“Well, we won’t use the footage if it’s really horrible, Erin. But just in case, let me ask Mom to help with the legal end. That way we can use anything we want from our show’s wardrobe for your date. And Leah said that some new things have arrived for Milan already.” Paige rubs her hands together. “I can’t wait to check it out.”
So Paige and I spend Friday afternoon “shopping” in our own wardrobe department until she finally settles on what she says is a killer outfit. I’ll admit it’s hot. “Although I’m not sure about these shoes,” I tell her. “The heels are a little high for me.”
“But they’re Prada and they make your legs look long. Plus they’re beyond perfect with the Miu Miu dress. Besides, you said this is a fancy date. So I’m guessing you’ll be dining someplace really swanky. You need to look great, Erin. Not just for the sake of our show, but so that Blake can’t keep his eyes off you.”
“Don’t you mean my date won’t be able to?”
“I mean both of them, Erin.”
I laugh but give in to my sister’s fashion sensibility. I might not admit it, but she’s right. I do want to capture Blake’s attention.
On Saturday, about thirty minutes before my “date” is supposed to pick me up, a Celebrity Blind Date camera guy arrives. To my surprise he’s accompanied by the show’s host, none other than Benjamin Kross. Fortunately, Paige takes it all in stride, breaking the ice with some jokes. Then the focus turns to me.
“We’re at the home of Erin Forrester,” Ben says to the camera, “where she’s been getting ready for her big blind date tonight.” He smiles at me. “You look fantastic, Erin. Let me guess … did your fashionista sister have anything to do with your look?”
I tell him a bit about what I’m wearing. “Paige and I are getting ready to head to Italy for Milan Fashion Week,” I say as a plug for our show. “On the Runway will be shooting on location there in a couple of weeks. That’s why I’m wearing Italian designers tonight.”
“Well, you look stunning. Your date is one lucky guy. But what about poor Blake? We know that you and he have dated off and on over the past few years. Do you think he’ll be so distracted by your loveliness that he’ll forget about his own date?”
I laugh. “I doubt it. And even if he were distracted, Blake is a gentleman.”
“Yes, I have to agree with you there. So, Erin, tell us a bit about yourself and how you filled out the application with the online dating service.”
I pause to think. “Well, I mentioned my interest in the film industry and how I love photography and the arts.”
“What is your favorite thing to photograph?”
“Anything in nature,” I say quickly. “I also like architecture.”
“And your ideal date would be?”
I press my lips together. “Probably doing something outdoors. Maybe a hike … taking some photos … then going to a quaint restaurant and eating outdoors.”
He nods, glancing at my feet. “You’re certainly not wearing your hiking shoes tonight.”
I force a smile. “Paige urged me to wear these shoes.”
“Only because they look absolutely fabulous on you,” she says. Just then our bell rings, and the camera guy follows me as I answer it.
A tall, good-looking guy (not a geek) is holding out a small bouquet of daisies. “Hi, I’m Aidan,” he tells me with a great smile. His sparkling blue eyes seem to contrast with his curly dark brown hair. All in all, this guy is well put together. No one is punking me.
“I’m Erin,” I tell him. “Thanks.” I take the flowers and wonder what to do with them. “I love daisies!” I see Paige smiling from the shadows as she gives me a quick thumbs-up.
“I hoped you would.” He looks a little uneasy.
“This is kind of weird, isn’t it?” I say. “The whole blind date thing?”
He nods. “I was questioning it myself on the way over here.” “Let me put these in some water,” I say, but as I turn around, Paige swoops them from me. When she returns from the kitchen, I introduce her to Aiden. “You may have seen Paige on our TV show.”
He blinks. “You have a TV show?”
Paige giggles. “Obviously, you haven’t seen it.” Then she quickly explains.
“Paige is the queen of style,” Ben tells Aidan. “She broke all the single guys’ hearts when she got engaged a few months ago.”
“Poor Ben,” she says mockingly.
“And now, boys and girls”—Ben claps his hands—“we need to rock and roll. Our limo awaits.”
Feeling understandably nervous, Aidan and I go down to the limo with cameras rolling. He politely opens the door for me and there, already in the limo, are Blake and a strikingly pretty brunette.
“This is Grace,” Blake tells us as Aidan and I slide into the seat across from them. One camera guy and Ben sit in the back. Soon we are introduced all around and although we make some small talk, I’m distracted by the fact that Blake and Grace are in casual clothes. That’s when I notice that Aidan is relatively casual-looking too. Suddenly I feel overdressed and don’t know what to do. The limo is on its way and it’s too late to ask to go back to change.
“No one told me exactly where we’re going tonight,” I say to Ben. “Somehow I got the impression it was a dressy affair. Seems I was wrong.”
“Didn’t Blake tell you?” Ben glances over at Blake, who looks blank.
“I’m sorry,” Blake says. “I thought Ben told you.”
“We’re going sailing on this amazing boat,” Ben explains. “Catalina Island and a fantastic catered dinner.”
“Right …” I look down at my high heels and frown. “I wish I’d known.”
Before long we’re aboard a very cool boat — a boat I could’ve really enjoyed had I known we were going sailing. And after a short tour where Grace and the guys actually do some hands-on with the sails and such, we are served a casual-but-nice dinner out on the aft deck. And I know it should be no big deal, but it’s like I got off on the wrong foot — literally. As the evening progresses, despite taking off my shoes, I continue to feel out of step.
Meanwhile, Grace is relaxed and lovely and charming— and I begin to realize that she is capturing the attention of both guys. She’s a Dodgers fan and talks about baseball like an expert. She’s also naturally gregarious, but not in an obnoxious way. She’s great at drawing out interesting conversation, though it’s hard for me to get a word in edgewise. Maybe I’m not trying hard enough, or perhaps I’m just mesmerized. Like, where did this girl come from? So I ask her.
“I grew up on a little ranch not far from Santa Barbara,” she tells me. “My dad always dreamed of being a cowboy.”
“So do you have horses?” Blake asks.
“Oh, yeah.” She nods. “About a dozen. And some cattle too, as well as some other animals.”
“Do you ride?” Aidan asks.
“Sure. My brother and I grew up riding.”
Now both guys pepper Grace with questions about the ranch and horses and her brother, who used to do professional rodeo. I just listen—it’s as if I’m not even here. I’m fully aware that the cameras are running and I’m going to end up looking like the dummy date. It’s like I just can’t get into sync. In fact, I’m pretty sure no one would notice if I disappeared. So I excuse myself before dessert and slip away to the other end of the boat. I briefly consider jumping ship and swimming to shore, but the lights of Catalina look to be at least a mile away. Instead, I decide to just sit here for a bit, soaking in the starlit sky, enjoying the lapping sound of water and the peace.
“Hey, what are you doing over here?” Blake asks me.
“Just enjoying the view.” I stand up. “Sorry. I guess I lost track of the time.”
“At least you didn’t fall overboard. Are you going to rejoin the group?”
“Sure.” I start walking back.
“Are you okay, Erin?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “I just feel a little out of it.”
“That Grace
is quite a talker.”
“But a pleasant talker.”
“Aidan seems to like her too.”
I laugh. “So, really, I wouldn’t be missed if I just continued to lay low.”
“There you are,” says Ben as he comes for us with a camera guy. “Everything okay?”
“Everything’s great,” I tell him. “I just got caught up in the view. It’s spectacular back there without all the boat lights.”
“Well, they just brought in dessert,” Ben tells me with a trace of irritation in his voice. “Hopefully you’ll want to participate now.”
Soon we’re all seated at the table again. As the dessert tray is served, Ben moves into his role as the host, asking us about our date experience, what we liked, what we didn’t like. Everyone seems happy and pleased, except for me.
“I guess I’m just not the blind dating type,” I admit. “I don’t really like surprises that much. And I wish I’d known more about our date destination earlier.” “You felt overdressed?” Ben asks.
“Yes. And I might’ve brought my camera along. I mean, this boat trip has been beautiful. No complaints there.”
“Aren’t you happy with your date?” he persists. “Something wrong with Aidan here?” He grins at Aidan. “Seems like a nice enough fellow to me.”
“Aidan is great,” I admit. “But the whole thing … well, it just feels a little awkward. To me, anyway. I’m sure most people would love doing something like this. Maybe I’m just weird.” I actually look to Blake, wishing he would do or say something to help bail me out of this. It’s like I keep digging myself deeper into a hole.
“It’s probably my fault,” Grace says. “I talk too much when I’m nervous.”
“You don’t seem nervous,” Ben tells her.
“Oh, I’m just good at covering it up,” she says. “I’m pretty nervous. I mean, most of you have TV experience, and I’m just a regular girl.”
“You don’t seem like a regular girl to me,” Blake says with real admiration.
“I thought you were totally comfortable,” Aidan adds.
“I’m even thinking about inviting you to join our regular cast of daters,” Ben tells her. “You’ve been great. Now, tell me, Grace, what did you especially like about Blake?”
She looks at Blake then slowly smiles. “He’s a real gentleman. He’s a good listener, but he’s also a great conversationalist. He’s funny and fun.”
“So, would you go out with him again?” Ben asks.
“Absolutely.” She nods.
“How about you, Blake? Would you do a second date?” Blake looks uncomfortable and I suspect it’s because of me.
“Sure, he would,” I answer for him. “Wouldn’t you, Blake?” He just shrugs.
“And how would you feel about that, Erin?” Ben asks. “I know you and Blake have dated some.”
“I think Grace is a very nice person.” I smile at her. “Anyone would be fortunate to go out with her.”
“Well, thank you,” she tells me.
“So … Aidan?” Ben turns to him now. “Would you want a second date with Erin?”
Aidan looks like he’s at a loss for words. So once again, I step in. “I’m sure Aidan would prefer going out with someone more like Grace,” I tell him. “I have to admit I’ve been kind of a stick-in-the-mud tonight.” I smile at Aidan. “My apologies. I probably shouldn’t have agreed to do this. Like I said, I’m just not the blind date type.”
They continue to chat some more and I feel like actually jumping overboard now. I can’t even explain what’s going on with me. Maybe it’s PMS or something, but I feel like I’m on the edge of tears, and the sooner this night ends, the happier I will be. Is it because Aidan seems uninterested, or that I’m jealous of Grace, or simply that I feel hurt by Blake? Maybe it’s all three; I don’t know. But I do know one thing: I won’t be watching this particular episode of Celebrity Blind Date.
Chapter
11
Blake is somewhat apologetic the following week. We go out for our usual date on Friday and have a pretty good time, but I feel off balance and confused. I’m just not too sure about our relationship anymore. I know it’s because I had assumed things were going to change between us, in a good way, and then they didn’t. Also there’s that whole blind date thing … and Grace, who, to my surprise, has become a regular part of the dating cast. I can tell that Blake still thinks she’s pretty cool. Is there more to it than that? I don’t know. I feel worried. And Blake is so caught up in the TV show that he seems oblivious.
As a result, I’m very glad to go back to work on our show, and planning for the Milan trip is a good distraction. This time I decide to follow Paige’s example and do my research. Mollie becomes my study buddy, a plan that has a twofold reasoning on my part. Obviously, I really need someone to help me brush up on Italian fashion so I can hold my own against Paige. But the larger reason is I know Mollie’s a little bummed that she’s not back in school yet. “Winter term will be here soon enough,” I reassure her. And I tell her that she’s wise to give herself — and Fern — more time to adjust. Fortunately, she seems to have moved well beyond the baby blues or postpartum depression or whatever it was, and most of the time she seems pretty normal. And she’s more than happy to help me. This research is a natural fit for Mollie—she loves following fashion and the names of the designers roll off her tongue almost as easily as they do for Paige.
“It’s a good thing the show isn’t dependent on you for your fashion expertise,” Mollie tells me two days before we’re scheduled to leave for Italy. She’s been quizzing me on designers all evening.
“Hey, I mistook Rossi for Rosso — so sue me.”
“Well, Sergio Rossi might sue you if he heard you saying that Renzo Rosso launched the Eco Pump.” Mollie shakes her head like she can’t believe how dense I am. “And Rosso might sue you if you said that Rossi owned Diesel.”
“Maybe I should just forget about both of them—if I can’t keep them straight, what’s the point?”
“The reason I told you about Sergio Rossi,” she persists, “is because I thought you’d appreciate his commitment to sustainability. The Eco Pump is a biodegradable shoe, Erin. He uses this stuff called Liquid Wood for the heel and the sole. Plus he treats the leather with an ecological tanning process. And part of the profits from his sales go to Good Planet. I thought you’d like to mention that, if you get the chance.”
“Right.” I nod. “I remember now.”
“And Renzo Rosso is of interest because of Diesel. You said you like Diesel designs.”
“You’re right. I do. But right now my head is so full of names like Pucci and Prada and Versace and Gucci and Biagiotti and Balestra. It’s like I’m suddenly hungry for linguini.”
“Oh, don’t rub it in.” She groans. “Thinking about the food you guys will have in Italy is torturous. I only read the first half of Eat, Pray, Love while I was pregnant, but I was craving Italian food for weeks after that. No wonder I piled on the pounds before Fern was born.”
“So there’s a reason to be thankful you don’t have to go to Milan,” I tell her.
She rolls her eyes. “Will you be worried about Blake while you’re gone?”
“Why should I be?”
“Well, it sounded like he was kind of into that Grace chick.”
“I never said that,” I argue. Which is true; I didn’t tell her that. In fact, I said very little about the whole blind date thing. It’s something I want to forget. “What makes you think Blake’s into Grace?”
Mollie looks uneasy. “I guess it was something Tony said.” “What?” I demand.
“Just that Blake thinks Grace is pretty cool.”
I nod. “She is pretty cool. I like her too.”
“And you’re okay that Blake’s spending time with her?”
I’m not sure what to say.
“I mean on the show. Tony said she’s already become part of the regular cast.”
“Tony sure seems t
o know a lot about it.” I’m gathering up my stuff, thinking I should get home since tomorrow’s my last day to get organized before we leave for Italy. “Has he been spending a lot of time with Blake?”
“I think he’s trying to get some hands-on experience with the show.”
“Is he going to do a blind date?”
“Sounds like it.”
“And you’re okay with that?”
She holds up her hands. “Like I told you, Erin. Tony and I are just hanging together as friends these days. Kind of like you and Blake.”
“Right …”
Mollie narrows her eyes. “And you’re okay with that, aren’t you?”
“What?”
“You and Blake just being friends?” I shrug. “I guess so.”
Mollie gets a knowing look. “You’re not.” “I don’t know,” I admit.
“Well, I think you’re jealous of Grace,” she says a bit smugly.
I roll my eyes. “Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m not. I don’t even know. But I do know I need to go. I don’t have time to think about this now.”
“And if, while you’re gone, Blake and Grace start to date … you’re okay with that?”
“If that’s what they want, sure. Why not?”
Mollie looks doubtful, but to my relief doesn’t say anything.
“Look, if Blake and I are meant to be together, it’ll happen, right?”
She nods. “Right. It’ll happen.”
“Tomorrow’s a crazy day for me,” I tell her. “We have planning meetings and I still need to pack. So I might not see you again before we leave.” I hug her.
“Drop me a text or two if you’re not too busy,” she tells me. “I’ll be praying for your trip.”
“Thanks.” It’s a relief to see Mollie’s faith is still intact— perhaps even stronger than before. I lean down and kiss baby Fern good-bye. “Now don’t you grow up while I’m gone.”
As I drive home I try not to obsess over what Mollie insinuated about Blake and Grace. Really, I have no control over what does or doesn’t happen between them. At least Blake and I are good friends now. Although we haven’t spent as much time together since Celebrity Blind Date went into production, I know that our friendship is the most solid it’s been for a while — and way better than when I went to the Bahamas and figured we were finished. And I value our friendship. Even if that’s all it’s meant to be, I should be thankful.
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