Contents
Chapter 19: Julia
Overview
On a scenic date setup Julia arranged, Richard pressures Emmett to choose Evelyn and stage a kiss for drama. Emmett complies but doesn’t reciprocate; when he pulls away, Evelyn falls into cacti, ending the scene. Julia’s jealousy and Emmett’s visible discomfort deepen their unspoken connection. Julia also discovers she was a last-minute hire after Richard allegedly blacklisted her predecessor.
Summary
Julia banters with her brother Theo before overseeing a romantic date setup at Prickle Point, a location Emmett suggested and she scouted. Director of photography Ben casually reveals that the crew disparagingly calls Richard “Dick Wad” and that Julia’s predecessor quit and was allegedly blacklisted, leaving Julia uneasy but determined to perform.
Julia observes Richard coaching Emmett to engineer drama: choose Evelyn, spark jealousy, and kiss on cue. Emmett appears resistant, exchanging brief, conflicted glances with Julia. Despite Emmett’s hesitation, Richard insists, prioritizing ratings over authenticity.
When the women arrive, Emmett names Evelyn. Julia is torn—she despises the manipulation but understands Emmett’s financial motive to save the farm. During the picnic, Evelyn flirts aggressively and frames her life-coach career as compatible with life on the Brandt farm, which stokes Julia’s jealousy and protectiveness toward the Brandts.
At sunset, Evelyn initiates a kiss. Emmett keeps his hands back, eyes open, locking gazes with Julia. As Evelyn tries to straddle him, Emmett jerks away; she tumbles into cactus spines and cries out. The take halts. When Evelyn asks for help, Emmett claims he’s bad with blood—contradicting his earlier care for Julia’s injury—signaling avoidance rather than inability.
Richard calls cut in frustration. Julia, not wanting to be implicated or watch retakes, withdraws down the trail, conflicted yet satisfied that Emmett didn’t play along. She recognizes their private connection, the show’s manipulation, and her precarious standing under Richard’s authority.
Who Appears
- JuliaLocation manager; scouts Prickle Point, witnesses Richard’s manipulation, feels jealousy during Emmett–Evelyn date, leaves after the cactus mishap.
- Emmett BrandtBachelor pressured to pick Evelyn and kiss her; visibly uncomfortable, avoids reciprocating, recoils causing her cactus fall, looks to Julia.
- Richard WadsworthExecutive producer pushing drama; orders Emmett to choose Evelyn and kiss for ratings; frustrated when the scene collapses.
- EvelynContestant selected for the date; overtly flirts and initiates a kiss; falls into cacti; asks Emmett for help.
- BenDirector of photography; praises the location and reveals crew disdain for Richard and the predecessor’s abrupt exit.
- TheoJulia’s brother; lightens the opening with texts, underscoring Julia’s secrecy about the show.
- AkiraContestant; reacts skeptically when Evelyn is chosen.
- CatherineContestant; shares whispered skepticism with Akira about the Evelyn pick.
- JadaContestant; shoots Richard a dubious look, sensing producer manipulation.