37. Jace
JACE
Producer: “What’s been missing from your past relationships?”
Jace: “I don’t know if this will sound creepy, but I want to be obsessed with my partner. I want to find someone who I look forward to seeing when we’re apart, who I want to do the boring parts of life with. I don’t think I’ve ever had that.”
“Iapologize in advance if my planned date seems boring in comparison,” I warn. “I went a little more traditional.”
“I’m sure it’ll be great,” K assures me with a laugh. “What’s our plan?”
“You said your favorite food is sushi, and I’m sure it won’t compare to New York, but one of the producers is from Atlanta and assured me that they knew of a place that was great.”
“Oh my god, yes! I’m so sick of my own cooking. I’m so excited I’d kiss you if we were actually together.”
“Note to self: bring sushi when we meet,” I tease, really wishing we could skip to that part now. “Me too, though. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I went multiple days in a row making all my food.”
“Does that mean one of us needs to learn how to cook?”
My stomach flutters at the casual implication that we’ll be eating together going forward. “Nah, we can just take turns choosing where we get takeout from.”
“Okay, perfect. I’ve already committed to the whole cross-stitch thing, adding learning how to cook would probably be too much,” they deadpan.
“Basically impossible,” I agree with another laugh. “Do you want to watch a movie after dinner and really round out the stereotypical date night?”
“Obviously. Can we watch a cheesy romcom?”
“Perfect. They should be delivering popcorn and watermelon Sour Patch Kids to your living room during our dinner.”
“Bonus points for remembering my favorite candy, too.”
I grin, thinking about our favorite snack foods popping up in our lightning question round. “Do I need bonus points? Was my date idea so bad that you’re ready to dump me?” I tease.
“Definitely not, just pointing out that you’re doing so well I don’t think you’ll be able to get rid of me even if you wanted to.”
The fluttering in my stomach intensifies. “Can I be honest, K?”
“Always.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever want to get rid of you,” I admit.
If I don’t think about how strange this whole situation is, that I have no idea about so many details of who K is, if I only focus on my feelings for them, it’s easy to picture more nights like this.
The fact that we haven’t met doesn’t change how much I want K to be a part of my life.
The relief that I feel when they finally respond is overwhelming. “Good answer.”
We finish dinner, and it’s just as great as the rest of our time has been.
We move into our living rooms and switch back to a call as the producers make sure our movies start at the same time.
We’ve both seen the one we chose before, so we make a lot of commentary throughout that’s even more entertaining than the film.
It’s another great day with KD.
I truly hope they say yes when I ask them to move in with me.
Today is the last day of the “blind” part of the show. Finally.
Even though LM and I are technically still matched, we’ve only been texting each other updates and encouragement. Right now though, we’re both freaking out a bit about the possibility of having to go home if the person we want to move in with doesn’t feel the same way.
LM
On a scale of “mild anxiety” to “full-blown freak out” how stressed are you about tonight?
JR
LOL, full-blown panic. Who knew only leaving one person as your top pick would be so nerve-racking.
LM
We definitely should have thought of that sooner. Not that I had any other options I actually liked haha. I really don’t want to leave here alone. I can’t fathom the thought of dating again outside of this experience.
JR
I’m right there with you. At least we formed a solid friendship out of this, right? But from what it sounds like on your end, BB is likely to pick you too.
LM
I really, really hope so. How are things with KD?
JR
Good! I think we’ve built a really strong connection, it’s almost like I’ve known them for years instead of a few days. But then again, it’s my ONLY connection so I hope they feel it as strongly as I do.
LM
I get that. That’s how it is with BB for me. I didn’t expect it at all, but now I can’t imagine leaving here without them.
JR
I feel the same way. Although, KD has been in my top since the beginning, unlike BB for you, haha. But it’s terrifying not knowing for sure if you’ll be picked and if they feel the same way about us that we feel about them.
LM
Here’s to hoping for double dates in the future! Keep me updated on how it goes. I want to know everything.
JR
Same to you!
Any minute now, KD and I will meet in the date room for the last time.
We’ll either agree to move in together to start the next phase of the show or we’ll go home alone.
Either way, my bags are packed. I’m just waiting to find out if I might actually have a shot at the kind of relationship I fantasized about when I came here or if I’ll be adding another person with the initials of KD to my fantasies of what might have been.