My Catherine Maladrino gown was a hit with everyone, but most importantly Matt’s mother. He offered to pick me up, but I insisted on driving over and meeting him at his mother’s so I could introduce myself to her and see how she was doing. I picked up a dozen light pink roses, a box of chocolates, and made my way over. Matt was waiting on the front porch for me. He wore a fitted gray suit, black Gucci loafers, a white Ralph Lauren button-up, and a black silk skinny tie. To say he looked handsome would be the understatement of the century.

I parked the car and as I reached over to the passenger seat to gather my gifts for his mother, he appeared at my door to open it for me. He smiled when he saw me, but his smile became even bigger when he saw the light pink roses that I had picked up for his mother. He hugged me tightly and led me up the path and into his house.

The house was beautiful inside—like a Ralph Lauren all-American clean, crisp, and New England style. It was dim and the tables were covered with lit candles. His mother sat reading a book in a pale red jersey dress by the back window. She was beautiful, but you can tell by her frail hands that the chemotherapy had done a number on her body. Matt introduced us and I presented her the flowers and chocolates. She smiled weakly and told me how much Matt had talked about me. How flattering! She gazed at my dress and her mouth fell open a bit in awe at the intricacies of its stitching. She told me that she once wore a gown like this to a ball in New York City. This woman has good taste! I put the roses in a vase for her and set them on a table by the back window. She smiled and wished us a good time. Matt and I departed. I felt really sad that she was unable to attend this event, but I was so honored to be able to take her place. She struck me as a strong woman and I know she has a good heart because it can so clearly be seen in Matt. Her good fashion sense can be seen in Matt as well!

The ball was beautiful. There were Badgley Mischka dresses, Armani, Versace, Vera Wang….basically every designer was represented. It was great fun simply people watching, but dancing with Matt wasn’t so bad either. He was such a gentleman! We definitely have chemistry (especially fashion chemistry…I refuse to date an ill-dressed man) and I think we have a lot of potential together. Do I want to get involved with someone right before I leave for Italy, though?

No time to think about it right now! I’ve got  a business meeting for the Study Abroad Program at my university in the morning. I’m trying to get a discount for our students to study at this one school in Italy. Wish me luck!