Four Keeps

My best friend, Bianca, said that she would probably start at the front row and work her way left to right, trying to spend equal time with each of the bachelors. I’m all for being equitable, but I also know that the producers want the show to be interesting; viewers want drama – something they can ooh and ahh about as they make their predictions for the season.

I scan the field and then head for two very mismatched types standing next to each other in the front row. First, I introduce myself to the sandy-haired man in the business suit. He surprises me by returning my greeting with a hug. “I’m Brad,” he says when he releases me from his warm embrace. “It’s great to meet you.”

To his side, several feet away, there’s a man wearing board shorts, a smile, and nothing else. I gesture for him to join us. “Hi, I’m Olivia. C’mon over.”

“I’m Brad too,” he says once he’s closed the distance between us. Brad #1 is attractive, but Brad #2 is beautiful, with pale blue eyes, a thick head of sun-bleached hair, and tan skin.

All three of us laugh at the coincidence. “Brad and Brad. It’s nice to meet you both. Did they put you all in alphabetical order by first name?” The two men, one looking like he just walked out of an office, the other like he’s fresh off the beach, shake hands and smile at each other. That’s a good sign.

Women on this show have always talked with the men one at a time on the premiere. I had an idea to gather them in small groups so that I can observe how they interact with each other.

Watching For Keeps for so long, I’ve seen plenty of men who act like Prince Charming when they’re with the woman, but when she’s not around, they’re jerks to the other men. Sure, the men may still be on their best behavior right now, but having them talk with each other might give me some early clues to their true personalities.

“What do you both do?” I ask. I don’t usually inquire about men’s jobs first thing, but with them dressed the way they are, it seems like the most obvious conversation starter.

“I’m a lawyer,” Brad #1 says. “Corporate law.”

“And I’m a lifeguard,” Brad #2 says, smiling broadly at both me and Lawyer Brad, and surprising neither of us with his answer. “What about you? What do you do?” he asks me.

“I’m a hairstylist.”

“I’ll bet you could have a fun time styling this guy,” Lawyer Brad says, gesturing at Lifeguard Brad’s floppy head of golden hair. At first I take his remark as some sort of competitive dig, but Lawyer Brad’s face is sincere. When he sees me looking at him, his expression turns sheepish. “I just mean … um … he has a lot of hair.”

Lifeguard Brad runs a hand through his locks, taking it as a compliment.

From the corner of my eye, I catch sight of two cameramen. I was coached to expect the omnipresence of cameras and I was given tips on how to pretend they’re not there, but it may take some practice.

“I look forward to learning more about both of you,” I tell the Brads before I drift away to draw a few different men together in the second row.

There’s a cowboy, who I think is named Brock, or maybe Berk. I pull him into a conversation with a personal trainer and an auto mechanic before I move along to form another cluster of men.

Another incongruous pair standing next to each other that catch my attention are a pale, clean-cut man in baby blue medical scrubs and a heavily tattooed Latino wearing a black hoodie, baggy jeans, and a black trucker hat. Just like all of the men gathered here, they are both extremely attractive.

“Olivia? I’m very glad to meet you. I’m Xavier.” The man with warm brown skin has beautiful eyes that I momentarily get lost in. His jaw is covered with closely-trimmed dark hair and his lips look soft and –

“Hi, Olivia, I’m Marcus.” The man in scrubs holds out his hand, derailing my train of thought, which was headed straight for sexytown.

As I shake his hand, I give a nod to his clothing. “You’re a medical professional?”

“A dentist,” he says with a nod. “I have my own practice in the small town where I grew up.”

“Oh, that’s nice. I’m from a small town myself.”

“I know.” He smiles. “I looked you up. Maybe after you get to know me, you’ll invite me to go see your hometown.”

Ooh, Marcus comes on strong. I don’t mind that. He’s no doubt referring to a later stage of the show, where, after I send most of the men home, I’ll be inviting the final three to meet my family and see where I live.