Reality Check

by John Foltin

  Much to his dismay, Samantha was chosen by the time it was his to choose. She was chosen by Alex Jackson. He was with her on the Spa Date. Since she was taken, Jeremy chose Anna Villarreal, who was on his Ocean Date.

  Samantha went on her date, but her heart just wasn’t into it. Jeremy was the same. He tried to have fun with Anna, but it was no use. Neither was with the person they were meant to be with.

  That night at dinner, the ladies were informed that tomorrow morning, it was their turn to choose. Samantha vowed to do whatever it took to get that alone time with Jeremy.

  She talked with the other ladies to see who they had an interest in. Only one other, Vanessa Truex, said she would choose Jeremy.

  The next morning, again after breakfast, Austin comes in.

  “Okay. Now it’s ladies choice for dates. We will go in the order the ladies were chosen yesterday.” Vanessa was chosen after Samantha. That put a huge smile on Samantha’s face.

  When it was her turn to choose, she wasted little time in choosing Jeremy. In fact, she chose him by running to him and hugging him.

  That afternoon, they enjoyed a nice dinner at Sheer. From there, they went for a night of dancing at The Coast. It was there that they shared their first kiss, a long, passionate kiss. They danced the night away.

  The next morning, Austin informed them that at noon, they would have to make their final selection of whom they would like to consider seeing afterward, if anyone was available.

  Samantha had long since made up her mind, as had Jeremy.

  At noon, everyone met pool side. Austin had the ladies on one side of the pool, the gentlemen on the other. One by one, he called each ladies name.

  “Remember what I said on day one? You may only make your choice from the five names you selected then.” As he called their name, he read the names of the remaining choices that had made from Day One. Unfortunately, some of the ladies were unhappy with what was remaining and chose not to pick anyone, including Roxanne.

  Some of the men were chosen by multiple women, so some of the men were not chosen. Among those chosen by more than one woman was Jeremy. He was also chosen by Vanessa. Naturally, Samantha chose him too.

  Once all the ladies made their choice, the remaining men had to choose to accept the ladies’ offer or, in the case of Jeremy, which lady to choose. Some of the men turned down the ladies offer; others accepted.

  Jeremy wasted little time in making his choice: Samantha. This sent Vanessa running away, tears streaming down her face.

  They left the Heartbreak Hotel hand in hand. Sadly, only two other couples could say the same.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Over the next few months, the film was edited. Finally, at the first of the year, Heartbreak Hotel was set for release.

  During this time, Samantha had moved to San Antonio to be with Jeremy. Once the movie ended, they had kept in touch by phone. He had flown to Prairie du Chien to see her and met her family. A few weeks later was when he asked her to move in with him.

  At the same time, Brian was struggling with life. His work was suffering as he dealt with the blow of being rejected so early in the project. He was seeing a therapist. He had lost interest in reality television, having lived the lifestyle.

  A grand premiere was set for the release of the movie. All thirty residents of the Hotel were invited. Those who found success, and those who did not.

  Brian was reluctant to go. He was making progress in his therapy and was afraid that this would drive him back to depression. He was still safe to walk the streets of Bismarck, since they didn’t know he was in the movie. That would end soon.

  After much thought, he decided to go. Samantha and Jeremy needed little time to think about it.

  Since he left Antigua, Brian had tried calling the number Samantha had slipped him. He never got a response. Eventually, he got a disconnect notice after she moved.

  Once he arrived at the premiere, he saw why he got no response. He saw Samantha and Jeremy together. He did get a hug from her, as well as a few others from the show. Though they did not finish with anyone, everyone came to the premiere with dates. Everyone, that is, except Brian.

  The movie showed the best in Brian in his short stay. It also showed each group date and select one-on-one dates. They did not show Samantha’s date with Alex, but did show hers with Jeremy.

  Everyone enjoyed the movie. Well, maybe not everyone. Brian was not happy with the ending.

  The following Friday, the movie was released to the general public. The reality concept was a huge hit, making it the number one movie of the weekend.

  Despite his early exit, Brian was still entitled to the same one percent of the gross profits that the other twenty-nine received. As expected, he was well recognized in Bismarck. Yet he still couldn’t get as much as a sympathy date. That would change very soon.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The producers of the Bachelor were at a crossroads as to who to make the next Bachelor. They were used to choosing one of those rejected from the previous season. This season, however, they wanted to get a fresh face.

  That’s when one of them mentioned Brian.

  “I just saw this movie Heartbreak Hotel. And there was this one guy, Brian, who got eliminated way too early. He had the personality we were looking for.” She played a clip form the movie.

  “Yeah, but look at him. I mean, he’s no Brad or Leo.”

  That’s when she showed the other producers some of the e-mails from ladies across the country who were recommending him.

  “But he’s not handsome. He’s not rich. He’s not the Bachelor mold. People tune in to see beautiful people, not him.”

  “You’d be surprised. All my girlfriends say they wish they could meet that good guy to go out with. Judging by his performance, he’s as good as it gets.”

  After much debate, it was decided that Brian would be the next Bachelor. They contacted XYZ Studios to get permission to use Brian and to get his contact information.

  The next day, they called Brian.

  “Hello. Is this Brian?”

  “Yes, this is Brian?”

  “I’m calling from the Bachelor. We saw you in Heartbreak Hotel, and we want you to be the next Bachelor.”

  “Tony, is this you? I mean, the least you could’ve done was say you were from Average Joe.” Brian hung up.

  A few minutes later, they called him back.

  “Brian? This is no joke. We really do want you to be the next Bachelor.”

  “But why me? I mean, I’ve seen the show, and I look nothing like anyone one that show.”

  “That’s exactly the reason. We’re trying to break the mold. We received so many recommendations for you. You’re the nice guy every woman wants.”

  “If you knew my life, you’d know that’s not true.”

  “That’s the thing. We saw the movie. We know what kind of person you are. So will the ladies.”

  After a few minutes of negotiating, they agree to fly Brian out to Los Angeles to go over the details. Now, it was up to the network to pick the right ladies for the mansion. They decided not to inform them of who the Bachelor would be.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  While the Bachelor was in the process of being finalized, Brian was let go from his job. Apparently, one leave of absence for a reality show is good; two is one too many. At least he had the profits from the movie still coming in.

  It was not until just before he met the ladies that Brian met Chris Harrison, the host of the Bachelor. They talked about what Brian was hoping to find from the ladies. As he had in Heartbreak Hotel, he was more concerned with personality than looks.

  They waited outside. When the first limousine drove up, Chris walked away. The limo stopped. The door opened, and the first of the twenty-five ladies stepped out.

  Laura Krisiak was a chef from Amarillo, Texas. She was wearing a burnt orange dress. She remembered Brian from the movi
e and hugged him.

  Kayla Lobejko was a flight attendant from Boston, Massachusetts. She was wearing a yellow dress. She was surprised to see Brian. Still, she introduced herself and hugged him.

  Jasmine Derbique was a photographer from Vancouver, British Colombia. She was wearing a white dress. Upon stepping out of the limo, she took a picture of Brian. Once he recovered from the flash, he was pleased with what she wore and how she looked.

  Candace Merotti was a blackjack dealer from Las Vegas, Nevada. She was wearing a royal blue dress. Brian could tell by the look on her face that she had higher expectations of the Bachelor.

  Melanie Chiudioni was a marketing executive from Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was wearing a pink dress. She also remembered him from the movie. She was one of those who recommended him for the show.

  The first limousine drove away, and the second drove up.

  Shannon McCort was a veterinarian from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was wearing a chocolate brown dress. She didn’t see the movie, but she was still pleased to see him. She hugged him and went inside.

  Denise Maxwell was a florist from Coxsackie, New York. She was wearing a purple dress. She pinned a purple rose to his lapel, a sign of love at first sight to him and marking her territory to the other women.

  Christa Russell was a nurse from Tupelo, Mississippi. She was wearing a hunter green dress. “I saw the movie, and I’m here to mend that broken heart of yours.” She kissed him on the cheek and went inside.

  Olivia Raymond was a dietician from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. She was wearing a midnight blue dress. She saw he was a plus-sized man. While she hugged him with a smile on her face, inside she was upset with this choice of Bachelor.

  Alison Braithwaite was a bartender from Wheeling, West Virginia. She was wearing a goldenrod dress. As she approached Brian, she told him, “Inside, I’m going to give you a Screaming Orgasm like you’ve never had.” At first, he didn’t know what to think of it. By the smile on her face, he could tell she was just joshing him.

  The second limo drove away and Chris came back. Brian was impressed with what he had seen so far. A few minutes later, the third limo pulled up, and Chris again walked away.

  Naveena Patel was a swimsuit model from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was wearing a lime green dress. She had a smile as bright as her dress, especially against her dark skin.

  Addison Osborne was a hair stylist from Natchitoches, Louisiana. She was wearing a lavender dress. She saw the movie. She sent her e-mail to the network requesting him. Here they were together. Yet, she didn’t have the feeling she thought she would have.

  Sage Henneghan was a graphics designer from Puyallup, Washington. She was wearing a silver dress. She hoped the Bachelor would be a person like Brian, and she was relieved when she saw it was him.

  Caitlin O’Connor was a country singer from Nashville, Tennessee. Brian was smitten at first glance. Her red hair against that emerald dress drew his attention. When she said hello with that thick southern accent, he took further notice. She kissed him on the cheek and went inside.

  Hilary Lengyel was a screenwriter from Huntington Beach, California. She was wearing a gold dress. When she saw Brian, she was underwhelmed.

  The third limo drove away, and the fourth pulled up. This time, the chauffeur got out and opened the trunk. He pulled out a wheelchair. He set the wheelchair by the door and opened it.

  McKenna Cunningham was a graduate student from Denver, Colorado. She was wearing a magenta dress. Brian offered to help her into the chair, but she refused. She liked his willingness to help, but she was independent.

  Courtney Thibeault was a journalist from Allentown, Pennsylvania. She was wearing a burgundy dress. She didn’t know who the Bachelor would be, but she was happy to be there and happy to see Brian. She saw the movie, and he was her favorite.

  Melissa Harrell was a motivational speaker from Honolulu, Hawaii. She was wearing a teal dress. While she didn’t know who would be waiting for her, she had a positive attitude about everything and embraced it.

  Julie Hoffman was a personal trainer from Savannah, Georgia. She was wearing a black dress. She ran from the limo and hugged him.

  Maria Rosario was a Spanish teacher from Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. She was wearing a mahogany dress. “Hola. Me llamo Maria. ¿Como está?”

  “Muy bien.” He took Spanish for four years in high school, but could only remember bits and pieces.

  The fourth limo drove away. Brian had met twenty women, with five to go. Several had already intrigued him, and he wondered if any others would. The final limo approached.

  Catherine Weiss was an entrepreneur from Columbus, Ohio. She was wearing a cream colored dress and covered in jewelry. She scoffed at him and walked by.

  Summer Gaines was a clown from Keokuk, Iowa. She was wearing a taupe dress. Instead of a hug, she offered her hand. When he shook her hand, he was shocked with a joy buzzer.

  Amber Spencer was a professional golfer from Manchester, England. She was wearing a scarlet dress. Brian has a thing for accents, especially a British accent. She had him at hello.

  Casey Drown was a dental hygienist from Wasilla, Alaska. She was wearing a sky blue dress. She was as cold toward him as the state she lived in.

  The last of the women was Lisa Fulton, a police officer from Clearwater, Florida. She was wearing an orange dress. “You have the right to remain silent, but I’ll waive that right just for you.” He laughed at that. She hugged him and went inside.

  Chris came back.

  “So, what do you think of the ladies?”

  “Great. I’ve already picked out a few that I like. I’m sure there will be more when I talk with them.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  He joined the ladies inside and got to know each of them. One by one he talked to them, asking what they did and what they liked to do.

  Caitlin had been married before. However, her husband was killed while fighting in Iraq. At the time of his death, she was seven months pregnant with her first child, a daughter Quinn. She had already piqued his interest by her looks. This added to his interest.

  Courtney never dated while in high school or college. She was very shy in high school and never drew attention.

  Laura had a son Caleb. Her boyfriend had left her when he found out she was pregnant.

  Denise was a breast cancer survivor and had been cancer free for the past eight months. That was the type of fighting spirit he wanted in the mansion.

  While he was mingling, he must have missed seeing Candace slip out. She left after she talked briefly with him. Guess she thought she was too good for him.

  Christa also had a son, Shane. He had Down’s syndrome.

  He found out what Alison meant when she said she would give him a Screaming Orgasm. Potent drink. She suggested that later, he try Sex on the Beach. He was intrigued.

  In the end, the first impression rose went to McKenna. She played volleyball in high school until she was blindsided by a drunk driver. She didn’t let the fact that she was in a wheelchair dampen her spirit. She was just like everyone else there, a beautiful woman looking for someone to love them.

  There were others he was quick to dismiss.

  Hilary seemed a bit on the stuck-up side. She felt like she was better than everyone else, a feature that instantly turned him off.

  Catherine was too superficial. She was more interested in what he owned than who he was.

  After taking time to get to know everyone, Chris led Brian to his room to make his decision. He had to choose fourteen of the ladies to stay.

  After much thought, he made his decisions. He went downstairs, where the twenty-four remaining ladies were waiting. He was told that Candace had left.

  The first of his roses went to Alison and Sage, who both accepted.

  His next offer went to Olivia. She refused his rose and walked out. Guess he was too out of shape for
her.

  The next roses went to Amber, Julie, Melissa, and Christa, who all accepted.

  His next choice was Jasmine. She was hesitant at first, but eventually accepted. Next was Denise, who kissed him on the cheek as she accepted.

  The tenth rose went to Caitlin. If he had to choose today, it would be Caitlin, but he didn’t want to let her know. She gladly accepted.

  His next choice was Laura. Although she wanted to accept, she missed her son too much. She refused his offer.

  His next offer went to Maria. “¿Acepta esta rosa?” “Sí.”

  Number twelve went to Lisa, who accepted. The next two to accept were Kayla and Courtney.

  Chris came back to remind him that he had one rose left to give.

  Brian knew who he wanted to give it to. He just wanted to build the suspense.

  His choice was Naveena. Normally, he wasn’t into looks, but she had a great personality to match. Besides, how often would he get to see a swimsuit model in her environment? She accepted.

  The remaining women were asked to say their good-byes and leave the mansion. Summer came up to Brian and squirted him with the flower she was wearing. Melanie and Catherine slapped his face.

  Once they left, the fifteen remaining women toasted to a wonderful stay at the mansion.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The next day, the ladies found out there would be three group dates during the week. Each would be a group of five. Each would provide one opportunity for a rose.

  The first group was Christa, Melissa, Maria, Caitlin, and Sage. They were taken to a dance studio. One of Brian’s favorite activities was ballroom dance. Each lady was given a private lesson dancing tango.

  After an hour, Brian came into the studio, dressed for the occasion. The challenge was, after their one-hour lesson, each would dance a tango with Brian. Brian would choose the best. The prize was a rose.

  First was Melissa. She was stepping all over his toes, stumbling along. It didn’t take long for Brian to eliminate her from contention.

  Next was Maria. He figured with her Spanish heritage, she would be good at tango. She was good, but not up to his expectations.

  Next was Sage. Apparently, he didn’t know that Sage had experience dancing. She knew all his moves, from corte to promenade.