Page 43 of A Match Made In Fall

Isabella is…well, let’s just say it’s impossible not to be impressed by her. Sure, she’s beautiful, but that’s not even what stands out the most. She’s smart, funny, driven, and completely comfortable being herself. Every answer she gives surprises me in the best way. We have so much in common that it’s almost eerie.

Dinner was incredible. The food and the conversation flowed so naturally. It felt like talking to someone I’d known for years instead of someone I’d only recently met. Every time I learn something new about her, I want to know more.

Now we're back in the car, heading out to Marlow’s Soda and Dessert Shop. I really hope this place lives up to the hype. It’s supposed to be quaint, unique, and off the beaten path.

When I was trying to decide what to do tonight, I wanted something different. Isabella has lived in LA for years and traveled all over the world with her dance career. I’m sure she’s seen incredible places and been on dates an old-fashioned soda shop probably won’t compare too. But I’m trying my best to impress her.

“Okay,” she says, turning toward me. “It’s my turn to ask a question.”

I smile. “Go for it.”

“Who would you consider your best friend, and how long have you known them?”

“That’s a good question.” I think about it for a moment. “Honestly, I lost touch with a lot of friends from my past. Not everyone embraces success, and sometimes you can lose people because of it.”

A flicker of understanding crosses her face, and she nods. “Oh, yeah. I’ve experienced the same thing.”

This isn’t surprising. Fame comes with a lot of perks, but it also has a way of showing you who you can really count on. I had a teammate that used to say his success in hockey helped him weed out the real friends.

“But hockey has brought some incredible people into my life,” I continue. “There are teammates I’d trust with just about anything. Some of those guys have become family which helps when you’re away from home as much as we are.”

She smiles softly.

“And then there are my brothers,” I say. “They’re my best friends.”

Her smile widens. “Tell me more about them. Of course you’ve already been lucky enough to meet my gem of a brother.”

I laugh. “Fair point.”

I take a second, thinking about my family.

“My brother, Logan, is the guy you can always count on. If you call him at three in the morning because your car broke down, he’d be there before you finished explaining the problem.” I grin. “He just got engaged to his high school sweetheart, and he asked me to be his best man along with our other brother. Honestly, I can’t think of a bigger honor.”

“Aww,” Isabella says. “I love that.”

“Yeah, they’re great together.” I shake my head. “Then there’s our baby brother, Brendan. He’s in medical school and crushing it. The guy has always been smart. Growing up, he was the kid who never had to study and still got perfect scores. It was honestly annoying.”

She laughs.

“But he works hard too,” I add. “He deserves every bit of success he’s earned. I couldn’t be prouder of them both.”

For a moment, I stare out at the road ahead.

“Like I told you, I miss them a lot,” I admit quietly. “But whenever we get together, it’s like no time has passed. We just pick up right where we left off.”

Isabella’s expression softens. “I can tell how much you love them.”

“I do.” I smile. “They, along with our parents, have been my biggest supporters in my career. No matter what I could always count on them. My parents have sacrificed a lot so all three of us have been able to follow our dreams.”

“I love hearing stories like that.”

The warmth in her voice settles over me like a blanket. And even when we both grow silent, it feels just as comfortable as the conversation.

“What about you? Tell me about your friends,” I say.

She grins. “I’m very lucky. In the dance world I have the most incredible group of diverse, talented individuals surrounding me. One of my best friends, Natalia, also came to Ballroom Dance America with me. We’ve literally danced in the same circle for years. And my roommate, Elise, and I have been friends forever, she’s a powerhouse in entertainment law. She’s a great person to have in your corner both personally and professionally.

“I’m sure they all miss you a lot,” I say. I imagine Isabella is a bright spot wherever she goes.