Free Date With A Rockstar by Sarah Gagnon Page B

for Jasmine’s name.
10. Jasmine-Snorkeling.
I wonder how she feels about that. From her snotty expression, it’s hard to tell whether she’s considering herself superior or is just plain pissed off. The dates are arranged for both daytime and nighttime. The producers must be packing them together so that the finalists are chosen before the benefit concert.
    I can’t believe they signed me up for a beach date. A dinner date would’ve been so much easier.
    â€œDon’t pout, Monet. The expression is unbecoming.” My jaw tightens. Thanks a lot, Jasmine. And I wasn’t pouting. She sashays over to the table. “Eleanor, will meals be provided for us?”
    â€œYes, yes, of course. I forgot to mention that. Thanks for the reminder. Our assigned dining room table is L27. The restaurant opens for a period of two hours surrounding meal times and you girls are welcome to order anything you want. With the exception of alcoholic beverages, of course. I know some of you may be accustomed to drinking at home, but that behavior is not something the show wants to promote.”
    No one argues the rule and I wish they’d all hurry up and leave so that I can talk to Eleanor about my date.
    â€œAlso, each of you needs to remember to leave your prints on the elevator panel. The floor is secure for Jeremy, and we need a record of who’s coming and going. Do not forget or you will lose your date privileges and be excluded from the competition. I’m sure you girls can appreciate the absolute necessity of keeping Jeremy safe.”
    We all nod in unison. I think Shelley Anne scanned her thumb to open the elevator door; I don’t even remember if I did afterward or not. From the shifting about in chairs, everyone is wondering the same thing.
    â€œUm, since we didn’t know, can we just go scan in now? I mean, I would’ve if I’d known, but no one told us when we checked in and—”
    â€œYes, that’s fine, Praline. You can scan in after the meeting.” Eleanor goes back to her checklist and continues reading to us. “Time of day for each date will be finalized with the contestant twenty-four hours in advance. Claire, sorry for the short notice, but you’ll be collected from your room at six-thirty this evening. Monet, be ready by ten a.m.”
    Wow, this is really happening fast. First I get interviewed a day early, and now my date is one of the first ones. After years of trying to save money, this chance is so close.
    â€œAny other questions?”
    The mumble of voices fades out and all I can think of is the time ticking away. Seconds closer to my date with Jeremy. A minute. Two minutes. I’m going to the beach with Jeremy Bane! The most amazing musician I’ve ever heard and the most attractive man on the planet. And I’m doing it tomorrow. Unfathomable. I’ve been plugged in, amped up. I’m all adrenaline and anticipation. I just need a damn bathing suit.
    I wait for the others to leave for the restaurant before I approach Eleanor. “Hey,” I say, shy all of a sudden. “I’m scheduled for a beach date tomorrow.”
    â€œUh, huh.” She straightens her pile of documents and stands by the door, ready to leave.
    â€œI don’t have a bathing suit with me.”
    â€œOh,” she says, considering my problem. “You’re allowed to go shopping within the hotel.”
    â€œI’m not sure if I have enough money.” I flip over my wrist, displaying my lack of a chip.
    â€œOh.” Her tone of voice changes and I wonder what she thinks of me now. “Uh, I guess the studio can buy you one. I mean, they want good ratings and all, so you in a bathing suit is important.”
    The studio thinks people want to see me scantily clad? All those people ogling me on their TVs. The thought makes me feel grimy.
    â€œWe can stop in the hotel gift shop on our way to lunch.”
    I’m such a