Page 21 of Playing With My Heart Strings

“Sure are, buddy. But I have complete faith in you that you’ll make the best decision at the end of the day. Just listen to your heart.”

Said heart drums in my chest, and I take a deep breath as the cameras cut.

“Who are you thinking of taking on the first solo date?” Brett asks as we walk to our next location.

I think for a moment. “Baylor, Aspen, and Katherine were my favorites from the conversations today.”

What looks like a mix of surprise and confusion flashes across Brett’s face as he flushes a rosy shade of pink. “B-Baylor?”

“Is there a problem with her?” I narrow my eyes.

I remember how she answered my questions regarding why she came on the show, and while I believe half of her answer—the part about loving music—the other half seemed rehearsed. It felt a bit like the answers I’ve been giving to the producers, but it only made my interest in her grow. It made me wonder what her story actually is. I also didn’t miss how her eyes darkened a bit when she mentioned people seeing value in my passion for music, like shadows settling in.

“N-no, there’s no problem with her, I’m just surprised,” he mumbles, his words slurring together as he races through the sentence. “I’d say Katherine is your safest bet, though. From everything we’ve seen so far.”

I slowly nod at his suggestion. Our pace never slows through the entire conversation until we come to a stop at the double front doors of the house. “So, you’re telling me I should pick Katherine?”

He confirms, nodding. “Yes, you should pick her.”

“All right, then.” I agree, because I’m confident that my time with Aspen and Baylor will come. It just has to be the right time.

When the producers open the doors, ushering me into the house, the chatter that once filled the living room comes to a halt, silence embracing the space before a burst of cheers.

“Dusty!”

“He’s here!”

A collective of cheers and greetings welcome me, and warmth spreads through my chest. It reminds me of the cheers from the crowd when I walk on stage during a tour. It’s electrifying. Exhilarating.

“Hello, ladies.” I tip my hat as I walk to the center of the living room, the expectant eyes of the women glued to me the entire time. “It’s been an absolute honor and joy getting to speak with you all today. I’m very excited for this opportunity, and I’m doing my best to embrace it all. I’m not much for interviews, much less being on national television, so we’re all in this together.”

A few giggles arise in response to my miniature speech.

“I’m not sure if you’ve been informed of what’s next”—I sneak a quick glance at the producers off to the side, who give me a thumbs-up—“but we’re jumping right into this process. I have the pleasure of taking one of you lovely ladies on a solo date tomorrow.”

My eyes scan over the room. I can’t help but notice that while some of the girls look anxious, a couple of them look almost bored, America’s Sweetheart being one of them. Normally, thedisinterest would be a turn off, but all it does it make me want to know the truth of why she’s here.

I dismiss the thoughts of my mystery girl and focus on the one who I’ll be taking on a date tomorrow. “Katherine?” I think it shocks her a bit, as she startles in her seat, eyes blinking rapidly. “Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?”

“It would be my honor.” She beams, and I let out a breath of relief.

“Well, ladies, it was great to see you. I look forward to this journey together.” I clasp my hands, and they all wave as they’re ushered out of the house, toward the bus that will take them back to their hotel for the night.

9

dusty

The First Solo Date

When I wokeup this morning, a wave of excitement and nerves washed over me as I prepared for my solo date with Katherine. Not only will it be my first date with her, but it will be my first date on the show and the first solo date of the season. I have no idea what’s in store for us today, but I have a feeling whatever it is will set the tone for the coming weeks.

A few producers and crew members show up to get me camera ready for the day, a bit to my dismay. I was hoping we were done with the makeup. The fancy clothes, although not my personal taste, I can get used to, even if it’s a bit like playing dress-up, but the makeup? I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that.

I’ll be meeting Katherine at a trailhead by the Cumberland River this morning, and then in the afternoon, I’ll be meeting the rest of the women to spend time with them in a group setting. Even before the producers told me I would be meeting her at a trailhead, I was dressed pretty casually—a pair of cargo shorts and an athletic T-shirt—so I have enough reason to assume we’re doing something active and not just sitting down for a meal.Which I’m completely okay with. Eating at a romantic restaurant in front of cameras for the very first date seems like a lot of pressure.

The entire car ride to the trailhead is uncomfortably silent, with Brett driving and me sitting in the passenger seat. The camera crew is coming in a separate vehicle, a detail I’m grateful for, but it makes the drive with Brett a bit painful. Not even Chris Stapleton crooning “Broken Halos” over the radio can provide me any relief or distraction, so I resort to looking out the window.

“All right, we’re here,” Brett announces as he pulls into the parking lot and cuts the engine. “We’ll get out of the car together, but you’ll walk ahead on the path and the camera crew will follow behind you. Katherine’s already here.”

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