Carla hadn’t said another word. But the next day she had filled Bonnie’s freezer with fresh and organic homemade meals.

Now Ty stands in front of them with a big grin on his face. He’s clearly excited about the date. Bonnie wishes the ground would swallow her whole. The only relief is that she has a few precious hours away from Imogen, who only that morning viciously accused Bonnie of using too much detergent while washing up the dishes. Bonnie has never seen Imogen do the dishes in the first place but she held her tongue to avoid ensuring herself more screen time.

Mel, the field producer on the date, calls action and Ty launches into his spiel. ‘For today’s group date, I thought it would be fun if you each made me your signature dish. I’ll sample each one and whoever cooks my favourite will join me tonight for a special treat.’

Addison, dressed in pink as always, squeals with delight. When she isn’t exercising, she’s in the kitchen cooking. She has a very good chance at winning, but there’s also Kristy, who apparently brought Ty spicy soup on the red carpet, so there’s going to be some competition. Bonnie just isn’t going to be in the running. She groans so loudly that the rest of the girls turn to laugh. They all know she’s hopeless in the kitchen, so they’re probably thrilled that she won’t be a threat. Ty stares at her a little quizzically and goes to say something but Mel calls, ‘Cut!’ and promptly approaches to run through what will happen next.

They’re taken to a supermarket and given five minutes to choose their ingredients, but it’s closer to three hours by the time each of them is given time to walk around the supermarket with Ty to explain what they’re going to make.

When it’s finally Bonnie’s turn, she and Ty fall into step with each other. ‘So, what are you going to make me?’ he asks, a cheeky grin on his face.

‘Do you feel more like eggs or baked beans on toast?’ Bonnie deadpans.

Ty’s expression immediately changes. ‘I thought you liked food?’

‘I do, I love it,’ Bonnie enthuses. ‘I’m just terrible at making it.’ On their first date they’d talked about all their favourite foods. She feels bad that he’d assumed she could make any of it herself.

Ty laughs but seems a little disappointed. ‘I really thought this would be your kind of date.’

‘Hey, if you were cooking for me, then it would be perfect.’ Bonnie feels herself relaxing in his company and tries to ignore the crew who are standing less than a metre away. ‘I should have told you that my freezer is usually stocked with Lean Cuisines and that I also have a terrible addiction to drive-through takeaway.’