Four Keeps

“How did you get into dentistry?” I ask.

“My dad is a dentist. I joined his practice.”

“That’s nice.” I take a sip of wine and, noticing my glass is low, Marcus tops it off.

“I was thinking you could join the practice too,” he says.

I tilt my head and look at him in confusion. I went to school for cosmetology, passed exams to earn a license, and I’m very experienced at what I do. I hope he’s not suggesting I might want to forget all of that to work as a receptionist at his office.

“We could get a two-for-one type business going,” he says. “While people are in the chair for their dental exam, you could cut their hair.”

My head falls back in laughter and surprise at his silly idea. It’s cute though, and sweet.

The conversation continues to flow as we finish our meal. After a crew member clears our plates, Natalie gives me a cue. One of the commitment rings has been on the table throughout dinner, resting on a little black velvet pillow.

I don’t have to think twice about the decision. “Marcus, will you commit to our journey for another week?”

“Of course.” He takes the offered ring, closes it in his fist, and leans across the table to cup my jaw in his other hand. When his lips meet mine, everything feels right. No sparks or fireworks, but solid and good. Comfort and stability – not the passionate danger the old me thrived on.

“Would you like to dance?” he asks when we part.

No doubt cued by a producer, the musicians switch from playing soft background music to a more distinctive, romantic tune.

Marcus takes my hand and pulls me close, and twirls us around the terrace. There’s no seductive hip action like Xavier – that wouldn’t be Marcus’s style, and that’s precisely why I chose him for this date.

I’m learning that I don’t need bad boy thrills to have a wonderful time with a man.

10

A drug called lust

The first cocktail party – with all twenty-two men in attendance – is a blur of conversations. Everyone seems to want to make their mark, since the next time I see them, I’ll have to send four men home.

I’m not complaining – not at all – but I am glad to have a short break when Brad M. comes to claim me for a private chat.

“I wanted to let you know I’m on the job. I don’t have any particular intel for you yet, but I’m keeping my eyes and ears open.”

“That’s great. Thanks.”

“Is there anyone in particular you’re unsure about? Or particularly interested in?”

Xavier comes to mind as an answer to both questions. I’m interested in him, but also pretty sure I shouldn’t be. It’s still really early though, and I’m not ready to name any favorites. “No one in particular. Just let me know if there’s anyone who’s causing trouble or who seems to be here for reasons other than getting to know me.”

“Will do,” Brad confirms. “Do you know who you’re going to send home this week?”

“I have a few in mind.” I’m still having difficulty remembering all of the names, but I run a few ideas by him of guys who haven’t made much of an impression on me, and who haven’t seemed like they really cared one way or another about being here.

“Those seem like solid choices,” he says. “You’re good keeping Brad B. and me around a while longer?”

“Sure. How are things going between you two?”

He frowns and shrugs. “It really shook him up when you walked in on us.” Seeing my face, Brad rushes to say, “Don’t feel bad. It’s just that he’s newly out. I’m not even sure he fully realized he was gay when he applied to be on this show, but I guess sharing a house with dozens of men helped him see the light.”

I can’t help but smile at that, though I imagine exploring your sexuality on the set of a reality TV program can’t be easy. “Do you have much privacy over there, or are the cameras with you 24/7?”

“The cameras aren’t there all the time, but there are twenty other guys in the house with us.”

I frown, thinking about how hard it must be for them to find time alone. “Well, there’ll be four fewer guys by the weekend, and the numbers will keep dwindling.”

“I don’t expect you to keep us around forever,” he says.

“I’ll see what I can do. I appreciate having a spy in the mansion.”

“Glad to help.” He gives me a little salute and I crack up. Since I can’t check in with my BFF, I’m grateful to someone here to help me evaluate the men. I do believe that Natalie wants me to find love, but her bigger priority is the entertainment value of the show, so it will be nice to be able to discuss things with someone more impartial, like Brad.