THE LUNA CHOOSING GAME - Season 5 Episode 93

Veronica and I waited until cocktails after dinner that evening to enact our plan. The instructions toward each prince’s treasure were handed out only I a few minutes before. The instructions were written on notecards, and given discretely to each candidate.

Veronica, when given hers, ripped hers up and threw it in the garbage. I folded mine and tucked it into my pocket.

We waited until Bridget was on her second glass of white wine, and the cameras turned elsewhere, interviewing the princes, before we made our way over to her.

“Hi, Bridget!” I said, forcing myself to be happy to see her. My part of the plan Veronica and I had hastily pulled

together was clear: distraction. “What are you drinking?” ) Bridget’s returning smile was friendly enough, but a hint of curiosity darkened her eyes. Perhaps I had overplayed my hand. I was no actress after all. Veronica was much more talented at deception than me.

But Veronica had a different role to play in this plan, and hers was not one I could even fumble my way through.

She meant to teleport the instructions away from Bridget’s hand. Only Veronica was capable of that.

“Chardonnay,” Bridget said. She tilted her head toward a nearby bottle, sitting atop the same railing she was leaning against. “Do you care to join me?” “I’d love to,” 1 said.

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Bridget slid her glance to Veronica, standing just beside her. “And you, Veronica?” “I prefer red wine,” Veronica said.

“I’m sure we can get you a glass of that, too.” Bridget waved at a servant with the same hand in which she held the instructions. I noticed but tried not to stare overmuch. “An empty glass for Piper, and for Veronica…” “Merlot,” Veronica said.

“Merlot,” Bridget said. She lowered her hand to her side, which placed the notecard at her hip near Veronica.

Veronica’s eyes flitted down to it.

Bridget didn’t seem to notice.

The servant nodded, and made her exit.

“Are you excited for the challenge

tomorrow?” I asked Bridget, hoping to fulfill my role in distracting her, so that Veronica could make her move.

“Tam,” Bridget said. “Confident too.

I’m certain I have the best chance of winning the date with Nicholas. Ah, a romantic boat cruise. It will be so romantic. I can’t wait!” “Right,” I said. I had to grit my teeth a little, trying to maintain my smile. “Do you think the cruise will be during the day? Or at night? Which would be more romantic?” She hummed as she sipped at her wine.

Veronica inched closer on her other side, eyes locked on the notecard of instructions.

“Nighttime, of course.” Bridget flashed me a grin. “There’s something

about the night air that makes people feel… liberated. Wouldn’t you agree, Piper?” A rush of panic surged through me.

Surely she didn’t know about Julian and my kiss? Although, even if she did, it wouldn’t matter, right? Julian and I were supposed to be dating. I needed to get my heart under control.

But once the panic had taken root, it was hard to get myself back under control. My concentration slipped, and I hesitated in replying. In my hesitation, Bridget had time to notice Veronica’s closeness, just as Veronica was reaching out her hand toward the notecard.

“Something I can help you with, Veronica?” Bridget asked. She lifted the notecard and held it closer to her

chest. She was aware of its presence now, and our attention on it. No way would Veronica be able to get close enough now to whisk it away without notice.

Veronica lowered her hand without explanation. “No.” The servant who had taken our drink order returned with Veronica’s merlot and my empty glass. Veronica accepted her red wine and sipped deeply. I turned my empty glass away.

“I’m not thirsty anymore,” I said.

Bridget’s smile lifted higher on one side. “Pity.”