Miss Matched

Chapter 10

The date with Astrid went off without a hitch. She didn't lie when she said she could make it look good. If I didn't know better—and I'm not sure that I do—I'd say Felicity had made a match.

Today we are back in the studio with the debrief on the date. The show opens with Felicity in her chair and the lucky couple on the couch. Astrid pats a spot next to her, encouraging Antonio to move over. He does.

How cozy.

On the screen behind them they play clips from the date. Antonio feeding Astrid cheese on a blanket on the beach. Astrid licking his fingers. Splashing each other in the freezing water, and then Antonio bundling her into a towel with a hug. Horseback riding into the sunset, which mom had been right about how cinematically romantic it would look with Antonio shirtless and Astrid in her bikini, long hair flowing behind her like some latter-day Lady Godiva.

So much for Mom's theory that she'd reveal herself as strictly a fame seeker.

Every clip is like a little knife to my heart for the second time. It was bad enough on location, but the cameras and crew and lighting all made it seem a little more businesslike. After editing, ironically, it feels more real.

Finally, the moonlit kiss plays on the screen.

That kiss made me shiver when it happened. It was too much like watching a replay with a better-looking version of myself. I still hadn't figured out what Antonio had said to me in Italian after he'd kissed me, much less figured out what his hazel nut remark meant, even though I'd obsessed endlessly about both.

On the screen, Antonio ends the kiss with Astrid, and the audience swoons. Yeah, I know how they feel.

Felicity taps the tip of her nose. "To me that seems like you had a sensational date. What do you all think?"

The studio audience applauds wildly while I do a slow clap.

Felicity waits for the applause to die down. "Yes, I agree. But remember, it's not what we feel, but what they feel." She gestures to Antonio and Astrid. "So, let's get to it. Astrid, what did you think of Antonio?"

Astrid tilts her chin slightly and gazes up to meet Antonio's eyes. "He's spectacular. It may not have been the best day of my life, but it definitely was the best date."

She's gushing, and I don't know how much more of this I can stand. She may have started out wanting my mother's job, but it appears that I did such an excellent job planning their date that her prize has morphed into more time with Antonio. I'm like one those people who drive by a car accident slowly, rubbernecking. I don't want to see it, except I can't look away either.

Antonio's expression is neutral. Yet, he takes her hand and squeezes it.

"What was the best part?"

"I can't possibly pick one moment." Astrid still hasn't taken her eyes off Antonio and she scoots closer. He looks back at Astrid and gives her one of his crinkly-eyed smiles. Then, he looks straight at Felicity, waiting for her to question him.

"Now you, Antonio. Tell us about Astrid."

He shifts on the couch, edging closer to her. They can't get any closer, unless she sits in his lap. "She's a lovely girl, quite beautiful."

Astrid bats her eyes and I gag.

"However," he continues, barely pausing, "I don't know if she is the one for me."

There's an audible intake of breath from the studio and it's not just the audience. I swear the cameraman next to me is shocked, too. One part of me wants to scream yes, yes, yes, but the other part is frozen in place.