Sparks fly on “The Golden Bachelor” Gerry’s first 1-on-1 date with Theresa

NEW YORK — The 15 women Gerry chose from the first night moved into the Bachelor Mansion. They were all so happy to choose their room, but the excitement wore off when they realized there were four women in one room, there were bunk beds, and the closets were tiny. Some of the women are in their 70s and have knee replacements, so the top bunk might be difficult. The women also talked about how they often get up at night to go to the toilet. But they stayed positive, had a few drinks and started cheering on Gerry and Social Security.

A woman leaves

In case you’re wondering where Marina is, she’s decided she has to leave for family reasons. You can watch her farewell here: https://www.facebook.com/GoldenBachABC/videos/672840258156849/

Date card

Jesse Palmer greeted the fifteen and brought over the first date card. A woman asked, “What is that?” Jesse was taken aback and said, “Um, it’s a date card.” It was for Theresa! It read: “Theresa, you are never too old to find love again, dear Gerry.” She prepared for her date as the other women cheered “Happy birthday!” She worried that she might not be able to find someone to love like she had with her late husband Billy. They married when she was just 18 years old. He was drafted during the Vietnam War, came home to attend his brother’s wedding, and then they married with two days’ notice. She said that before he died, her husband told her: “I hope you find someone. I hope you get married again.” Oh! She said her husband would tell her to try it! Susan helped style Theresa’s hair and prepare her for her big date. Apparently she’s been doing hair for 35 years! I just love the support women have for each other.

First 1-on-1 date

Gerry came into the date saying he hadn’t been this nervous since his first date with his late wife Toni. He had high hopes for this date. In fact, he said that they might look back and say: This is where it all started. The car he picked her up in had intermittently working headlights and everything started off frighteningly and bumpily. Gerry was so nervous driving in California because the highways are crazy for someone used to the Midwest. Plus, they’re in a convertible and the wind is ruining Theresa’s hair (after all Susan’s hard work!). She remained positive even when she was scared to death.

Sparks fly for Gerry and Theresa

Gerry told Theresa that having her put her hand on his shoulder calmed and reassured him. Theresa joked and said, “Your arms feel so good, wow!” He took her to Cadillac Jacks, an old-fashioned diner! He started out as a restaurateur, serving fries and shakes. They held hands at the diner and it was so cute. Theresa told him that she had felt a connection with him from the beginning. He was very receptive to her and they seemed to communicate really well. She told him her past with her husband and it was very similar to Gerry’s. Both married their high school sweethearts and both are still coming to terms with the loss of their spouse. Theresa said Billy died because his kidneys failed. He held out hope for a transplant, but died one day when he suddenly became ill. Theresa rushed home to work and watched as he took his last breaths. So sad! Gerry understood and both expressed their condolences. Theresa’s husband died almost nine years ago. Gerry said it was the first time he didn’t feel like crying about Toni’s death when he talked about it with Theresa because he was talking to someone who understood. OMG, can we end the show now? I feel like they are perfect for each other. But is Gerry exaggerating himself? “I have to tell you, I really like you,” he said to Theresa. He said he couldn’t believe how hopeful he was. Theresa said that she would like to travel to Italy and that he would like to learn Italian with her, and he said he was game! Then Gerry turned the conversation back to hope and said, “You never stop believing.” Theresa said, “Oh, I love that song.” And call the flash mob! A dance broke out and she was overwhelmed. They gave each other a kiss and then got up to dance! And I’m crying…they danced over to the rose and he offered it to her in front of the flash mob and she happily accepted it! “You’re so adorable!” he said. Wow! Sparks fly!

Group appointment

The next day, Gerry was doing a photo shoot when the women on the group date met him. Gerry told them that they were all doing a photo shoot for the cover of a romance novel. Franco, the photographer who has been on the show several times, would help the women feel comfortable and have fun. Gerry said he just wanted to take it easy and see if the women could laugh about the situation. April, Jeanie and Kathy were up first with “Islands of Desire” and Gerry wore a Fabio-style wig. Next came the group “Summer of Love” with their hippie outfits. Leslie was upset that she didn’t get a 70s outfit, but this group had four women and Road to Love with the biker outfits only had two, so that seemed like the better choice for her.

Gerry and Nancy bond

The wedding group arrived last and Nancy began to cry. She hadn’t worn a wedding dress since she got married. The emotions just flowed out of her. She said the best day of her life was her wedding to her husband Mark. He passed away 12 years ago and it still hurts. Gerry asked her what was going on, fearing there would be a disruption. She explained it and Gerry said he understood and could relate. He said he walked past a bakery and smelled cinnamon, and his wife always baked cinnamon balls for Christmas. At that moment, a year ago, it hit him as hard as it hit Nancy with the wedding dress. It was unexpected and that made it feel even worse. Nancy said even though she was sad, she was still hopeful and Gerry asked her for a hug. They both felt a little closer to each other and took a few new photos.

Group date rose

Be careful, there is a group date rose! Gerry had a great time learning new things about each of the women during their time together. He gets to know them all on a deeper level. Leslie bonded with Gerry by telling him how special he was. Gerry told her it was “like a lava cake” and soft on the inside. She revealed that she also has two hearing aids. He whispered something naughty in her ear and they hugged. Leslie refused to say what he whispered. But in the end, Gerry offered Nancy the group date and she accepted! “It’s important to me to be seen and heard, and you do both,” she told Gerry.

Happy birthday, Gerry!

It’s Gerry’s birthday! He showed up at the Bachelor Mansion and the women weren’t in the house, but when he went outside everyone surprised him with a party. Susan popped out of a cake! She told Gerry that she had thrown an Italian party for the women in honor of his birthday. Several women did a few dances and little mini dates with golf, dancing, wine and even a piñata. “Natasha, you’re a great hugger. This part reminds me of my wife,” he told her. Faith wasn’t at the group date and told Gerry that she was sad and worried that she couldn’t keep up with the other ladies. But he seemed to be trying to calm her down. Joan chatted to Gerry in the villa about her late husband, but ended it with a kiss for Gerry on his birthday. He gave Ellen a framed photo of the two of them from their photo shoot. She felt so special! She says she hasn’t felt this special in so long.

These rose ceremonies are getting more and more difficult! He forms a deeper bond with each of them and it hurts when someone’s bubble of hope bursts. Gerry said that they were all his friends now and he valued them all. “I have big, strong feelings for all of you,” he said.

Rose ceremony

1) Theresa (individual conversation)

2) Nancy (group date)

3) Leslie

4) Joan

5) Edith

6) Ellen

7) Sandra

8) Susan

9) Christina

10) Faith

11 April

12) Kathy

As he handed out the last rose, Gerry began to cry. It was terrible for him to break women’s hearts! Jesse rubbed Gerry’s back, asked if he was okay and told him, “This is the worst.” Gerry pulled himself together and said goodbye to Peggy, Natascha and Jeanie.

Next week

Soon we’ll see Gerry take a hot air balloon ride and the drama in the house increases. Someone says that Gerry is a good kisser and Kathy doesn’t want to hear it. Looks like there are a lot of tears on our way!

“The Golden Bachelor” airs Thursday nights, followed by “Bachelor in Paradise” on ABC.