When we left our friends, Marielle had just accepted Dimitri's invitation to go upstairs. What did he want? Let's find out!Dimitri: If you don't mind,
I am not through dancing with you yet.
Marielle
(shyly): I don't mind.
Marielle: Is something wrong?
Dimitri: Not at all, why?
Marielle: It's just that you're . . .
really close to my face.
Dimitri: Oh, I am, yeah.
Dimitri: Ah--sorry--I should have--I didn't--
Marielle: Shhhhhhhhh.
Dimitri Confession CamThe love tester had it right.
(sits back in his seat) Raw. Energy.
(stares off into space for a minute) She's such a wonderful dancer . . . I can't believe I feel this comfortable around her already . . . I was just trying out a dance move I saw one of the other guys doing earlier . . . the love tester must have put the notion in my head . . .
(his rambling trails off) I kissed her. Just leaned in and kissed her. I've never kissed a girl and I just leaned in and kissed her.
(shrugs his shoulders and smiles.) It just felt right, you know.
Dimitri: Wow.
Marielle
(laughing softly): Come here. I want to give you something.
Marielle Confession CamI was really surprised that Dimitri kissed me. I mean, it's only the second date. I didn't expect to be romantically linked with anyone yet. Not that I'm complaining! I totally wanted him to, and I think he could tell. It was definitely . . . a
moment.Marielle: This is for you.
Dimitri: Oh? What is it?
Marielle: Well, when we first met, you gave me a book that is important to you--the first book you ever published. I want to give you a book that's important to me. It's my sister's book--
Love in the Time of Typhoid. It's a first printing.
Dimtiri: Oh, my gosh! No way! I--wow!
Marielle
(chuckling gently): You mentioned that you were a fan.
Dimitri: I
am! Marielle: I sent to Moonlight Falls for it that night. I wasn't sure if or when it would be the right time to give it to you--or when it would arrive! But Nicolette, the darling, sent it express and, well, the time felt right.
Dimitri
(breathless): Wow.
Marielle
(smiling): It's signed.
Dimitri: What? Signed? She signed it?
Marielle: For you, especially. I asked her as a favour.
Dimitri: Aw, Marielle, I don't know what to say, I--
Dimitri: Thank you.
Marielle Confession CamIt seemed like he really liked the gift. I was pleased. I mean, I sort of went out on a limb. When we first met, he said he liked my sister's book, and the fact that he knew about it without me telling him really says something, but I wasn't sure if he loved it. A guy will say a lot to impress a girl, especially in this situation. I think his reaction tonight proved his interest was genuine, and that's--nice. It's really nice. I'm glad.
Dimitri Confession CamDo you guys even know who Marielle's sister, Nicolette, is? No?!
(shakes his head) Boy, are you ever missing out on some seriously wonderful books. That girls has some real talent. I've been looking for a copy of
Love in the Time of Typhoid since it came out in print but everywhere, and all my contacts, are sold out! You can't even special order of copy of this book, believe me I've tried. So, to receive not only a copy, but a signed copy, I ... I'm lost for words. This means more to me than Marielle will ever know.
Dimitri: Hey, Marielle, would you--like to go outside and look at the stars with me?
Marielle: I would love to.
Marielle: I love the night. The stars are so beautiful. To see them shine--it reminds me of what life is all about.
Dimitri: Which is?
Marielle: Oh!
Marielle: Which is what?
Dimitri: What is what life is all about?
Marielle: Well, scoot over next to me and I'll whisper in your ear.
Marielle
(stage-whispering): I can't tell you. It's secret.
Dimitri laughs.Dimitri: All right then. I suppose I'll have to find contentment not knowing.
Marielle: That's right.
Marielle: Oh, look! There's Orion. You can see the three stars that make his belt. Such a beautiful and sad story, Artemis and Orion.
(sigh)Dimitri
(sighing): Mmmmm.
Dimitri Confession CamSorry other bachelors on this group date, but I refuse to apologize for taking this opportunity to enjoy Marielle's undivided attention. This woman is just too special and amazing to pass up such a perfect opportunity to steal her away for a few more minutes to watch the stars. Sitting on the cold grass, in the dark, feeling her lean against me, our hands brushing ... could this night get any more perfect?
(contented sigh) Marielle Confession CamWhat a lovely evening! I wasn't expecting to spend so much time with just one, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I am amazingly comfortable with Dimitri. He has a soothing presence I find delightful. He seems to have a frank joy in my company as well, which of course is appealing. I find myself wanting to spend more time with him.
What are the other bachelors doing while this is going on? Turn to the next chapter to find out!