During Week 8 of ‘The Bachelor,’ Joey visited four women’s families and ran into a few bumps along the way. Here’s Bustle’s full Hometowns recap.
The Bachelor Recap
Plus: how one quick exchange might’ve subtly teased the winner.
After narrowing down his Bachelor journey to four women, Joey Graziadei embarked on Hometowns during the March 4 episode. “I’m hoping that after this week, we have the ability to look forward to what can come at the end of this, and where our relationship can continue to grow to,” he said at the start of Week 8. “That’s the best-case scenario.”
Of course, this part of the process is prone to get a little bumpy, which held particularly true for one Season 28 suitor, who left The Bachelor roseless. But first, here’s a Hometowns recap.
The last time Joey was in New Orleans, he was trying to find love with Charity Lawson, and while that didn’t pan out, his latest trip suggested the start of an even stronger relationship.
Joey and Kelsey A. went tandem biking, shared beignets, and explored the Louisiana city. Kelsey spotted several butterflies along the way, which she interpreted as signs from her late mother. They even saw a bride taking wedding photos in the park, prompting discussions about potential nuptials in their future — as well as their fears. Kelsey was wary of being heartbroken; Joey, of being rejected by the woman he chooses.
Ultimately, the conversation appeared to have made them stronger. “She has this brightness to her. She has this different level of excitement and joy that is just contagious,” Joey said in a confessional. “I just know I could be happy every day if Kelsey was the person I was with.”
The good vibes continued while meeting Kelsey’s family: her dad, Mark, and two of her siblings. Mark expressed some concern about Joey dating several other women, but Joey promised his feelings for Kelsey were real, which “reassured” Mark.
Kelsey also had a tearful conversation with her dad about her mom, Denise, and how Mark had cared for her during her illness. It moved Mark to realize how Kelsey saw her relationship with Joey as a reflection of his and Denise’s.
If that doesn’t convince you of the day’s success, Joey even told Mark “I hope to see you soon.” Certainly the magic of Bachelor editing means he could have said this to every family, but it feels like a promising sign for Joey and Kelsey’s future.
