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Chapter Nine
Harper
WeekThree
Huddled on the sidewalk in front of a newer area of town, I wondered for the millionth time why I’d agreed to be on the show. Fatigue rooted me to the spot where I stood, threatening to topple me over if I grew too still. I was lucky to get a handful of hours of sleep each night, and the schedule was wearing on me quickly. I hoped wherever we planned on going served copious amounts of caffeine.
“This week’s group date is all about chocolate. Why chocolate? The Aztecs believed chocolate was an aphrodisiac, a substance they could give to a loved one to make them more open to romance. And since our show is all about finding love, what better way to celebrate than a date to a local chocolate-centric restaurant: The Chocolate Chalet.” Tom gestured to the restaurant behind him as the front door opened.
I could suffer through a group date for chocolate.
Immediately, I regretted never having set foot in this place before now. Notes of warm milk, caramel, and vanilla floated in the air, and I closed my eyes to savor the scents.
“Do you think Tom is single?” Danielle came up and nudged me with her hip. “He’s really giving off that tall, dark, and handsome vibe today. Don’t y’all think?”
I glanced over at Tom, propped by the door and laughing with an employee. He wasn’t bad looking by any means, but he wasn’t my type.
“I thought you were here for Flynn?”
“Oh, honey. Anyone with eyes can see he wants you. He’s great, but I don’t stand a chance with him.”
“That’s silly,” I replied, though the words lacked conviction.
Ever since he’d asked me to date him,reallydate him on this show, something shifted. Within me, between us.
“Definitely not silly,” Candace agreed from the other side of me. She leaned over and picked up a menu for us to browse through.
“There’s only eight of us left, and you’re telling me you two aren’t even trying anymore?”
“I had no idea there were so many kinds of hot chocolate in this world,” Candace said.
“What kinds? I absolutely love hot chocolate,” Danielle replied, reaching across me to snag the menu.
“I’m not trying to get sent home, Harper. And neither is Danielle. We’re having a lot of fun here, and—”
“We’ve made a great new friend,” Danielle finished, leaning her head onto mine. “It’s not the worst thing in the world. Besides, I really enjoy having a first-row seat to watch this play out.”
On the opposite side, Candace nodded vigorously.
“I wish I knew what to say.” My cheeks heated in embarrassment. I’d never expected to make friends on the show.
“We know you love us. You don’t need to say anything.”
They hugged me simultaneously, then excitedly scurried over to the display of chocolate treats along the back wall.
Where my café was a mixture of industrial and boho, with natural accents and sleek metals, this space was warm but dark, luxurious in its deep browns, leathers, warm lighting, and dark wood. Somehow, instead of dark, it was inviting.
As I peered around, I wondered how many hidden gems were nestled in our little town that I somehow missed because I was always working or pouring back into and outside the community through events.
I spotted Flynn at the large table they’d set up to create various types of hot chocolate, Regina and Lexi each flanked on a side. His eyes locked on to mine with a look I interpreted assave meas he slightly tilted his head and made a small pleading gesture with his hands.
“I’m stealing him for a minute,” I replied, smiling through thin lips as I took his hand. We moved to an opposite end of the table, far enough away to be out of immediate earshot of the rest of the women. One of the cameramen stayed with the group, while the other moved with us.
“Thank you.” He let out a heavy breath and ran a hand across his forehead.
They’d spread ingredients from one end of the table to the other, with adorable recipe cards littered throughout. Little bowls of different types of cocoa, sugar, chips, and nuts mixed with steaming carafes of milk and coffee provided endless ideas.
“You looked like you needed a helping hand. Kind of like an injured wildebeest in the wild.” I snagged a mug and began layering and mixing ingredients.
