A/N: Thanks for everyone's patience and the continued words of support as real life seemed to keep getting in the way over the past few months. Finally, I've gotten some time to devote to getting another chapter done. Hope you enjoy.
Disclaimer: Don't own Chuck
Chapter 36
"This season of Off-Screen Romance has proven to be the most widely viewed in franchise history and is the number one most watched show on TV right now, by a huge margin. That's, in no small part, attributed to this season's celebrity, megastar, actress and model, Sarah Walker."
"Harvey, she's been known for her numerous roles in blockbuster action movies, but we've gotten to see a side of her in this show that people aren't familiar with. It's really been an awakening and I think her fans are eating it up. In fact, I think she's gotten more fans because of it."
"You're absolutely right, Charlie. Sarah Walker's popularity is skyrocketing. The latest episode airing tonight promises to be the most anticipated of the season so far. Rumor has it that Sarah, along with some of the contestants, were seen at the Wish Gala. Our cameras weren't allowed inside, but she was seen walking the red carpet alone. Not sure what that means, but everyone is speculating about what this episode will have to offer."
"While Sarah is growing in popularity, let's not forget about the fans rallying around the show's contestants. After last week's episode, we learned we're down to just three: Jason, Will and Chuck."
"I know this isn't a popular opinion, but I have to say that I agree with Guy from a few episodes ago. Chuck just seems like a plant to me. I know that #Charah has this ridiculous following right now but come on! This Chuck guy is a nerd. Do you really think that Sarah Walker, one of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood, a woman who's dated the likes of Bryce Larkin and Cole Barker, would choose this nerd over Jason or Will? Come on. I don't buy it. It's clearly a publicity stunt."
"While there are certainly a lot of people in the Team Jason and Team Will camps, there are millions of people that disagree with you, believing that Chuck is going to win this season. You never know, sometimes the nerd does get the girl."
"We'll be back tomorrow on TMZ Live to talk about the highlights of tonight's episode and who moves on in the competition and who's sent packing."
Sarah turned the TV off, tossing the remote on the bed beside her with a snort. She flopped her head down on the pillow, staring up at the ceiling with a grin on her face. "Sometimes the girl gets the nerd," she muttered, chuckling to herself.
It was her second day in New York and so far, it had been a frenzy of interviews with morning shows, late night shows and all the other shows in between it seemed. Sarah felt like she'd been pulled in a thousand different directions, bouncing from one interview to the next. She was no stranger to this sort of thing when promoting a movie, but the buzz around this show seemed so much bigger somehow.
Diane had been kind enough to schedule her a break in the afternoon, giving Sarah a chance to unwind and maybe take a nap before her dinner and drink engagements tonight. That was what prompted Sarah to turn on the TV to try and unwind. Surfing through the channels, she stumbled on TMZ and a picture of herself taken as she walked the carpet at the Wish Gala. Sarah was hoping to watch tonight's episode, maybe while on the phone with Chuck, but unfortunately, she'd be at some restaurant where she and Diane would be, undoubtedly, talking business. It would re-broadcast on the west coast at around midnight her time, but she hoped to be in bed by then, especially after her early mornings.
Rolling onto her side, she took her phone from the nightstand and set an alarm. She then opened her Spotify app, pulling up a playlist that Chuck had made for her. He'd called it his "Missing You" playlist, filled with songs that she could listen to and know that he was thinking of her whenever they were apart. The simple fact that he'd created such a thing for her made her heart swell. It also gave her some more insights into the heart and mind of "her Chuck".
As the music began to play, she thought it perfectly timed, given what episode of the show was scheduled to air tonight. Letting out an amused hum, she closed her eyes and began to drift off as she recalled Chuck's warm voice, the vibration in his chest as he sang this song to her on that magical night.
Someday, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow
Just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Ahhh. El, you've outdone yourself. That smells amazing," Chuck moaned, taking another long sniff as he walked into the kitchen. Stepping up behind his sister, he squeezed her shoulders and gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. "You know you didn't have to go through all this trouble. I'd have been just as happy with take out from somewhere."
"No! I hardly get to see you anymore. I wanted tonight to be special. You deserve a home cooked meal. I just wish that Sarah could be here. Besides," she added, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Morgan has been begging for pot roast for months. Now that Alex is around, he's actually tolerable, so I didn't mind inviting them too. What's the deal with them anyway?"
"Pfft. I have no idea," Chuck replied with wide eyes. "I think he's super serious, but he's reluctant to push the issue, afraid he'll jinx things with her. As for Alex, I honestly don't know her well enough to say for certain, but the way she acts around him, I'd say she's into him too. I mean, she wouldn't be spending so much time with him if she wasn't. Right?"
"I suppose you're right. I'm just glad he's got his sights set on someone other than me for a change," she said with a snort, shaking her head as she returned to working on dinner. Chuck couldn't agree more, having had that awkward tension looming over their friendship for so long. Ellie had just barely tolerated Morgan and his love-struck antics because she knew how great a friend Morgan had been for him, especially as kids. Now that Morgan seemed to have his sights set on Alex, he hoped his bearded friend would leave thoughts of Ellie in the past, where they belonged.
The group sat down to a fabulous meal, the groans and murmurs of praise as they dug in made Ellie's face beam with pride. It was nice to have their odd little family together, even if it was missing one of their newest members. Sarah's absence was felt by them all, especially when they could all see how it affected Chuck. They all tried to keep the conversation light, steering clear of sensitive topics.
Chuck and Devon finished with the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen while the rest sat in the living room preparing for the latest episode to air. Getting drink refills for everyone, Chuck found a seat in a chair while Morgan and Alex took the loveseat and Ellie and Devon the couch. At just before eight o'clock, Chuck's phone rang, causing all conversation in the room to stop.
When he looked at the caller ID, Chuck's face lit up, swiping to accept the call. "Hey Ba-... uh Sarah! Wh-what are you doing up so late?" Chuck asked as he looked around the room at everyone staring at him.
"BaSarah? Seriously?" Sarah teased as she chuckled into the phone. "Let me guess, your family is in the room with you?" Chuck hummed in the affirmative, his cheeks growing warmer, especially at the smirks his sister and their friends were giving him.
"You're too embarrassed to call me Baby in front of them? No, I get it. It's fine," Sarah sighed dramatically, trying not to let her smile come through in her voice.
"Nooo. I'm not...I'm not embarrassed," he added in a hushed tone, trying not to let the others hear. He was failing miserably but unfortunately he didn't realize that. "It's just… you know… a pet name and I thought-"
"Well, if you're not embarrassed by it, then just say it."
"What like.. like right now?" Sarah didn't answer but he could hear her stifled chuckling on the other end. Knowing he wasn't going to get out of this without saying the words, Chuck sighed in resignation. "How was your day… Baby?"
Snorts and snickers spread around the room, clearly amused at the interaction on the phone. Though they could only hear one side of it, they could just imagine what Sarah was saying on the other end, making it all the more humorous.
"It was okay. Thanks for asking." Finally letting her giggle escape, she quickly recovered to continue telling him about her day. "I just got back a few minutes ago. Diane dragged me around to restaurants and lounges to hobnob with people. It was boring and exhausting," she groaned, flopping back onto her bed.
"Sorry, babe." Chuck spared a glare for his sister, who snickered again at the use of a pet name, but didn't let it deter him. "I'm glad I got to talk to you though. I'm here at Ellie and Devon's place. Ellie made dinner and invited Morgan and Alex over so we can all watch the show together. It's just not the same without you here though."
'Aww. I miss you guys. Put me on speaker."
"You-you sure?" With a hum in the affirmative, Chuck put the call on speaker phone. "OK. You're on speaker. Everyone tell Sarah 'Hi'". In unison, everyone yelled "Hi Sarah!", causing her to giggle.
"Aww. Hi guys. I miss you. I'm sorry I couldn't be there, but maybe I can watch the show with you? You know, like a watch party."
"But it's like midnight there. Don't you need to get some sleep?" he questioned, his worry for her evident in his tone.
"Eh. I took a nap this afternoon so I could stay up later. I'll be OK. I'd much rather spend time with you all, however I can." It was everyone else's turn to let out "awws" in response. Chuck wasn't going to argue the point any further, his desire to hear her voice winning out.
"Oooo! Ssh. Ssshh. Sssh. It's starting. It's starting!" Ellie exclaimed, waving her hand through the air as the opening teaser for "Off Screen Romance" began. The group sat riveted to the TV, while Sarah watched from her laptop in her hotel room, she and Chuck giving occasional commentary as the voice of Alex Forrest recapped the events of the previous episode. They showed snippets of the private time Sarah had with each contestant. When they showcased Sarah and Chuck's time together, focusing on her tripping in the garden, and Chuck catching her, their friends and family teased them mercilessly.
"Good morning gentlemen. I realize that this competition has been quite rigorous and demanding. Unfortunately, that's not about to change. Since beginning this competition, you've gotten only a small taste of some of the things that Sarah has to deal with in her daily life. Another aspect of Sarah's life as a celebrity and philanthropist is to attend major events or charity functions; things such as movie premieres, fundraisers or even awards ceremonies like the Oscars. If you were to be in a relationship with Sarah, you would most definitely be required to attend as her date. That, gentlemen, is the focus of today's outing. Tonight, you three will be accompanying Sarah to the WISH Gala. This is a major fundraising event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. It will be a star-studded affair, complete with a red-carpet entrance, food and dancing. This is a formal event, and you'll need to be dressed and groomed appropriately. So, the first part of today's outing will be … a makeover.
"If you're going to be in Sarah Walker's company, you'll have to look the part. To make that happen, you'll be taken to our makeover studios to be groomed and dressed by some of the best stylists in Hollywood. Once that is completed, a limo will whisk you away to the Beverly Hilton, the site of this year's Wish Gala. You'll walk the red carpet with Sarah and then accompany her throughout the evening. Once the festivities have drawn to a close, the limo will return you here, to the house. Then, tomorrow morning, she'll make her choice of who the two finalists will be. So, good luck gentlemen. Your chariot awaits."
"Ah. So, here's where he loses the curls," Morgan chimed in.
"I kinda miss the curls, if I'm honest," Sarah added, sounding a little pouty. "I wanted to run my fingers through those funny animal shapes and-"
"OK! OK! TMI," Ellie shouted, waving her arms in the air. "I don't need to know what sort of plans you had for my little brother, thank you." That earned her uproarious laughter from the whole group, Ellie joining in eventually.
"God, I was so nervous at this point," Chuck confessed when the show went to a commercial.
"Why? You had nothing to worry about."
"Yeah, well. Now I know that. Then, I was faced with having to compete against those two GQ models. How was I going to "look the part" of someone that belonged with Sarah Walker? Hell, I still wonder."
"The only thing they need to see is the smile on my face, baby," Sarah cooed. "No hair style or Armani suit is going to make me as happy as you do. Besides, I think you proved, hands down, that you fit in just fine."
"Alright, you two. Get a room," Ellie groused good naturedly. "And no spoilers. I don't want you two ruining this for me."
"El, isn't it a bit late for that?" Chuck asked incredulously. "I mean you already know-" With a glare from his sister, Chuck snapped his jaw shut. "Shutting up. I'm shutting up now," he murmured through pursed lips. Sarah burst into laughter on the other end of the call, having a perfect picture in her mind of the events unfolding.
When everyone's giggles settled down, the commercial break was over, and the show joined the contestants at the makeover studios. Chuck made a few comments about things that got left out or things that were out of sequence from how they actually happened. In the end, it didn't really matter, it just helped to make for better television.
The whole group was in stitches when Chuck's stylist, Lester, was introduced, with his outlandish antics.
"Give me your head, Chuck. Give me free reign over this glorious mop and together, we'll make history!"
"Oh my God. Is this guy for real? Is he a comedic plant or something?" Sarah asked through her chuckling.
"I-I don't think so. No offense, but I don't think anyone is that good of an actor. I legitimately think he's unstable," Chuck confessed, earning more laughter.
"Silence! I must harness the energy of the past to ensure your future success."
"Harness the what?" Devon asked incredulously, causing the rest of the group to chuckle. They watched as Lester pulled open one of the drawers in his station and began sifting through it, his back to the camera. Chuck cleared his throat and hesitantly addressed the stylist.
"So uh…. H-how does that work, exactly? Is there like some incense or…. Or praying involved?"
As the shorter man spun to face both Chuck and the camera, he held up his cell phone as he thumbed through apps.
'Uh, no. I was just gonna pull up the 'All Out 80s' playlist on Spotify,"
The indignant way he stated it, waggling his cellphone in front of him, as if Chuck was somehow the idiot in all of this, was comedy gold. Everyone was rolling in laughter as the song began to play.
The camera focused on Lester as he stood behind Chuck with a comb, scissors and an almost maniacal look in his eyes.
"Chuck, prepare yourself for greatness."
Panning down to capture Chuck's expression, you could see the near panic on his face as he gulped.
"Oh brother."
"The look on your face," Morgan teased, pointing at the TV with tears of laughter rolling down his cheeks. Chuck rolled his eyes, blushing slightly with embarrassment at his friends ribbing, and the subsequent laughter, both in the room and on the phone.
"Sure, it's funny for you. You're not the one who's head was in the hands of a madman." That only served to intensify the laughter, lasting through the commercial break. Thankfully for Chuck, when the show resumed, they were focused on the makeovers of the other contestants. Chuck hadn't seen things from their perspective before, what their experiences during the show had been. He had assumed that they were much calmer and more collected than he was, but he was surprised to see that they showed some of the same nervousness that he had. Granted, they weren't nearly as open or animated about it as he was, but they still seemed like they were struggling a little too. Had he known that at the time, he might not have been freaking out so much.
The focus of the show transitioned to Sarah, showing off her outfit as she met with the contestants after their makeovers. The first time she appeared in her dress, everyone watching gasped, even Chuck; especially Chuck.
"Oh my God! Sarah, you are absolutely stunning," Ellie exclaimed, holding a hand to her chest. The sentiment was parroted around the room, everyone remarking on how great she looked.
"Thanks guys, but I had hair and makeup people to help make me look like that. That's not the real me. I don't look like that when I roll out of bed."
"Yes, you do," Chuck corrected absentmindedly, still staring at the television as Sarah and Alex Forest talked. "I-I mean… maybe not with the dress, but…"
"OK, charmer," Sarah cut in, giggling at his comment. "You've already got the girl."
"Sshhh. No spoilers," Morgan groused, in mock indignation. Alex, to his left, playfully back handed him across the stomach as they all chuckled, rolling her eyes at the bearded man.
The comments died down as the show continued, Sarah meeting with each contestant as they revealed themselves after their makeovers. Ellie and Alex made no effort to hide their appreciation for Jason and Will as they showed off their formal attire. Chuck felt a pang of hurt as he watched Sarah compliment them on the TV as the women in the room drooled over the contestants.
"You see what I had to compete against?" Chuck stated, gesturing toward the television. Surprisingly, it was Morgan that blew out a raspberry at his comment.
"Please. You were never in competition with them, Chuck. The only one you were competing against was yourself and your self-confidence. I bet when they show your reveal, it'll prove me right." Chuck had to concede that Morgan had a small point. Overcoming his self-confidence issues had been one of the biggest struggles he'd faced during this whole ordeal; a struggle he still faced when it came to Sarah.
Before he could argue the point, the scene transitioned to Sarah waiting for Chuck's reveal. As the camera zoomed in on Sarah, she was biting her bottom lip with her eyes sparkling as she fidgeted in place. The camera flashed to the curtain that Chuck was trying to push his way through, but before he emerged, the camera returned to Sarah, zooming in on her face. In an instant, her eyes grew wide, her mouth agape, before she raised her hands to cover her mouth instinctively.
"That! You see that?" Morgan asked, jumping to his feet as he pointed at the screen emphatically. "That's what I'm talking about." Morgan threw an arm in the air in triumph before Alex pulled him back down into his seat to quiet him.
The camera transitioned to Chuck, showing the awestruck expression on his face as he stood dumbfounded.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Bryce," she uttered, almost as an expletive. "What the hell are you doing here? We both know you don't care about anyone but yourself. You wouldn't donate water if your mother was on fire," Sarah growled, the disdain for the smarmy man painfully evident.
"Ho-ho. Wow. Still the charmer I see." His smirk widened, finding himself particularly funny. Sarah just clenched her teeth, biting back the rage that was building inside her. "But to answer your question, they sent 'our' invitation to my house, apparently. And who was I to turn down an opportunity to allow my adoring fans to believe I actually give two s**** about… whatever this is," he gestured around the room, looking unimpressed.
"I'm surprised you even came, Sarah. I figured you'd still be home, wallowing, elbow deep in a carton of Häagen-Dazs. Though, you still look good..." he purred, looking her up and down with a lecherous grin. A tall, very young and very thin woman stepped up and wrapped her arms around Bryce's bicep.
"Is this the one?" she asked in a Nordic accent of some sort, colored with contempt.
"Oh, yes. My apologies. Sarah Walker, this is Tatiana. She's a very accomplished Finnish model and up-and-coming actress."
"What's the matter, Bryce? Couldn't get a sitter at the last minute? I suppose you're going to give her a 'big break' in show business. Well, the devil takes his due. Oh, but I'm sure you'll be different than all the others, Sweetie," Sarah said, dripping with sarcasm.
"Still bitter and alone I see. Nice combination you've got going there. Really reels 'em in, huh, Sarah?" Bryce's words cut her, bringing back the assertions he made about her in his TMZ interview. The anger and hurt rendered her momentarily speechless, which only served to intensify the smirk on Bryce's face. The footage where Chuck placed his hands on Sarah and kissed her cheek was omitted, skipping to the moment where Chuck first addressed Bryce.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. You're Bryce Larkin, right?" Chuck reached around Sarah, offering his hand to shake. Bryce simply gave an indifferent glance toward it and promptly ignored the gesture.
"And you must be lost. What is this? One of those lame pickup attempts where you think you're rescuing the damsel from an awkward situation?" The camera changed from Bryce's smarmy face to Chuck, trying to maintain his pleasant demeanor, but the tension in his body was given away by his clearly clenched jaw.
"There's no way that Sarah Walker would be seen in public with… whatever you are." He gave a dismissive gesture toward Chuck, turning his attention back toward Sarah. "It's truly sad, Sarah, that you'd have to stoop to-"
"Let's get something perfectly clear. You don't deserve to breathe the same air as Sarah Walker." The camera switched from Chuck's stern countenance to Bryce's wide-eyed expression. Through careful editing, all of the things that Chuck had revealed about Bryce's past were left out, but that look of fear in his eyes still remained. "Sarah is a better person, more caring and compassionate than you, me and Matchstick Barbie over here, put together. Sorry. No offense. I'm sure you're a lovely person," Chuck amended, looking at the dumbstruck woman on Bryce's arm, softening his tone slightly.
"Leave, Bryce." Chuck commanded as he pointed off camera behind Bryce, his glare boring a hole straight through the shorter man. The fear on Bryce's face was evident, that smarmy smirk of his wiped clean. Bryce backed away slowly, chancing a glance at Sarah, but not saying a word. He grabbed Tatiana by the wrist and pulled her through the crowd as they disappeared.
"Come with me," Sarah commanded, her voice and expression were flat, pulling Chuck through the crowd. The show cut to commercial, and Ellie jumped out of her seat, throwing her hands in the air in triumph.
"YES! Take that you smarmy asshole!" Ellie shouted, pointing at the television. Sarah's laughter could be heard through the phone, along with the chuckles throughout the room.
"You should have heard all the stuff they cut out. Those were the best parts," Sarah added, still chuckling.
"Awww. Why did they cut that out?" Morgan whined, dropping his hands into his lap with a pout. Chuck cleared his throat as he shifted in his seat, feeling rather uncomfortable.
"Let's just say that Chuck dug up some dirt on Bryce and put the fear of God into him. That's why he looked so scared. Not that you weren't imposing, Sweetie," Sarah rushed out. Chuck snorted, shaking his head.
"Imposing? Me? I couldn't scare your bunny slippers," he admitted in his trademark self-deprecating tone.
"Well, normally I'd agree. You're usually too kind and sweet to be imposing. Not to mention cute," Sarah confessed, her tone growing flirtatious.
Devon chimed in, voicing his disagreement. "I dunno, Chuckster. That look you gave him seemed pretty damned imposing to me. Note to self, don't mess with Chuck's woman."
"Devon, I'm not some caveman," Chuck chided, shaking his head with distaste. "She's not my 'woman'. I don't-"
"Oh yes I am, mister," Sarah retorted, much to the amusement of the assembled friends and family. "And you're my man."
"God help any woman that sets her sights on Chuck," Ellie added, chuckling warmly.
"Yeah, I don't really see that happening," Chuck interjected, snorting at the assertion. "Women have done a pretty good job of keeping themselves at bay up to this point. Besides, I'm a one-woman kinda guy."
"Oh buddy, I know you only have eyes for Sarah," Morgan stated, holding up his hand in acknowledgement, "but believe me, there are plenty of women who're interested. Social media is full of 'em. Hell, I saw no less than six cars with 'I heart Chuck' painted on their windows on our way over here."
Chuck pulled his head back, pressing his chin to his chest in disbelief. Alex hummed her agreement, nodding emphatically. Ellie let out a small sigh as she stared at her brother lovingly. "I've always told you, Chuck, once people see how amazing you are, they'll flock to you."
"They'd better keep their damned dirty mits of my Chuck. He's mine now," Sarah exclaimed possessively, warranting chuckles from everyone.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The sound of sniffling and blubbering was nearly drowning out the music on the TV as they watched Chuck dancing with Kaliey on screen. When the camera focused on the teary smile on the girl's face, several sobs barked out in the room, echoed by one over the phone.
"Oh, Chuck. You…" Ellie continued, though her blubbering made her words unintelligible. Morgan nodded his head in agreement, pointing at Ellie from across the room.
"Exactly. What she said," Morgan exclaimed, wiping tears from his cheeks with the back of his hand. Alex, sitting beside him, was dabbing at her eyes, letting out a wet chuckle.
"Bro," Devon began, though unable to say anything else as he struggled to hold it together. Chuck could only watch on in slight embarrassment, but he remembered that moment fondly, feeling a sense of fulfillment in helping to make that girl's evening special.
For a brief moment, the camera transitioned to focus on Sarah, who was standing with Kaliey's mother, the two women watching on, clearly wrought with emotions. "Oh my God. Look at me! I can't believe Zondra put that shot in the show. I look like a racoon," Sarah groused, though she couldn't help but chuckle in the end. She'd known it at the time, hence the reason why she escaped to the restroom to clean herself up. Thankfully, the camera only focused on Sarah for a short moment, moving back to Chuck and Kaliey then various shots of the crowd once the song was over.
After a commercial break, allowing everyone sitting around the room, and on the phone, a chance to compose themselves, the show returned to a scene of Sarah holding onto Chuck's arm while they talked with another couple. Sarah had on her beaming smile, but Chuck looked like he might be sick. Suddenly, a gasp came from across the room.
"What the fuck is that bitch doing there?" Ellie shouted, practically jumping out of her seat.
"El, it's alright. Just calm-"
"Don't you tell me to calm down. What the fuck is she doing there? Why didn't you tell me-"
"Babe," Devon interjected soothingly, trying to pull Ellie back down to her seat.
"We'll tell you all about it later. Just sit and watch, OK?" Chuck pleaded, gesturing to the TV. Begrudgingly, Ellie sat down in a huff, folding her arms across her chest as she grumbled to herself. Thankfully, on screen, Sarah pulled Chuck to the dance floor where they started to dance. As the song changed, they watched as Sarah slowly melted into Chuck, dancing so close that her head was on his shoulder.
A camera panned around them, allowing a view of Chuck's mouth moving, his lips matching the words to the song playing. That seemed enough to pull Ellie out of her funk, as a gasp escaped her lips. "Awww, Sarah. He's singing to you? God, you two look so great together, so happy."
"Yeah. Seeing it from this perspective, I understand now why all my friends kept telling me I was a goner," Sarah confessed, chuckling at the revelation.
"Don't feel bad. I was a goner since episode one," Chuck chimed in, snickering at his own comment. Everyone in the room muttered their agreement, nodding emphatically. When the song ended and the dancing couple began to pull apart, Ellie groaned in disappointment.
"Awww. That's it?"
"Wait for it…" Chuck stated, smirking as he gestured toward the television. When the song changed again, they saw Sarah start to leave the dance floor, as she'd done with the other contestants. When Chuck pulled Sarah back, giving her a wry smile, Ellie started clapping with excitement, squealing slightly. The tango they danced didn't disappoint, earning them hoots and hollers from around the room. As the camera panned around the crowd, they could see that many on the dance floor had moved to make room, watching on in delight.
Neither Chuck nor Sarah had watched this part of the footage, so it was a little embarrassing at first, but soon the memories began to stir up feelings in them, both physical and emotional. That only served to intensify their longing due to the distance between them.
The ending of the tango had everyone in the room cheering and applauding, singing Chuck and Sarah's praises. Ellie even jumped from the couch to give her brother a bone crushing hug. "You two were so amazing!" Ellie exclaimed, leaning closer to Chuck's phone, which sat on the end table beside them. Eventually returning to her seat, the show returned from its commercial break, showing the contestants back at the estate, lined up to await Sarah's decision.
"Ugh. I always hate this part," Chuck groused, shaking his head in slight aggravation.
"Awww. I have a hunch it'll be OK, Sweetie," Sarah cooed through the phone, snickering at her own teasing. The others around the room did likewise, especially when they watched Chuck's sheepish grin spread across his face.
"Well, it's wonderful now, but then… It was nerve wracking.
"I can't imagine, dude," Morgan chimed in, shaking his head in wonderment. "I'd be sweat'n buckets."
Chuck let out a chuckle, his eyes growing wide for a moment. "Buddy, you have no idea." Alex Forest stepped up to the contestants to begin to speak, pulling all of their attention to the television.
"Will … Jason … Chuck. Last night, you three had an opportunity to spend an evening with Sarah, to get a small glimpse of what it's like to be part of a red-carpet event, with all of the glitz and glamour. You also saw, firsthand, the amount of work that goes into preparing for such an event and all the media attention it can bring. Jason, what were your thoughts?"
Jason provided his response but when he commented about how he wasn't into kids and found them "sticky" and "didn't want to catch anything from them", the room erupted.
"What a douche!" Morgan exclaimed, throwing a handful of popcorn at the television. He quickly apologized when Ellie gave him a glare, prompting him to get off the couch and collect the popcorn as the others snickered at his expense.
"Please tell me that you sent his stupid ass home," Ellie pleaded, shaking her head in frustration at the man's heartless and idiotic statements. "Look. That 'Alex' woman looks like she just swallowed a bug. I think she'd send him home if she could." Ellie's grumbling caused everyone to chuckle, further fueled by the looks of the other two contestants as the camera panned to them in the wake of Jason's comments.
"Uh, Will. So… how do you feel things went last night?" Alex continued, looking like she was rushing to talk to anyone besides Jason.
"Right. Well, I think it went very well. Everyone was very inviting, and the media weren't as invasive as I had expected. Still, it looked like the event drew a fair amount of press. It was for a good cause, so it's nice that they had the exposure."
The camera switched back to Alex, who had a slight smirk growing across her face.
"And did you find the children to be… 'sticky'?"
Will chuckled, though tried to hide it, while those watching the show laughed outright.
"Uh, no. Granted, I only shook hands with a few of them, but they were not … sticky."
Laughter continued as Will spoke more at length about how he felt things had gone at the gala. When Alex Forest turned to Chuck, everyone quieted down to hear what she had to say.
"And lastly, Chuck. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that you didn't seem to have any issues with the children at the Gala. Is that fair to say?"
On the large television on the set, Alex gestured to the screen, which showed images of Chuck with the children, his own smile beaming as much as the children. Then they transitioned to images of Chuck hugging Kaliey and finally dancing with her. A couple of sniffles could be heard around the room as the camera focused on a clearly embarrassed and nervous Chuck.
"It was so wonderful to see all of them there. I know that it meant a lot to them to be able to see Sarah again and present her with the Wish Hero Award. It was a really great time and I hope they raised a lot of money and awareness for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Those kids are so worth it."
It was Alex McHugh, leaning back against Morgan, that spoke up, huffing in mock exasperation. "Gah. Every time you say something on this show it's just the most perfect thing, making everyone melt. Did they write this stuff for you?"
Before Chuck could answer, Sarah piped up from over the phone to jump to his defense. "That was all Chuck. None of the dialogue was scripted for this show. He's just an amazingly sweet and caring person." Her comment earned her plenty of "awws" from around the room, as well as rosy cheeks and ears from Chuck.
On screen, Alex called Sarah out, who addressed the contestants. Making a very heartfelt apology, she named Jason as the contestant that was going home.
"That's a shocker," Ellie snorted sarcastically, everyone else chuckling in agreement. "I have to commend you, Sarah. You seemed so sincere, giving him that huff and all. How can you do that?"
"She's an incredible actress," Chuck replied without missing a beat. Sarah giggled through the phone but was quick to correct him.
"Well, I don't know about that, but thank you. The truth is, before that day, I did like Jason, at least a little. We got along pretty well, so I was a little guilty about sending him home. Although, when he said that shit about the kids, I didn't feel so bad then." Laughter ensued as they watched Jason depart the set and cameras focus back on Alex Forrest as she stepped up beside Sarah
"Will and Chuck, congratulations. You're the final two contestants. With that, we come to our final event of the competition. Sarah will go on a date with each of you. You'll be tasked with planning a date with Sarah, consisting of whatever it is that you'd like. The only stipulations will be that it must be within the area, so there will be no extensive travel. We'll provide you with transportation to and from your date. Additionally, you'll be given an allowance to use on your date as you see fit. To ensure that all is fair, you may not exceed your allowance for the date. Any questions?"
Ellie, Alex and Morgan were clapping with excitement at the new development. Even though they likely knew it was coming, they were all caught up in the moment. After a brief pause from Alex Forrest, the camera panned to the two remaining contestants, who were shaking their heads in the negative, Alex continued,
"If there are no questions, you'll have the remainder of today and most of tomorrow to plan your dates. Tomorrow night will be the first of the two dates. To determine who'll be the first to go, Sarah here will flip a coin. Will, you'll be heads and Chuck will be tails."
The camera focused on Sarah, flipping the coin in the air, following it into the air and back down into her hand. When she flipped it over onto the back of her other hand and called "heads" everyone around the room groaned in disappointment.
"Heads it is. Will, you'll be the first to take Sarah on a date tomorrow evening. Chuck, your date with Sarah will be on the following night. Once both dates have concluded, on the third day, we'll meet back here, and Sarah will make her final decision."
They watched Sarah wish the contestants luck, then the end credits for the show started to roll. Ellie turned off the television, plunging the room into a momentary silence.
"Now that was some episode," Devon chimed in, breaking the silence. Everyone murmured their agreement, beginning to take turns recounting their favorite parts. After a few minutes, Chuck spoke up, trying to get everyone's attention.
"Guys. Guys! It's really late for Sarah. How about we all say good night so she can get some rest?" Everyone in agreement, they all yelled goodbye, waving at the phone, even though she obviously couldn't see them. Sarah returned their heartfelt goodbyes and thanked them for letting her "hang out" with them. Chuck stood up, taking the phone off speaker, and stepped outside for a bit of privacy.
"Hey," he said, once he was outside in the quiet evening air.
"Hey yourself. I miss you and love you," Sarah confessed, a hint of sorrow in her voice.
"I miss you too, Babe, and I love you so much. Do you know when you'll be back? When can I see you again?"
Letting out a rough sigh, there was a momentary pause. "I don't know Chuck. I'll be back in LA in couple of days I suspect, though I don't know when we'll be able to see each other. Maybe not until they start taping the 'not-so-live Live show."
"That kinda sucks," he said, his shoulders slumping. "Well, we knew this wasn't going to be easy. But just think, after next week, it'll all be out in the open. We won't have to hide and sneak around anymore."
"That's true," she admitted, sounding a bit cheerier. "Then maybe we can start looking for a place together?"
"God I would love that. Once we find a place and move in, we can cocoon ourselves in there for like… a month or two," he suggested dreamily.
"Well…"
"I know. I know. Just let me have my dreams, dammit," he teased. The two chuckled together, sighing in contentment after a few seconds.
"I really do love you. Ya know it?" she asked with so much emotion poured into it.
"I'm thankful for it every minute of every day. I hope you know I love you bunches too?"
"Bunches and oodles?" she asked with a wet chuckle.
"Bunches and oodles," he confirmed warmly. "I should let you go so you can get some sleep," he said, sighing in resignation. Sarah whined into the phone, pouting at the prospect of having to hang up and curl up in her bed alone.
"I know. Good night, Sweetie. I love you."
"Love you too. Sleep tight." They both blew kisses into the phone before they hung up. Chuck stared at the now dark screen of his phone, feeling the pang in his chest at missing her. Gathering himself, he stepped back into the apartment and was greeted with Ellie's harsh voice.
"Alright, Chuck. So, what's this shit with Jill?"
Oh brother!
A/N2: Not much movement in the story here, but I wanted to spend a little time to show how our favorite couple reflect back on the show as well as the reactions from friends and family. There will be one more chapter like this when the dates and the finale air. After that, we'll move forward with their lives, exploring life after the show and what new opportunities and challenges present themselves. I hope you stay tuned.
As always, I truly appreciate the support and love to hear from you. Please leave a review or send a PM to let me know your thoughts.
Be well and stay safe!
Joe