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Anthony said.
I knew from the show last year that he was an architect.
“As an architect do you mostly work with pen and ruler or are you a computer graphics guy?” I asked,
hoping he knew I was sincerely interested.
“I do a mixture, there is nothing quite like seeing the project come to life on paper, but the capabilities to
transform it on computer with new software is also something I find thrilling. Wow, sorry I don’t mean to talk
about work tonight.” Anthony laughed. “Lets try this, where are you from originally?”
I shared with him moments from my childhood, my love of photography and my eventual move to New
York. He told me about his family and then I noticed a few girls stalking us nearby. It was a reasonable part of the
show that everyone wanted a chance to talk to Anthony. I let him go with a wave. After a few steps he bolted back
to me and leaned in close…
“To be continued, Hannah.” He smiled and winked which left me breathless. I said a little prayer. Dear
Lord… Can I keep him?
* * * * *
I found Janette and we parked on the couch and chatted with a few other girls. Several of the girls, we
both agreed, were nice. I was now wishing we could wear nametags. I would never remember all these girls’
names. I felt a small twinge of pity for Anthony, and hoped he had a good memory.
I was starting to tire from the long day and with no one that I knew really well I was running out of chitchat. I spent a quality hour going over the conversation I had with Anthony again and again, trying to find a flaw or
something that could talk me out of butterflies in the stomach. No luck yet…
I saw a few girls yawning and looked at the time, 11:43 showed on the face of the ornate clock above the
fireplace. The night would end soon. I wondered if anyone had received the broach. I glanced around nervously. I
stood up and stretched as well as I could in the tightest dress imaginable. The under layers of starchy things
designed to make the bell of the skirt stay puffy, was beginning to poke through the expensive nylons and cause a
slight itching sensation near my knees. My feet were starting to protest the high-heels, as well. I began a mental pep
talk with my body about the lateness of the hour and very, very soon I would be free to escape the evil confines of
fashion. I regained my focus back on the room just in time to witness Anthony coming back into the house. He ran
into Randall and they talked a minute. Randall handed him something and Anthony smiled and thanked him.
Twenty-five women and five cameras zoom in on Anthony Capriccio. He turned and for the second time
tonight I saw him ignore everyone else as he walked toward me. This was a very good day.
“Hannah, will you be my first full date on Soulmate ? I am very taken with you. I would love to find out
more about you.” His voice was smooth and low. Those dark eyes were swallowing me whole.
“Yes Anthony, I would be honored.” I hoped my voice didn’t crack. I suddenly remembered that I was not
alone in the room with just Anthony, but had an audience of millions. The thought sent a weird sensation up and
down my spine and after a few trips around it stopped in my stomach.
Anthony placed the velvet box in my hands a moment later. I opened it and saw an antique emerald
broach. Every year it was different and this one was stunning. I knew the show would have a television clip of him
actually shopping with a family member or close friend for the broach. They used that trip to talk about the guy’s
hopes for finding a Soulmate . Usually the broach brought up the question about love at first sight.
Did he fall in love at first sight with me? I asked myself.
I watched Anthony say his goodbyes to the crowd and Randall gave a few more speeches about what
would happen now regarding the ladies.
I was only half hearing Randall, I was still dwelling on the broach and the talk Anthony and I had out on the
terrace. He was easy to talk to, and I was very pleased