Termayne Harper, one of two Naperville men competing for love on the reality show “The Bachelorette,” packed his bags to head home at the end of the third episode that aired Monday on ABC.
The 28-year-old was a casualty of a season that features two women — best friends Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia — sharing rose responsibilities in their quest to find a husband.
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Instead of doubling the chances for love, this season is making for twice the uncomfortable conversations and tears.
In the most recent episode, the two gal pals determined they’d be better off selecting specific men to pursue rather than pulling equally from the pool of men.
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Harper, a cryptocurrency entrepreneur, became a casualty of that decision.
Although Harper, 28, was presented with a rose from Recchia, the 2011 graduate of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville said he’d prefer to pursue his feelings for Windey.
However, Windey did not share the connection, and she did not offer him a rose or the opportunity to move ahead in the competition.
On the show, Recchia expressed how humiliating Harper’s rebuff was for her.
“Termayne rejecting my rose was so embarrassing because it was in front of everyone. It was not only embarrassing, but just really surprising because I didn’t think him and Gabby had that strong of a connection,” she told the camera in an aside.
Naperville fitness instructor Mario Vassall, 31, remains in the Windey camp with eight other suitors.
He hit it off well with Windey in the first episode, earning a first-impression rose from her.
Next week, Vassall and the cast board the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady cruise ship to set sail across Europe on their journey to find love.
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While neither Harper nor Vassall got a one-on-one date with the women in the third episode, they did push their comfort zone in a photo shoot with the ladies.
Harper wore a life vest as other suitors dressed as airplane passengers for pictures, with Recchia as the pilot.
Vassall donned tight-fitting denim shorts, cowboy boots and a cut-off plaid shirt for photos depicting a sexy car wash.
“The Bachelorette” airs Mondays at 7 p.m. CST on ABC or episodes can be viewed on demand and on Hulu the following day.
subaker@tribpub.com
