Harper looked in the mirror as Elle twisted a lock of her hair around her curling wand. She insisted on styling Harper's hair for the date since all Harper ever did to her bone straight mane was blow dry it. She could never get it to hold a decent curl but Elle knew some tricks that she swore would work wonders. So far she couldn't tell if it was working as each curl was pinned to her head. Harper wasn't sure if it was the curling iron, the California heat, or her building anxiety but her neck was starting to feel warm and itchy.
"Are you nervous?" she looked at Elle's reflection in the mirror.
"No, why?" the brunette's answer was quick and decisive.
"Because I think I'm about to break out in hives," Harper fanned herself. "That's completely normal, right?"
"Oh stop it," Elle pinned another curl. "You have nothing to be worried about. You have the face of an angel. Don't be dumb."
Harper chuckled at the flippant way Elle dismissed her insecurity, like Harper is just the most obviously magnificent person there was. When they first met, she'd been so intimidated by her. Elle was quite possibly the best looking in a room teeming with beautiful women. She'd been so cold at first but Harper had a feeling that it was all an act. Her eyes were kind, even if her attitude wasn't that first day. The hunch was confirmed that first day in the house when she offered to share her room. Elle was a sweetheart, she just didn't want anyone to know it.
"The face of an angel might be going a little far," Harper laughed as she pinned up one last curl. "But thank you."
"You're all done babe," Elle squeezed her shoulder. "We leave the pins in for like 15 minutes then I'll take them down and brush it out. You're gonna look like Rita fuckin' Hayworth."
"I love Rita Hayworth," Harper smiled at her in the mirror.
Elle smiled delightedly, "I knew I liked you. What's your favorite Rita movie?"
"Cover Girl," Harper answered with ease. "No question. My mom showed it to me when I was a kid and I was obsessed."
"Your mom has great taste."
"She sure does," Harper proudly agreed. She took in the other woman's appearance: long dark waves still damp from her shower and cloud printed shorts and one of her New Day shirts.
"What are you gonna wear missy?" she questioned. Elle had been so busy helping her, she hadn't made one move to get ready herself.
"Honestly, I haven't even thought about it," Elle shrugged, sitting on the floor by her bed and resting her back against it. She smirked, "Maybe I'll just wear this."
"I don't know Seth that well yet," Harper walked over to Elle's open suitcase near the closet. "But I'm pretty sure he's hopin' for a little more effort."
She pulled out a fabulous little black wrap dress. It had thin silk straps and was dangerously low cut.
"You have to wear this one," Harper said, holding the dress up against herself. It was super sexy but trimmed in a soft black ruffle that made it a little softer and gave it some sweetness. "He won't know what to do with himself."
"That is a great dress," Elle laughed. "It always works."
"Works for what?" the redhead raised an eyebrow.
Elle gave her a knowing smile, "Whatever I want it to."
"Then it's decided," Harper smiled. "You're wearing it."
"Almost time to go girls."
Harper tensed when Mia leaned into the room with her honey blonde hair pulled up into a perfect ponytail showing off a pair of gaudy but expensive looking earrings. Harper hated to admit it but Mia made her nervous. She was downright mean and clearly didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt about it. The few girls in the house that did hang out with her seemed to do it out of fear rather than any genuine positive feeling.
Mia fixed a smug grin on Harper, "Is that what you're wearing?"
Harper looked down at her navy blue BCBG romper. She thought she looked great in it. She always got compliments.
The blonde giggled, "This is gonna be easier than I thought."
"God, you're like the villain in an 80's movie," Elle piped up from the floor. "Don't you have anything better to do? Isn't there some rec center you should be trying to shut down? Maybe a class of summer school kids you should be making fun of?"
"Just get ready to go," Mia rolled her eyes. "Seth is supposed to be here in half an hour"
Mia left and Harper turned to Elle, "You would tell me if I should change, right?"
"Do not let that little monster get in your head," Elle stood up. "You look great."
Harper turned and looked at herself in the mirror. She liked her outfit but maybe it was a little conservative. Now she was questioning everything.
Elle came over and stood beside her, taking her black dress and holding it up, "To be clear, I think you look good but if you're feeling insecure, just wear this. You can't feel bad in this dress. Trust me. It's impossible."
"But you said you love it," Harper turned, confused.
"I do, and I think it will look amazing on you," Elle thrust the dress at her. "Now quit flapping your gums and put it on if you want it. We gotta go soon."
Elle turned, walking toward the door.
"But you aren't even dressed yet," Harper called after her.
"Don't worry about it," Elle tossed back.
Harper giggled, looking down at the dress and shaking her head. She hoped things would work out the way she wanted to with Seth but if not, at least she had gained a lovely, albeit peculiar, friend out of this strange experience.
When Seth stepped out of the limo and saw his dates for the evening, he momentarily had trouble remembering why he didn't want to do this show. Harper looked fantastic in a surprisingly sexy black dress. Mia looked gorgeous in a strappy little red number.
And then there was Elle.
He wondered if his eyes popped out of his head like a cartoon every time he saw her. He would have to ask Sasha how it came across on TV. She was dressed in the simplest outfit of the three; a casual, sage colored dress that dipped low enough in front to show just enough of the curve of her breasts and hugged her body perfectly, stopping just below her knees. There were little snaps down the front and all he could think of was how easy it would be to tug them open.
Before he could actually say anything to them, the faint sound of a trombone drew his attention and they all turned, looking down the drive. He laughed when he saw Xavier leading Kofi and Big E.
"Surprise!" Kofi smiled.
"What are you guys doing here?" Seth laughed, hugging his friends.
"We're coming on your date with you," Xavier explained. "Duh."
"Yeah, we all know you can't handle three beautiful women all at once," Big E nudged him. "So we're here to help you out."
"Please excuse him," Xavier shook his head, looking at the girls. "We don't normally let him talk to people."
"We are here to help our good friend, Seth, get to know you ladies better," Kofi smiled. "And to help you all get to know him."
Seth hadn't been informed that they would be coming along but he liked the idea of having his friends around. The carnival date had gotten intense with so many girls and just one of him.
"Alright then," Seth smiled, opening the car door. He was glad they'd picked a stretch Navigator. Suddenly, they needed more room. Elle got in first, followed by Kofi and E, then Harper and Mia. Xavier got in, fumbling a bit with Francesca II and Seth realized that he was going to be stuck on the end. He should've thought about that. They were headed to a wine tasting and then dinner. Seth wasn't sure if anyone else in the car actually knew where they were going. The conversation flowed over the long car ride. Kofi and E recognized Elle from some soap opera she had a role on and after they dealt with some heat from Seth and Xavier for knowing anything about the show, they had about a thousand questions for her. Mia and Xavier talked about Vegas and Seth learned a lot about Harper's dad's shoe store. He really didn't get to talk to Elle but he stole a few glances her way and caught her looking back more than once, bringing a satisfied smile to his face.
When they arrived at the winery, they were given a brief tour by a friendly young man and then led inside for the tasting. Glasses were set up around a beautiful oak bar. Seth hung back for a moment and let Elle pick her spot first before sidling up next to her.
"Having a good time?" he asked.
She smiled, "So far so good. But we're just getting to the best part."
"Dinner isn't the best part?" he smirked.
"Wine is always the best part," she laughed, offering a sweet smile and a thank you to the sommelier when he poured a taste of sparkling wine for everyone. She tapped her fingers on the stem of the glass as the young man explained its origins. She was clearly itching to drink it.
"Should I be worried about how excited you are right now?" he teased in a whisper.
"I love sparkling wine," she smiled. "It's one of my greatest weaknesses."
"Good to know," he smirked. "What are the other ones?"
"Well, there's 5 total," she whispered, leaning closer to him. "And I'll tell you the other 4…never."
"Oh come on," he chuckled.
"Not a chance," she shook her head. "No one knows all 5."
"Not even the guy?"
"Not even the guy," she shook her head, picking up her glass when they were instructed to taste their wine. He did the same, clinking his glass against hers before taking a sip. As soon as the liquid touched his tongue he frowned, pulling the glass away from his lips. He was not a fan. He looked for Elle's reaction and laughed when he saw her finishing her glass. Apparently she liked it.
She looked up at him and he made a face, sticking out his tongue. She laughed, watching the sommelier. When he turned his back, she switched their glasses, leaving Seth with the empty and picking up his half full one. She sipped at it while the next one was explained. The sommelier poured them a Riesling they clinked glasses again before they took a drink. He noticed that the pours were heavy for a tasting, probably a request from the producers.
This one had to be the driest thing Seth had ever tasted and he was almost unable to swallow it. Elle didn't seem to like it either but she continued drinking it, her left eyebrow creeping up toward her hairline. He laughed at the adorably uncomfortable look on her face which made her giggle and bite down on the rim of her glass.
When she was done, she turned her head and he moved closer, blocking her with his shoulder as she coughed behind him. Once she was done coughing, she saw that he'd switched their glasses back and she had half a glass of that monstrosity in front of her again.
She slapped him on the arm and he laughed, "Bottoms up, gorgeous."
"I'll take this one but if you don't like the next one you're dumping it," she pointed, poking him hard in the shoulder. She yelped, shaking her hand.
"Weren't prepared for that steel were you?" he laughed
She laughed loudly that time and then covered her mouth when the sommelier gave them a stern look.
"You are always trying to get me in trouble, woman," he whispered when the other man looked away.
"You must like it," she looked at him out of the corner of her eye. "You kept me here."
"Hey guys," Xavier appeared behind them, touching each of their shoulders. "I'm gonna need you two to keep it down."
"Oh yeah?" Seth laughed. "Are we disturbing you?"
"I'm trying to learn," Xavier said. "And I can't hear anything over all of this bubbling chemistry over here."
Seth cackled at the joke and Elle shook her head, picking up her glass and holding it to her lips, trying and failing to hide her smile.
She had to put it down as the next wine was poured and Xavier made his way back to his spot when they all got another dirty look.
Elle fanned herself, trying to calm the blush in her cheeks as everyone finished up dinner. She'd managed to catch a bit of a wine buzz during their tasting thanks to switching glasses with Seth and then Harper once she and Xavier traded spots. She switched to water during dinner to make sure she didn't get too loose. Wine drunk was not a good look for her. She tended to get very…affectionate.
They were seated at a beautiful table outside with an incredible view of the setting sun. The dinner the chef prepared for them was delicious and Elle ate enough to wish she'd worn a looser dress. She was having a fantastic time. Kofi, Xavier, and Big E were even funnier than she thought. Now she understood all of the excitement in the house that morning.
The only downside to the date was that she had to share it with that little succubus, Mia. When they came out for dinner, Mia blocked Harper like a football player trying to get the seat next to Seth. They were directly across from Elle and Big E and the Nevada native was putting on a show worthy of the strip in Vegas. She was flipping her hair so much that Elle checked her food for blonde strands and that wasn't the worst of it. She laughed like a hyena at everything that Seth said, snagged bites of food from his plate, even fed him a bite of his steak. And she was speaking in a high pitched, breathy tone like she was about to break into a few bars of 'Santa Baby'. That was not how she sounded around the house.
Seth was just eating it up, clearly basking in all of the attention.
Harper noticed it too and seemed equally miffed looking over at Elle and holding a finger gun to her head.
Their plates were cleared away and everyone got up from the table as a server brought them more glasses. Big E proposed a toast to the ladies and Elle giggled when she saw Seth make a face at the same sparkling wine that he hated earlier. He caught her laughing and came over; offering her his full glass, "Want to finish this for me?"
"Well, if you insist," she shrugged, gratefully taking the glass and drinking a ladylike sip instead of downing the whole thing like she would at home. She knew when to class it up. She poured the contents of his glass into hers and then a staff member quickly came by to swipe the empty.
He looked over at the tag champions, "Do you guys mind keeping Mia and Harper company while I get a few moments alone with Lil' E here?"
They agreed, of course, but Elle gave him a wary look. Then she looked over at Mia and saw smoke coming out of her ears.
He held out his hand and before she knew what was happening, her arm was looping around his like it had a mind of its own. He led her over to a lovely area toward the front of the building where there was a small fire surrounded by plush couches, all recessed into the ground. He helped her down the 3 short steps and let her decide where they sat.
"This is very romantic," she looked around as they sat down.
"It's a date, sweetheart," he reminded her with a smirk.
"You think you're cute, don't you?" she asked, taking another sip of bubbly.
"Very cute," he nodded without an ounce of modesty. She liked that he didn't fake it. He wasn't an 'aww shucks' type of guy. That wouldn't suit him at all.
And he was right. He was cute. In fact, he looked drop dead sexy in his black pants and white dress shirt. Sometime during dinner he'd rolled his sleeves up to his elbows and for some reason, it was really working for Elle. His arms were amazing.
He was also sitting dangerously close.
"You're okay," she gave a nonchalant shrug but she could tell by his smile that he knew she was lying. He was annoyingly perceptive.
Harper laughed loudly at something one of the guys said and the sound drifted all the way over to them.
"Sounds like she's having fun," Seth chuckled.
"She is. We all are," Elle responded, happy to have the perfect segue. "You know, you should really get to know Kentucky better."
"Oh yeah?"
"Definitely," Elle nodded. That little foot obsessed weirdo had really wormed her way into Elle's heart. "Honestly, she's so sweet. And she looks smokin' hot in that dress."
"She seems like a nice girl. And she does look great," Seth agreed. "The dress is yours, right?"
She turned to him, so surprised she couldn't lie, "How did you know that? Did someone tell you?"
Damn it Harper. That was totally something she would do, give away the secret.
"No, just had a hunch," he shrugged. "It looks more like you than her."
"You don't know me," she joked, pushing at his thigh.
Oh no. The wine drunk was coming. It always started with leg touching.
She set the glass down on the ground beside her feet.
"I want to," he responded to her last words, draping his arm over the back of the couch. He wasn't touching her but she could feel the warmth radiating from him. "Tell me something about yourself."
She started to decline but either the booze or the craziness of the situation stopped her. The truth was, Seth was the only person involved in this that she could be completely honest with. He was the only one who knew her secret and he wasn't going to blow it up in her face.
"What do you want to know?" she asked, leaning into the comfortable cushion at her back.
"Tell me about this soap opera the boys are so excited about," he requested.
"Well," she laughed. "It was the first recurring TV job I got. My character's name was Quinn. I was a college student who was secretly working as an escort. I got caught up in some mob business, despite the fact that the show is supposed to be about this big important hospital. Anyway, I saw something I wasn't supposed to see and got shot, just as I was getting into a relationship…with a guy who was recovering from amnesia."
"Wow," Seth laughed. "That's a lot."
"I know, it sounds awful and ridiculous," she laughed, covering half of her face with her hand. It really was better than it seemed. Slightly.
"It's not any weirder than some of the stuff we've done," he shrugged. "I forget you're not a fan. Remind me to tell you about Katie Vick one day."
"Jules says she's gonna make me watch the Network all day tomorrow," she said, moving her hand away from her face to sweep her hair over one shoulder. Her neck was feeling warm.
"You'll have to let me know what you think," he smiled.
"Anything else you want to know?" she asked, reaching down to retrieve her wine. She could handle it. And it shouldn't go to waste just because she got a little flirty.
"Oh there's lots," he answered. "Tell me about your family. You said you have sisters, right?"
"3," she nodded, taking a drink. "Two older, Amelia and Sadie, and one younger, Lydia. My poor dad prayed for a boy but it never worked out for him."
"I'm sure he's happy to have 4 lovely daughters."
"He is," she nodded. "But he did tend to treat us like boys from time to time. It worked out though. I can change my own oil and tires and Sadie throws a monster fastball."
"So she's the sporty one?" he asked.
"She's the sportiest," she answered. "But we all did something. Amelia played volleyball. Lydia does cross country and soccer. I was mostly a theater kid but I did competitive cheerleading all the way through senior year."
"Well that doesn't count," Seth laughed.
"I'm sorry, what?" she shifted so that she was sitting on her heels.
"Cheerleading isn't a sport," he shrugged.
"Yes it is!" she tapped his leg again, playfully offended. "I would think that as a professional wrestler, you would have a little more appreciation for nonconventional sports."
"Oh I do. Just not cheerleading. Because it's not a sport," he laughed, enjoying needling her. "It definitely paid off though because your body is crazy."
She chose to ignore that comment, "Hey man, I was on ESPN in high school. Were you?"
"Oh I'm gonna need to see some proof of this," he laughed, rubbing his hands together.
"Fine, give me your phone," she reached out her hand. He pulled it out and unlocked it, handing it over. She made a mental note of how easily he handed it over.
She opened his YouTube app and found the clip then handed it back to him. He brought his arm down to her shoulders, pulling her into his side as he pressed play with his other hand. She bit her lip, trying to pretend she didn't notice the light touch of his fingers on her shoulder.
She cringed at the sight of her 16 year old self, turning in toward his chest. He laughed and she felt the sound rumble through him. The scent of his cologne filled her senses and she turned her face back toward his phone. They watched the video with Elle giving commentary on how hard they worked to get ready for the routine and where some of her teammates were currently. Seth listened and laughed, completely engaged. Elle was having so much fun, she almost forgot the cameras were even there.
Seth was amazed that the night was going so well. The girls hadn't gotten into a fight. No one was too drunk. Elle flirted up a storm with him during their alone time and now Xavier was teaching Harper how to play Francesca II. She looked like an adorable little puffer fish and she couldn't get through more than 2 or 3 notes before she started laughing. They must have been boring the crew because there were only 2 cameramen left out of the four they started with.
"Alright everyone, we are reaching the end of our contracted time here at the winery," Jim came over, clapping his hands together. "It's time to say goodbye to our guests and head back to the house."
"Boo!" Big E and Elle both yelled loudly at Jim and he looked incredibly annoyed as he continued, "Girls. We need to shoot one on ones with you over by the fire. Then we're out. Got it?"
"Is Seth riding back with us?" Mia asked, smiling over at him.
"I don't know how else I'm getting back to the house," he laughed. She looked over at him and winked and he smiled back. Mia was a little over the top but he couldn't deny that the blonde was hot. She also wasn't scared to make her presence known. She made sure that he barely got to talk to anyone else at dinner. He liked the idea of someone wanting to monopolize him. He loved attention and he wasn't ashamed of it.
As Jim herded the women off for their interviews, Seth sat down with his friends, "So…what do you think?"
"I still think this whole thing is crazy," Kofi spoke up first. "But I like the girls more than I thought I would. Maybe not the blonde one. I don't know if I like her."
"She was better tonight than she was during the tournament," Big E shrugged.
Mia seemed to be polarizing with just about everyone who met her.
"Kentucky is way too nice for you," Xavier laughed. "Like waaaay too nice. She's like a Candyland character."
"I don't know, maybe he could use someone nice," E suggested. "The last one was…not great."
"Thanks man," Seth rolled his eyes. "And X may be right. I like Harper but I wonder if she's gonna make it in this house without someone making her cry."
"Hey, sometimes it's good to cry," Kofi shrugged.
"I don't even know why we're talking about this like you don't already have the winner picked," Big E laughed.
"What are you talking about?" Seth laughed. "You saw how many girls are still here."
"And you look at one of them like a dog stares at a bone," E laughed.
"Why do I have to be a dog?" Seth joked.
"Oh I think we all know the answer to that," Kofi chuckled.
Seth chose not to be offended. Dogs were wonderful creatures.
"He's right man," Xavier laughed. "You and Lil' E have a total thing happening. I'm already trying to think of your couple name but all I have so far is Selle."
"That's terrible," E frowned.
"I'm working on it," Xavier glared. "I gotta beat Sasha to it."
"Okay, I am very attracted to Elle but I haven't picked a winner yet," Seth insisted. He had plenty of time and girls left. Things could change on a dime. There was the minor issue of Elle's boyfriend.
"You keep telling yourself that," Kofi laughed. The boys teased Seth some more and he was grateful when Jim led the women back. Jim thanked the men for participating and explained that they just needed to film a quick interview with their thoughts on the girls and they could be on their way. They agreed and said goodbye to Harper, Mia, and Elle. When Kofi hugged Elle he pointed at the back of her head, mouthing 'Pick This One' at Seth. Seth smiled at his friend, shaking his head. He knew that there was some truth to what they were saying. There was something about Elle that put her ahead of the other women but he couldn't put all of his eggs in that basket when she still hadn't admitted that she wanted to be there. Still, he was going to enjoy her while she was still around. Once The New Day left, Jim directed Seth and the women to head to the limo. Seth walked beside Elle, smoothly taking her hand in his. Her skin was soft as silk and warm and he half expected her to pull it away but she surprised him by linking her fingers with his. He smiled slowing so that they were bringing up the rear. Jim and the cameraman got in first and this time Seth waited, letting Harper and Mia in so that he was seated comfortably beside the enticing brunette on the short end. She let go of his hand when she got in and Seth closed the door behind them.
Harper plucked off her heels, "These things are killing me."
Seth laughed, appreciating the honesty, "Harper, you're supposed to be my shoe expert. If you can't keep your heels on, who can?"
"I bought these on a whim," she laughed. "And they have no arch support. I'm totally taking them back when I get home."
"You didn't get them at your dad's store?" Elle asked. "Isn't that a cardinal sin?"
"Well I'm not gonna tell him," Harper laughed.
"I think you just did," Elle pointed at the camera.
"Elle, don't point at the camera," Jim reprimanded her.
"Oh come on, she set me up for that one," Elle threw up her hands. "You are no fun Jim."
"I don't think you're supposed to talk to him when he's off camera," Seth laughed, draping his arm over her shoulders.
"Are you on his side now?" she smirked.
"Stop talking about me," Jim sighed. "We can't use any of this."
"Fine, fine," Elle waved leaning forward and grabbing two cups from the small bar. The winery had given each of them a bottle of the sparkling wine as a parting gift. She popped the cork on hers, pouring a glass for herself and Harper. Mia declined, making a face and staring at Harper's naked but completely inoffensive feet.
"You aren't going to offer any to Seth?" Mia asked incredulously.
"He doesn't like it," Elle answered, looking over at him. "Do you Seth?"
"All yours," Seth waved, smiling at the smug look Elle tossed the blonde's way.
"Okay," Elle held up her cup. "To Harper's Dad's shoe store. I sincerely hope that he forgives you for this transgression."
"Let this be punishment enough," Harper held up her foot which was bright red on either side.
Mia looked appalled and Harper and Elle laughed hysterically at her reaction.
They got stuck in some traffic on the ride back but Seth didn't mind. Harper was telling a funny story about her dad accidentally ordering a store full of orange pumps and Elle was sitting pressed right against his side, listening to her new friend, occasionally looking up at him for a reaction or offering a playful smile.
"I would like to propose another toast," Harper announced as they got closer to the house. "To Elle for bringing us along on this date. I had a wonderful time."
"You are very welcome," Elle waved away the praise and Seth waited for Mia to join in but she never did, pouring herself a glass of wine instead.
She was consistent at least.
He slipped his hand under Elle's again and once again, she didn't pull away. When they pulled up the long drive to the house he leaned over to whisper in her ear, "You should be careful."
"Of what?" she asked quietly.
He looked pointedly down at their hands and then back up to her warm brown eyes, "I think you might have a little crush on me."
She laughed, looking up at him defiantly, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
They were close enough that their noses almost touched and Seth wondered what would happen if he kissed her. He was growing more confident by the moment that that's exactly what she wanted whether she admitted it or not. He looked down at her lips, full and pink and perfect. He would bet they were completely addictive. Unfortunately, he wasn't enough of a jerk to try and make out with her in front of the other girls. He would just have to wait. The car came to a stop and the driver came around, opening the door for them. Seth was out first and then he helped each of the women out, laughing when he saw that Harper had opted to carry her shoes rather than put them back on.
Harper gave him a big hug and he kissed her on the cheek, watching as she walked gingerly inside the house.
He turned to Elle, smiling down at her, "So how am I doing so far?"
She gave him a sly smile, "I'll see you in the morning, Rollins."
She leaned up, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.
"Have a good night," he called after her as she followed Harper inside.
"You too," she waved.
Seth noticed Mia hanging back behind him and he turned to her, "Everything okay?"
She looked up at him with bright blue eyes, "Of course. Everything's fine. I just wanted a moment alone to thank you for tonight. It was a fantastic date."
Did she think he actually paid for any of that?
"You're welcome," he smiled. "I'm glad Elle picked you to come. It was nice to spend a little more time with you."
"I feel the same way," she smiled. She reached both arms up around his neck and hugged him. She smelled like roses.
"I'll see you tomorrow I guess," she smiled, pulling back enough to look at him again. She still had both arms around his neck and he felt her starting to toy with the hair at the base of his neck.
She stood up on the balls of her feet, pressing her lips to his. Seth's body was reacting before his mind could fully process what was happening. She slipped her tongue against his and he ran his hand through her hair.
She pulled away slowly, tugging his bottom lip with her. She smiled at him, taking a step back, "Just remember that at elimination tomorrow."