Chapter 1 by Widder Woman (1)

Emily Maynard got to the mansion early, long before the first limousine was due to arrive.  She placed a large, cut glass bowl on the coffee table.  In it were pale dried grapes.

"What's this?" asked Chris Harrison, not sure whether Emily was allowed to introduce something into the evening that had not been approved by Mike or one of his Fleiss mice.

"I want to see who is here for the white raisins," said Emily,  pointing to the contents of the bowl.  Her dimples flashed as she smiled up at Chris.  "This way I'll get a head start on deciding who gets a rose."

Chris smiled tentatively at Emily, then looked over her shoulder.  The Fleiss mice were nodding in unison.  He broadened his grin and nodded along with them.

"And what are you doing here so early?" Emily asked in return.

"Practicing my lines," he replied.  "Want to hear?"

"Of course!"

"Emily... gentlemen... this is the last rose of the evening," he intoned.  "Emily, when you're ready."

Emily applauded.  "Oh, that's just how you sound on TV," she exclaimed.  She turned to go.

"Wait!" called Chris.  "There's more!"

Emily paused.

"Gentlemen, if you did not get a rose tonight, I'm sorry.  Say your goodbyes."

"Oh!" squealed Emily.  "That's just perfect!"

"Are you ready?" asked Chris.  "The cameras are all set up and the first limo should be arriving shortly."

Emily nodded nervously and followed Chris to the driveway.  "I just know my husband is in one of those cars," she exclaimed.