If possible, the inside of the house was even more stunning than the outside. The first room Jett stepped into was thoroughly modern in design, with glass walls, a multitude of hanging and free-standing artwork, and a neat arrangement of chairs and a sectional couch in the center. There were few dividers between the different rooms, so the living area and kitchen space overlapped, giving the first floor a very open feeling.

A crew member hurried to relieve Jett of his bags and waved a hand, gesturing at the kitchen side of the room where the other participants were all gathered. Jett murmured a quick ‘thank you’ to the man, and then headed towards the group. However, when he was about halfway to the kitchen, he paused. They were still waiting for the last person to arrive, so he had a bit of time to look around. [i]This is my last chance to explore without a camera following my every move.[/i] He turned and walked around the living area side of the room instead. Unsure how long it would be until the final participant arrived, he only took a few minutes to wander, but in that time he discovered a number of interesting things about the house, including a small aquarium built into one of the interior pillars, an enormous Jacuzzi on the back patio, and an open air bar. By the time he came back to join the others in the kitchen he was grinning excitedly, picturing the luxurious summer he was going to have at this millionaire estate. [i]And if I become famous, I could live in a place like this someday.[/i]

Jett took a seat at the table with the other six participants who had already arrived. Not surprisingly, they looked like a pretty diverse bunch. There were four other young men and two young women, all looking like they were roughly in their early-to-mid twenties. Out of all of them, he only recognized one: Ethan Hale, a fellow actor who largely took on jobs in the advertisement industry. Though Jett knew his face, he didn’t know much else about the kid. They had once auditioned for the same role in a short TV series—as a more seasoned actor, Jett was the one who had received the part—but that was the only time they had ever come across each other until now.

[i]As for the rest of this group…[/i] Jett’s green eyes swept over each person. [i]I might as well find out who I’m gonna be living with.[/i] “So,” he said. “Sitting here with a bunch of people I’ve never met… Being watched by a mediator…” he gestured at the bespectacled director standing near the head of the table. “Kinda feels like an AA meeting. I feel like I should introduce myself or something.” He paused, taking a deep breath as he adopted a sudden anxious demeanor. “Hi, my name is Jett…”

“Hello, Jett,” a blonde man spoke up from the other side of the table, smirking jokingly as he played along.

“…And I’ve been addicted to apple juice for six years,” Jett sighed in mock relief. “Wow, it feels good to get that off my chest.” The others laughed, and they spent the rest of the time waiting for the last participant by going around in a circle, each one introducing him or herself and confessing ridiculous addictions and habits. Just as they made it once around, a blonde girl wearing a pink top stepped into the room and joined them all at the last open seat at the table. With everyone finally accounted for, the announcer and the cameraman who had greeted them out front came inside.

“Alright!” the announcer said loudly. “Good to see you’re all getting to know each other. The people sitting around you now will be your friends, your comrades, your family, your rivals, your partners in crime, and for some of you… your lovers.” [i]They’re really hung up on this ‘lover’ thing,[/i] Jett mused, setting his elbow on the table and resting his chin on his hand. [i]Romantic flings must make for good ratings in this type of show.[/i] “From now until the end of summer, this dream house is yours to use as you please,” the announcer went on. “You have access to all of it: the hot tub, the game room, the theater, the bar… everything is yours through September. The only place you won’t be able to wander to and from at all hours of the day is that shaded little spot outside.” He pointed at a covered area to the right of the Jacuzzi, where three, cushioned benches were arranged around a fireplace. “That is where we’ll be doing all of your confessionals throughout the show. Apart from that pretty little place, you have free reign. 

“As for your rooms, they have already been assigned, and your luggage has been dropped off accordingly. Whenever you’re ready, you can go find the room with your nameplate and arrange it however you’d like. Now then, I think I’ve done enough jabbering. Go and enjoy yourselves in this Oceanside paradise!”