The Bachelor Challenge

Day 9: Speed Dating 3

I put the bachelorettes’ names in an online Wheel of Names. Giving it a spin, I got the name for each date. First up is Zuri. Every date will take place at Chez Llama which I have given the Romantic lot trait.

Date #1: Zuri

The date starts off with the couple being quiet. Eric is still thinking about the events of yesterday. Zuri can tell that his mind is far away.

Zuri: You don’t have to pretend.

Eric: Hmm? Pretend?

Zuri: I know you’d rather be with one of the other girls, especially Kaley or Val.

Eric: Val?

Zuri: You two were so into each other yesterday, you completely ignored me; and, honestly, your words were harsh towards me for no reason.

Eric vaguely remembers Zuri coming up to him after Val’s slap.

Eric: Oh, right, that. 

Zuri: If you have something against me then say so. Don’t pretend to be into me if you’re not. I’m fine with parting ways tomorrow, but it'd be nice if we could at least be friends.

Eric is a little taken aback by Zuri’s bluntness (and not completely sure what she’s talking about). But he is able to deduce that he may have taken his feelings toward Val out on an innocent party. He apologizes and they agree to start the date over with a clean slate.

They spend the rest of the time talking, feeding each other, and joking around.

Date #2: Morgan

Morgan spends half the date trying to convince Eric to give Val another chance. Why?

Earlier, Morgan and Val had breakfast together. Val told her how sick with regret she was about the whole situation. She's literally ill and vows she was only protecting herself.

The two bachelorettes have the closest friendship out of all the women. Of course, Morgan has her back.

When it's time for her date with Eric, instead of focusing on him, herself, or them as a couple--she advocates for Val. Eric is uncomfortable with the topic.

Morgan: You and Val have such a good thing going between you. You'd be crazy to throw it all away.

Eric: Do you want me to choose her over you?

Morgan: I didn't say all that.

She quickly changes the subject and the rest of the date goes well.

Date #3: Kaley

Kaley shares her insecurities. Her Jealous trait was activated when she saw Eric with Val. She wants him to spend more time with her.

Kaley: It’s confusing because I care about you. My heart is in this 100%, but when you’re with the other women, it’s like you don’t feel the same way about me. 

Eric: I do care about you, Kaley. When I'm with you, I'm giving my all.

Kaley: But I want you to do that even when we're not together.

Eric: I can't do that. I have to give the other women a chance.

Kaley: Why? You're not sneaking off to kiss them. You're only doing that with me. Doesn't that mean you've made your decision?

Eric: I like spending time with you, but I still haven't decided anything.

Kaley: I don't understand what's holding you back.

Eric: I don't know what you want me to say.

Kaley: Say I'm the one.

Eric: You know I can't do that.

The rest of their date is cordial and quiet.

******************

I ran out of time to do any more dates. Still, I wanted to be sneaky and see how a date between Eric and Val would go down, but unfortunately, their relationship was too low to go on a date.

I was surprised how mid Morgan and Kaley's dates were, especially after how well both dates went last time. I thought Zuri's was going to be the one that wouldn't be interesting based off their last one. I was wrong all around. See ya next episode!

Next Episode: Day 10, Elimination 3

Previous Episode: Day 8, Free Day 1