“I like you too,” I tell him, and really wish we were alone. There’s only so much I’m willing to say on camera.
We kiss again, and then we sit, heads tilted together, holding hands, as the wagon circles around to take us back to our starting point. Everything with James feels easy, fun, natural.
But then there’s Marcus, and his heartfelt words. And Xavier, who tugs at me no matter what I tell myself. I have a one-on-one date with Samuel tomorrow, and I’m excited about that, too.
How am I ever going to choose? It seems impossible. At least I still have time to figure things out.
22
Instant butterflies
My date with Samuel takes place at a photo studio in the city. When I enter, he’s waiting, and looks a bit nervous. Then he sees me, and his face lights up.
He comes over and gives me a brief kiss. “Thank you for choosing me for this date.”
“It feels like we never get enough time to talk,” I say.
“I agree.”
That’s the last of our conversation for a while, though, as we’re taken off to our own dressing areas to change. The producers have chosen an old-fashioned theme. They style me like an idealized beauty of the early 20th century, in a long, form-fitting dress with my hair twisted up into a fancy knot.
Samuel’s in a suit with a straw hat. A flash of red draws my eye to his neck. “Another bowtie,” I tease.
He gives me his beautiful smile with that hint of shyness. “They seem to like it on me.”
“I do too,” I tell him, and his smile gets bigger.
There’s an antique bicycle to complete our look – a stylish couple from over a century ago. After photos are taken in various poses, they put us in prince / princess costumes, complete with “thrones” for us to sit on. It’s all great fun, but I like it even more when we switch to modern swimwear.
I’m in a black and white polka-dotted bikini, and I don’t even pretend not to ogle Samuel in his low-slung shorts. The flash of desire in his eyes lets me know he appreciates what he sees, too. The photographer has us stand close together, striking various poses, and the heat from Samuel’s body kindles an answering fire inside me.
Finally, they take me back to the dressing area and produce a wedding dress. I have instant butterflies at the thought of “marrying” Samuel. I don’t know enough about him yet, but everything I’ve learned so far has been good.
What will he look like in wedding clothes? I can’t wait to find out.
He’s in a black tux with tails, with a white vest, and another bowtie. “Bowties are going to hit a new high in popularity after this episode airs,” I tell him with a grin. “You look amazing.”
Samuel chuckles quietly. “Thank you.” Is it my imagination, or is there a touch of solemnity to him now? Maybe the thought of marrying me is too much, too soon.
Whatever he’s thinking, he doesn’t seem to mind holding me close while we pose. After a few shots, he whispers in my ear, “You look stunning, Olivia. You took my breath away.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, and cuddle closer to him for our final pose.
After we’re back in our own clothes, we’re both quiet. I think our “wedding” has reminded us both what’s at stake, and how life-changing this show could turn out to be. We don’t talk much as we ride to a nearby restaurant.
The producers have arranged to have it cleared of other diners. We sit at a small, round table, and the staff bring us little plates of a variety of trendy dishes. The cameras have to be around somewhere, but I’m scarcely conscious of them as we eat and talk.
“I know a few things about you,” I start. “You’re an inventor and a bartender, you have a brother, and you look damn good in a bowtie. Give me some more Samuel facts.”
“Well.” He pats his mouth with a napkin. “I’m twenty-eight, and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. I also have two sisters … and a dog named Penny, who’s staying with my youngest sister.”
“What kind of dog is Penny?”
“She’s a beagle mix. Very smart, very stubborn, and very sweet.”
I smile. “She sounds like fun. Your sister doesn’t mind keeping her?”
“No, everyone loves Penny, and we’re over at each other’s places all the time anyway, so it wasn’t a big adjustment. I just hope my sister doesn’t spoil her too much.” He says it with an easy smile that tells me he and his sister are close.
“What about you?” he says. “Tell me more about your family and your town.”
I explain about my brother and my niece and the summer tourists who transform the island every year. “So you’re used to change,” he says, and his eyes shine with intelligence as well as warmth. “What do you hope to get from the show?”