Page 158 of Fever Dream
CHAPTER 48
Julia
MY FILM CREWcarefully positions themselves to capture every angle of this moment. Nothing’s set in stone, but my gut has never led me wrong when it comes to Emmett.
I stand at the corner of the arena listening to the latest episode of Catherine’s newly funded podcast,Murdery Things, just to distract myself from the nervous energy surging through my veins.
The season has been something of a dream. Richard’s reputation tanked, which forced him out of the business. Last I checked he was working at a men’s clothing store. Emmett andthe Brandts got paid once the contract breach was presented to the studio, and the show will never see the light of day. The network folded like origami once Maxwell started peppering them with the laundry list of contractual and workplace standard violations.
I received aglowingrecommendation from the network along with payment for the full season.
Even Evelyn made it out okay in the end. She’s currently sailing the Caribbean as a contestant onClose Quarters, the network’s top-rated reality show. Living the dream starting shit on the high seas, no doubt.
The cherry on top? Out ofRomance Ranch’s ashes, a fresh opportunity rose and presented itself to me.
A documentary filmmaker reached out, offering me a chance to work on a season-long docuseries following the WBRF riders on the road. As an assistant director.
As Gabriel Silva’s daughter and Theo Silva’s sister, they felt I was uniquely qualified for the job. And I jumped at the opportunity.
It’s not Hollywood or where I want to end up in the long run, but there is something undeniably healing and sentimental about being a part of a show that is so dear to my heart. As driven as I am, I need to savor the journey of getting where I want to go.
And this journey has been unforgettable. Especially because Emmett and I have been inseparable for the past nine months. We’re joined at the hip.
We travel together. We work together, fall asleep together, wake up together. And miraculously, we just keep growing closer. What started as something that could’ve been mistaken for early obsession, or the pressures of the show, or the forbidden aspect of sneaking around has proven to be the seeds that have grown into the vines of a real relationship.
Vines that have grown wild and full, constricting and pulling us closer.
And now it’s the grand finale. This is the moment everyone has been waiting for. Theo’s final ride wasn’t his best. He didn’t last the full eight seconds, and as much as I love my brother, and would never admit it out loud, I was relieved. Theo’s stumble cleared the way for Emmett to win the whole thing.
Anything above ninety points will give him his first WBRF championship and let him retire on the highest of high notes. A career for the record books.
Theo can take it next year.
I watched my brother approach Emmett with a gruff but teasing, “I did that on purpose. Just to give you a shot. Consider it a welcome to the family.”
Emmett grinned at him. “Well, if you’re going to pretend it was on purpose, who am I to argue?” Then he shouldered him—good-natured this time. “As a member of the family or whatever.”
Seeing the two of them shit-talk lovingly warmed my heart, gave me a sense of peace. A sense of knowing.
Because this year is Emmett’s. I want it for him so badly I can taste it. I could barely sleep last night, and he’s been quiet today.
Going no-contact with his dad was harder on him than I expected, but freeing in the best way.
Now he can stand on his own.
Become a WBRF champion, won and earned without Carl’s shadow looming over him. Just Emmett, years of hard work, and all that natural talent.
And of course, he has me by his side.
He’s stuck close, always touching me in that way he does when he’s preoccupied. I know his mind is running a hundred miles a minute, but being near me soothes him.
An hour ago, I held his face, kissed him, and told him I loved him with all my heart.
Then I gave him a little shake and said, “Win this for me, Brandt.”
He’d given me a firm nod and a deep kiss and walked away to warm up.
A man on a mission.
