Chapter 9: Emmett

After the introductions, Richard drags Emmett into a trailer and berates him for coming off timid and sexless, threatening money leverage to force more drama. Emmett, recalling his grandparents’ mounting bills that morning, swallows his pride and negotiates for more active, less staged settings.

During a final producer interview with Teri, Emmett delivers on-brand platitudes about instant connections, despite feeling humiliated. He repeatedly notices Julia nearby, tense after leaving Richard’s trailer.

Julia intercepts Emmett post-interview, jokes with gum to cleanse his “bad answer,” and walks him away from set bustle. She relays production’s request for meaningful, off-site date locations that reflect him, then asks why he’s really here.

Emmett admits he joined for money to support his grandparents and keep Stal Brandt afloat, noting Richard’s implicit threats about the rental fee. Julia encourages him to commit fully—either find a real connection or strategically own the persona—and help craft better dates.

When pressed for a hiking location, Emmett suggests Prickle Point, tied to his past rides with family. Julia commits to scouting it herself. Emmett ends the night with a cold shower, foregoing whiskey, chewing the offered gum as his resolve hardens.