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I follow along on the teleprompter as she continues. “And don’t forget to tune in tomorrow, on Valentine’s Day, as we have each of our couples from this week back to see if they found the one —or at least the one for now— and compete for the grand prize.”
She spins toward me. “But let’s get started meeting today’s couple. First up is Chris, here with me already. Chris, good morning. Thanks for joining us.”
“My pleasure.”
“Are you excited about your blind date today?”
“Absolutely.”
She nods and glances down at the card in her hand. “From your profile, we see you live and work on the Upper East Side and enjoy racquetball, reading, and traveling. Can you tell us what your favorite thing is about Valentine’s Day?”
Favorite thing about Valentine’s Day?
“I like those candy hearts. You know, the ones with the sayings on them,” I say, relieved to have thought of something.
“Conversation hearts, yes, of course. We all know those tiny pastel sweets. A classic Valentine’s Day treat. Are you ready to meet your blind date, Chris? A woman whoThe Onethought could be the one for you.”
“I’m ready.”
“Well, let’s not keep you waiting any longer. Cassie, can you come on out and join us?”
Cassie.
I repeat her name under my breath. No matter how small, this bit of information, her name on my lips, somehow makes this whole situation very real in a way it wasn’t before.
Cassie emerges from backstage and steps into the light, making her way toward us in a black dress with a tentative smile.
“Chris, we’d like you to meet Cassie. Cassie, this is Chris.”
Cassie extends a hand, and we shake, a wince flickering across her features at the touch. Not the response I was expecting, especially because I can’t believe my good fortune at being matched with this breathtaking woman. I glance down to see her fingers are red and raw; the skin is calloused and tender. I frown, but she tugs her hand away and hides them behind her back.
“Before we get to know Cassie, what’s your first take, Chris? Your initial impression?”
I’m a physician, a man of science, but rational thought seems to have escaped me at the moment.
“She’s… she’s gorgeous.”
Cassie dips her chin and Ashley laughs. “The Oneseems to think there’s a chance you two are a match made in heaven, and it looks like Chris might agree, but let’s get to know a bit about Cassie before we get to the challenge. Cassie, good morning. Thanks for being here.”
“Thank you.” Cassie pulls her eyes away from me and clears her throat. “Glad to be here.”
“Now, according to our sources, you’re a florist right here with one of Manhattan’s premier floral studios, White Glove Florist. You also enjoy live comedy, interior design, and puzzles. Tell us, Cassie, what’s your favorite thing about Valentine’s Day?”
Cassie stills for a beat, as if she’s never given it a thought. I know the feeling. Finally, she says, “You’d think I’d be sick of roses by now, but they’ve always been my favorite flower. And especially at this time of year when they’re everywhere.”
Ashley nods. “Roses, of course. Who doesn’t love receiving a big, beautiful bouquet on Valentine’s Day from their one true love, right?”
“Of course.”
“Chris, are you taking notes?”
There’s no way I need to take notes when it comes to this woman, no way I’m going to forget a thing about her. But I can’t say that. Instead, I pin Cassie with my eyes.
“Absolutely.”
3
Cassie
