From that first moment when Vanessa stepped out of the limo, she had Nick’s attention. In fact, as she walked away and into the mansion, Nick remarked that she is “a keeper.” I was surprised when Rachel got the first impression rose—I knew Nick was drawn to her, but thought of her as a second to Vanessa. So last night when he said good-bye to Rachel, it wasn’t surprising.
Maybe Nick just didn’t want to deal with a future where race would be an issue. Maybe Rachel’s “church” lifestyle is just too conservative for him, and maybe he just felt more for Vanessa and Raven, both of whom he has been clearly into all along.
Obviously Rachel lands on her feet and then some. Now she will get to choose between 30 guys, and have the experience of a lifetime doing so. So that leaves raven, who is actually quite young, sweet, and clearly smitten with Nick. I believe Nick won’t choose her because though he loves her sweet wholesomeness, she is not as much of a challenge as Vanessa. He and Vanessa often talk about how alike they are, how they might clash because of it—and Vanessa seems to challenge Nick, as well as turn him on.
They talked about geography last night and we finally got to witness a discussion like this—one that is rooted in reality. Both are close to their families, they love their respective countries—and moving to another country is very different from moving to a different state. They did not come to any agreement and we viewers were left with a sense that this could be a deal breaker—and Vanessa hinted at this as she discussed her “core values” being a definite deal breaker if a potential partner did not share them. Go Vanessa.
However in spite of all this, I think Nick will choose Vanessa for all the reasons I have cited—and just because they seem to be a better fit than he and Raven. However making it work long term will be an issue—and it may be that the divide is just too wide and no middle ground can be found. Nick also has a wild streak and Vanessa loves working with special needs adults, hanging with family every Sunday and other very mundane, real life things. I imagine Nick is attracted to that, yet may bristle if asked to live a mundane life.
We are down to the finish and no matter who wins, in the long run, Nick may just not be ready for a committed relationship.
