I laugh, but inside I can’t help but be preoccupied with the worry that I’m going to fall for a man who’s not interested in me. “So you said you’ve heard the other guys talking about me?”
Brad M. nods.
“What would you think about staying around for more than a couple episodes and being my eyes and ears? Maybe you could warn me who to watch out for?”
“Sure. I’d love to stick around a while longer.” Actor Brad sends a wistful glance Lifeguard Brad’s way, and I have to smile. Maybe I won’t be the only one to find love this season.
I exit the room first, relieved to find the hallway empty. I tap on the door to let the men know the coast is clear, and then I finally find the bathroom.
When I return to the party, there are more one-on-one conversations that now take place at a tall table that’s been set up near the pool. I talk with Johnny first, and he fills the conversation with so many innuendos that I’m wondering if the editors will be able to use any of it.
I have separate meetups with each of the Brads that allow me to try out some acting skills of my own as I pretend for the cameras that they’re still viable romantic interests. When I’ve talked with everyone, it’s time for me to gather the men together and hand out a ring to the one who made the best impression on me.
At my discretion, I’ll hand out one ring on every group date, making one man safe from elimination at the next commitment ceremony. It’s a bit awkward, having to single out one person in front of all of the others, but in the end I choose the man who had my back whenever we were together today.
“Caleb, will you accept this ring and commit to our journey for another week?”
The rancher gets up from his seat between two other men and quickly comes up to accept the ring. “Absolutely. Thank you.” He kisses my cheek, and I appreciate that he doesn’t make a big physical display of affection. He’s been all about me today – protecting me in the pool, bringing me drinks, and being great company – but he also seems to be a gentleman to everyone, and I really like that about him.
When Caleb returns to his spot among the others, I speak to the group. “Thank you all for coming today. I had a lot of fun and hope you did too. I’ll see you all later in the week at the cocktail party.”
The men give me hugs and say their goodbyes before the crew shuttles me back to my home away from home. I have the rest of the day to relax, and I’m looking forward to using the downtime to process all that’s happened over the past two days.
I’ve already met a few men who seem to have great potential, but today I was only with twelve of them. Only?! Twelve was a lot, but there are still ten more men that I’ve barely spoken with yet.
9
Princess in a fairy tale
I have some time in the morning to work out, eat a leisurely breakfast, and even do some reading. I’m in the middle of a romance story about a woman who only has one man to worry about – just one. I can’t decide if I’m jealous of her or feel sorry for her.
In the afternoon, Natalie arrives with a couple of other crew members to take me to the site of my one-on-one with Marcus.
I’m in casual clothes during our half-hour ride, but when we arrive, I’m hustled into a trailer where the stylists are waiting. When I emerge ninety minutes later, I’m wearing the most beautiful midnight blue gown and expensive-looking sparkly jewelry, and my hair is in a formal updo. I’ve been transformed into a princess.
Following the detailed instructions I’ve been given, I follow a short path that leads me to a hilltop terrace overlooking the valley below. Marcus, looking every bit like a prince, is waiting for me at the terrace’s entrance.
When I met him the other night he was wearing scrubs to represent the fact that he’s a dentist, but tonight he’s in a dark suit with a crisp, white dress shirt beneath, and his thick head of brown hair is perfectly groomed.
Camera crew are already all over the site, but it’s easy to ignore them with Marcus looking so handsome. He holds out an arm to me and is the perfect escort as he leads me over to the far end of the patio.
The sun is starting to set, and the view spread out beneath us is breathtaking. The rolling hills that surround us are glowing in shades of gold and green, and I spend several minutes just standing there in awe.