly at the chorus of giggles and mirthful laughter, not needing to hear the punch line to grasp the suggestive overtones.
At the end of the day, there was no surprise for some of course, when the next Bachelor was announced. Even if there had been no set up, Harm would've still won by a long mile. After all, according to all the judges, he had the unanimous vote for 'cutest butt.'