Page 14 of Most Eligible
According to all her friends, Brooklyn Levy is an absolute ray of sunshine. A lifelong Jane Austen fan, Brooklyn has always been a romantic and jokes that any future partner will have to measure up to Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy. When she isn’t working or traveling, Brooklyn enjoys spending time with friends, visiting farmers markets, and fostering pit bull puppies. Brooklyn says: “I’m really proud to be the firstLove Shackcontestant who uses a wheelchair. I’ve watched for a long time and always wished I could see someone like me on TV, looking for love.”
CHLOE, 25, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, DULUTH, MN
Chloe Bradbury is a quiet soul who enjoys spending her weekends reading poetry by the lake on her parents’ farm. A die-hard animal lover and passionate vegan, Chloe advocates for plant-based food in school cafeterias and works to inspire a love of animals in her young students. Chloe says: “I’m so excited to meet Roland. I know he’lllovemy parents’ farm!”
GEORGIA, 27, MUSIC JOURNALIST, LOS ANGELES, CA
Based in Los Angeles, Georgia Rose is a music journalist who spends her time at concerts, at the beach, or at home watching ’90s movies with her cat. Georgia is looking for a lasting relationship, unlike that of her parents, who divorced when she was young. Georgia says: “I’m looking for the kind of relationship I didn’t get to see at home when I was growing up. I’m looking for my forever partner—and I hope Roland is too.”
MONICA, 28, PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Tennis pro Monica Kitajima is a five-time Grand Slam singles champion. Last year, she was ranked world No. 1 by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) and is the second Asian American player to hold the top ranking in singles. Off the court, Monica spends her time baking, attending yoga retreats, and running a charity that helps children from underserved communities in California get involved in sports. Monica says: “I hope Roland can keep up!”
NINA, 30, CAMPAIGN MANAGER, WASHINGTON, DC
Nina Alvarez Rojas is a single mother from Washington, DC. When she’s not spending time with her young daughter, she runs campaigns for female politicians. Nina is looking for a partner who is excited to be a stepfather, likes city life, and makes great pancakes. Nina says: “My daughter and I have been practicing our tennis—she’s too young to really hold the racket, but it’s so cute. I hope Roland likes kids!”
OLIE, 34, CHEESE ENTREPRENEUR, OFF THE GRID
Olie Hoovastank III is an award-winning designer of artisan cheese graters and pioneer of the “upward grate” method, whichshe believes can also apply to a good relationship. Olie says: “It’s all about friction. The cheese and the grater have to be in sync. That’s going to be me and Roland—but I won’t tell you which is which.”
PHILIPPA, 26, MARINE BIOLOGIST, SEATTLE, WA
Philippa Burns is a marine biologist whose mission in life is to protect the whales of Puget Sound. Born and raised on a houseboat, Philippa is excited to weather the tides of love with Roland. Philippa says: “I believe in big love. The kind that shakes up your world. Did you know octopuses have three hearts? I think they believe in big love too.”
“The group dates are where rivalries form. That smiling Girl Next Door from night one? Give her twenty minutes on a group date and she’ll be the villain.”
—Lainey Williams, executive producer ofLove Shack, in an interview withCosmopolitan
Chapter Six
“Rise and shine, ladies! Today could be the best day of your life!”
Norbert’s voice booms down the hallway, his Scottish brogue far too chipper for this early in the morning. He bangs on the bunk room door in an upbeat rhythm, and I can imagine his fiery mustache quivering with excitement.
“Up and at ’em! Roland is ready and rarin’ to see ye!”
I grumble into my pillow that I highly doubt that but drag myself up anyway. According to Norbert’s receding shouts, we have twenty minutes before we have to be downstairs.
“Make sure to eat something!” he calls. “No one likes a grumpy goose!”
I feel like I’ve been run over by a herd of wild horses. And I didn’t even drink half as much as the others. Monica pulls herself upright, clutches her stomach, and runs into the bathroom, where she throws up, making Addison shriek and poke herself in the eye with her mascara.
I peer at myself in one end of the bathroom mirror while Addison attempts to salvage her makeup job beside me. My face has a giant pillow crease that makes me look like I’ve fought in (and lost) a violent battle. I scrub the remaining makeup from my face, pull my hair into an acceptably fashionable messy-bun,and apply a few dabs of foundation that the producers can fix if it’s not enough.
We’ve been told to wear something athletic today (read skimpy) so I pull on high-waisted tomato-red bike shorts and a matching longline sports bra.
“Want to head down?”
I glance up from my suitcase to see Nina looking at me. She’s not nearly as hungover as Monica, who stumbles out of the bathroom, muttering about how angry her trainer will be.
Smiling, I nod and follow Nina out of the room. Downstairs, we snag seats in the corner of the large couch.
Nina rests back on the pillows and lets out a long sigh. “I’m used to not getting much sleep with my daughter, but last night was rough.”
She makes a snoring noise and nuzzles deeper into the pillows.
“Allllllll right!” Norbert’s voice cuts through the room, and Nina jerks her head up.
