I knew I’d regret that.
“Ouch!” Rob says.
Cut to a sexy-looking blonde in a low-cut tank. Chloe. “I’ve tried every app, but all the guys just want one thing from me. And it doesn’t involve putting a ring on it.”
Ryker, the “digital nomad” contestant from Australia, wolf whistles in his seat. Most of the singles from the show are sitting together at a long, banquet-style picnic table. Chloe is surrounded by all three of the men, laughing and joking as if they’ve all known each other for ages. Lacey and Paula are sitting together a few feet away. Lacey is distracted. She keeps stealing jealous glances at the cluster. If looks could kill, Chloe would be in serious trouble.
“Do you have a pen on you?” Jackson nudges me. “I need a pen. Cappy’s friend’s license plate was in that video. I want to write it down. Maybe I can find a way to contact him.”
“Oh right! That’s the guy that has your laptop?” I hand him the pen and he jots something on a napkin while I go back to watching the video.
“I’m looking forthe one,” a tall, dark, burly man is speaking into the camera. “As a former firefighter, I’ve come face to face with the consequences of dangerous combinations. This show is calledPlaying with Matches,but I’m not playing here. I’m ready to embrace the next chapter of my life, and I’m ready to embrace the woman I plan to spend the rest of my days with.” A buzz of appreciative cheers and clapping follows.
“That’s kind of morbid, don’t you think?” Jackson asks.
“I think it’s kind of sweet,” I say, closing my eyes, trying to shut out the noise so I can picture Owen and Paula together with their grandkids.
I get nothing. But I try not to let it worry me. They seemed like they’d be so great together when I looked at their files. I glance at Paula again. She’s crocheting something, without looking at it, which makes sense, given that she is almost completely blind.
Lacey’s up next. “I’m still learning about who I am, but this is definitely the year of ME! I know I’m a lot, but I’m not willing to settle. Come and get me if you think you can handle me. I’m Lacey, and you’d better be ready to treat me like your queen,” Lacey pouts, flutters her furry lashes, and blows a kiss.
“I’m Ryker, and I’m a full time nomad. I’m looking for the right woman who shares my sense of adventure. If it works out, we can talk about going the distance.” Ryker slings his backpack over his shoulder and winks at the camera.
“Duuude! This place is the bomb!” a brawny man does a cannonball into the pool. I recognize Darwin.
“There’s more to me than meets the eye.” Paula is walking towards a lounge chair at the pool. The tiny woman is wearing dark sunglasses and a pale pink bikini that shows off her natural curves. At the last moment, the camera pans around to show her sparkly cane, and it becomes clear she is blind. “I guess you could say I’m ‘looking’ for the perfect match, but it might not be love at first sight for me.”
The power cuts out, and the screen suddenly goes black.
“Sorry! Sorry!” Rob jumps back up on the stage and speaks loudly, so everyone can hear. “There’s still some power issues from the storm earlier. Take some time to introduce yourselves to each other. Don’t stay up too late. We’ll be starting filming tomorrow afternoon, and you’ll want to be at your best for our first matchmaking ceremony. We have loads of fun planned. In case you haven’t noticed, this place is amazing. Take advantage of all the amenities and activities as you mix, mingle, and get to know each other. That’s what we’re here for!”
“I feel like I’m on a singles cruise,” Jackson mutters in my ear. “Does this feel like a singles cruise to you?”
“It reminds me more of a summer camp,” I whisper back. “Have you ever been on a singles cruise?”
“No. Have you ever been to camp?” He slaps his arm. “A cruise might be preferable. Fewer bugs.”
“Try and keep an open mind,” I say. “Great things could be happening here. You saw that rainbow earlier; why not wait and see?”
“Because I’m seeing the people that they gave us to cast. They’re not looking for love, Isla. They’re looking for a SAG card.” Jackson shakes his head.
“Can’t they want both?” I ask.
Rob whistles loudly to get our attention.
“A couple of housekeeping items,” Rob says. “I was hoping to introduce you all to our host Marco tonight, but he and a few other last minute additions to the team got caught in the storm and won’t be arriving till early tomorrow morning.
“Please be sure to check in your phones and any other wifi-enabled devices before you head back to your rooms. And hey, no hooking up yet!” Rob points at Ryker, who has an arm draped around Chloe. “Save it for the show! Otherwise, get a good night’s sleep. And cast members - don’t forget to stop by the production tents before bed to do your first impression confessionals.”
* * *
“What do you know about Marco?”Jackson asks on the way back to the room.
“Well... He’s a lot.” I can’t help but let out a little laugh recalling him stripping off his shirt and leaping on the table at my Rome book signing. Jackson doesn’t miss it.
“Uh oh. You gonna share the joke?”
“I don’t actually know him very well,” I admit. “But he’s a type. Very handsome and hunky. Charismatic in a goofy way. Huge social following, and he’s a bonafide celeb in Italy. Anyone who reads romance novels will recognize him immediately. I’m sure he appeals to the show’s demographic or they wouldn’t have chosen him,” I say.
