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him with my eyes, he winked his reply. He wanted to be caught. My stomach did a
triple back flip and I could not tear my eyes away from him. This was it… I was in deep trouble now.
After Randall’s instructions we could relax and enjoy the evening. We had a few hours to mingle and then
Anthony would leave and we would get settled in for the next four days before the dreaded ceremony. It
reminded me of the days of old when a girl had a dance card. This was a date card. If Anthony does not have a
date card for you, you go home, your dance was over.
I was hoping to get to Anthony first after the speech but the flock of women vying for his attention was
serious competition, and a bit menacing. I let the first group of women get their turn to chat with him, and avoided
any claw marks. I was hoping to get my turn to talk to Anthony soon, though.
I relaxed and moved to the kitchen in search of something to drink besides wine. I found some lemon-lime
soda, poured it in my empty wine glass, and rejoined the party. I saw Anthony seated on a large couch chatting and
laughing with a group of five women. He looked comfortable and calm, with the experience of being one of
twenty-five contestants on last season’s show. I walked by slowly. Listening to the conversation, I hoped to glean
more about him. Perhaps I was eager to get his attention a little, or a lot.
I saw his eyes slowly turned to me as I walked by. His black hair swept back formally, his dark eyes
grinning.
“Pardon me ladies.” He said in a low voice, he stood up and walked to me. He took my arm and led me
wordlessly outside.
“Hello again, Anthony.” I said, in a near whisper. He was taking me to the far side of the terrace. There
was a railing that overlooked the valley. I could not care any less about the view of the valley. All I could see was
Anthony. His presence was more intimidating in person, the pictures looked good, the real man was intoxicating.
“Who are you, Hannah? Are you real?” He asked and I felt the same way. This seemed like a fantastic
dream.
“Well I think I am real, not sure today, though. I am pretty sure tonight is very different from anything I
have ever experienced before.” I was trying to be myself. I didn’t want to pretend to be anyone but me.
“I feel nervous around you Hannah. I am not sure if I am breaking some kind of dating rule by feeling what I
feel after knowing you for a full two minutes. I don’t even know you. What’s happening here?” He took my hand
and held it over his heart. I could feel it pounding as hard as mine.
“Well, my mother would say its called attraction and she would get all giddy and giggly. My dad would say
that it’s a spark and that God gave us the spark and it’s our job not to burn the house down.” I said, practically.
“That is wise, and just what my father would agree with.” Anthony took my hand off his heart and held it
for a minute at his side. His fingers wrapped around mine easily. It felt like heaven on earth. “The show’s
producers told me there were some girls who shared my values here on the show. I hope you mentioned what
your father said as your cue to me that you watched the last season of Soulmate ?”
“I did, I admitted, bravely, that you were the reason I came on the show. I was only interested because you
were good Christian man.” I was shaking a little as I spoke, overwhelming emotions were obviously taking over my
nervous system.
“I am so glad to meet you Hannah. Tell me about you.” He said in a low voice that calmed me.
“Well I work as a professional photographer for magazine and also freelance commercial work.” I said,
watching his eyes as they stared into mine. It was making me a little self-conscious but I was trying not to be
bashful and look away.
“Wow, not an easy career to maintain unless you are very talented. I like that you are in a creative field,
you know how to face competition. The challenge is to capture a vision for the client.”