Page 7 of The Final Rose

“Tell me you got something on him.”

I lift one shoulder. “He talks like a dream. It will melt panties. Nessa is right.”

Another grunt. “Who cares? Are you filming thirteen episodes of him reading line-cards to the cameras? Don’t be stupid.”

I honestly think people would turn their TV on just to hear Sebastian read a grocery list, but I don’t say that.

“You told me you had a plan.” I poke her, nudging her to the whiteboard where she has pinned a picture of all the contestants ready to arrive tomorrow.

“Depends on what you have for me.” She crosses her arms and cracks a smile.

I’m not sure what to say to her. Sebastian seemed sincere, but I’ll sound dumb if I tell my boss a grown man is truly trying to find the love of his life on television. Of course, no one says straight away they are only here for publicity, they all spin lies about love. But they’re usually accompanied by their publicist nudging their arms before they let any truth escape through their lips.

Riggs looked dead into my eyes and said he had the best of intentions.

I feel naïve to even consider he’s telling the truth. But there was no one whispering in his ear, and he’s not the type looking for publicity at all costs.

The words are stuck in my mouth. One of us is gullible. Maybe it’s Sebastian for believing in love, maybe it’s me for believing in him.

“He has a mild personality and tries to be kind,” I tell her, leaving any comments about his dry humor unsaid.

Anya nods, looking over the board with a hand to her chin, lost in thought.

“A wild child?” she considers, pointing to the picture of a particular busty redhead.

I shake my head. “She’ll eat him alive. People might dislike her.”

“Good.” Anya nods. “We need a villain too.”

“He needs someone kind.” I start before she suggests something more. “Maybe someone shy and…”

“A kindergarten teacher.” She pokes the picture of a smiley brunette.

I consider trying to imagine Sebastian and the woman together. But something is missing. A spark? She looks too boring, too normal for someone like him. He needs a spine too.

My eyes wander, reading their names and professions below each picture. Nessa told us more about them before, but I forgot already. My eyes stop on a beautiful woman with an assertive smile. She's a scientist.

“What about her?” I ask. “She’s smart, maybe a little nerdy?”

Anya considers. “Ask Vanessa to bring her video interview. I want to see her on camera before committing.”

“We need to see her chemistry with Sebastian before….”

Anya waves me off, clearly not interested in what Sebastian might think. Usually, the contestants are easily steered in the right direction. They are all good-looking women. What’s there to complain about? But something tells me Sebastian would not like to be steered.

I can’t tell her that, anyway. Anya has been withThe Final Rosesince season two when the show really blew up. She architected nine relationships, six of them lasting at least six months after the show was finished. At this point, Anya has a God complex and very little patience. I have more self-preservation than telling her Sebastian is different only based on a gut feeling.

I hurry out to get Nessa and ask for Vera’s video interview.

We only watch the video once Nessa, Sonja, and Diego join us. Nessa has all the answers we need. Her kind nature makes her connect with people quickly, and they always spill their secrets.

Nessa already knows who is here for love, who is clever, and who’s naïve. She knows what might work with each personality type, a gift that goes beyond her profession. Our writers sit and absorb everything, taking notes and thinking on a course of action.

It’srealityTV. It doesn’t matter how much we move and poke, if the Eligible doesn’t like the contestant, he will eliminate her regardless of what kind of storyline we are plotting. While Anya, Diego, and Sonja see it as a job, stacking blocks as they see fit, scripting lines like we all are part of a play, I know Nessa sees it like I do.

This is matchmaking.

Sure, I’m notthatromantic, but I know deep in my heart feelings can’t be influenced.

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