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I can’t tell what he’s thinking but he’s definitely thinking. “You know who I think I should date?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“A nice schoolteacher who works the same hours every day.”
He’s clearly making light of what I do, so I tell him, “I work hard, Fielden. It may seem like I only work from eight to four, but I have grading, planning, and meetings. All kinds of things happen after hours.”
He leans in and takes my hand. “I’m not saying you don’t work hard. I’m just saying you don’t work as hard as I do. I’m usually in the office by six and I never get home before seven.”
I pick up his hand like it’s a dead mouse and drop it back onto his lap. “What exactly do you think you’re offering a woman?”
“I take off two days a month,” he says, like it’s some kind of major accomplishment.
“And you’re going to beam her to Paris for those two days and treat her like a queen?” I am not going to give this loser a chance, because he does not deserve one.
“I can’t do that. I play basketball with my friends one afternoon a month and I have other commitments.”
“Again, Fielden, it doesn’t sound like you have a lot to offer a woman.”
“I’m on the partner track. That takes a lot of time.”
“And what does becoming a partner get you?”
“A lot more money.”
“Money you apparently aren’t willing to share.” I push myselftoward the edge of the couch while telling him, “You might think you’re a catch, but it’s pretty clear to me why you’re still single.” As a parting shot, I add, “I think you might need to Venmo your dates, after all.”
Trina follows me as I walk away. When she catches up, she says, “You were kind of hard on him, weren’t you?”
“Excuse me?”
“Remember, it’s important to get to know someone without making them feel like they’re being attacked. You pretty much told Fielden the only way he’ll get a girlfriend is if he pays for one.”
I put both hands out in front of me with my palms up like I’m balancing cantaloupes. “He complained that all women wanted from him was his money, and then he proceeded to say that he can’t date women who have their own lives because they won’t be able to bend to his schedule.”
Trina shakes her dark head firmly. “He’s as nervous to be here as you are. I was serious when I told you it can take time to get to know a person.”
“I’m not going to date that guy,” I tell her firmly.
“You came onMidwestern Matchmakerbecause you’re looking for love. Take it from me, Paige. You might think you know everything, but if you did, you wouldn’t need this show.”
Obviously, I don’t know much about dating but Trina’s making it sound like I don’t have a right to my own opinion. “I thought I got to decide who I wanted to go out with.”
“You do.” Her voice softens. “But you have to trust that I may know things you don’t, and I’m telling you I have a good feeling about you and Fielden.”
“Unless he’s an ex-Eagle Scout who feeds homeless veterans every day while knitting sweaters for needy youth, I’m not interested.”
She arches one eyebrow in an intimidating way. “You promised to give people a chance. This show only works if our guests are open-minded. I’d like to shoot another segment withyou two at tomorrow night’s mixer. I promise you won’t regret it.”
Oh, for the love of …“Fine, Trina. I’ll give Fielden one more shot, but I am not making any promises.”
“That’s all I ask.” She offers me a big smile before turning and walking away.
Meanwhile, I head back into the mixer. Everyone seems to be deep in conversation with someone, so I decide this is a good time to hit the buffet and fortify myself.
I pile a plate high with meatballs, tempura shrimp, baked potato bites, and assorted charcuterie. Nothing is safe when I have the munchies.
I’m so focussed on my food, I hear Tim before I see him. “Save something for other people.”
