MATT ELLAM > 24
Graduate student
WHO PLAYS HIM IN A MOVIE Ryan Reynolds
WHAT MAKES HIM A GOOD CATCH I graduated with an Ivy League degree but found myself in an unfulfilling job and am now taking classes to become a nurse practitioner in order to help those in need.
CATHERINE GRELLA > 25
Account executive
WHAT SHE’D BRING TO A DESERT ISLAND Other than sunscreen?! My iPod for constant dance parties, my friends, and a cooler filled with Bud Light Limes and Twisted Teas
HER PERFECT MAN The best husband and father
7 P.M. MAMMA MARIA, NORTH END
> TICKTOCK
CATHERINE I had to work until 5:30 and then run directly to a work event. I didn’t have time to do anything before the date.
MATT I was about 10 to 15 minutes ahead of schedule, so I walked around the North End a little. I wasn’t about to show up early.
CATHERINE I was late due to traffic and trying to get a cab after my work event.
MATT I waited outside for about 10 minutes. When I went back in, they told me she [called to say she] was stuck in traffic, so I went up to the bar and had a drink there. The host came to get me about 15 minutes later, and there was a woman behind him.
> MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME
MATT She was standing behind the host in a dimly lit corridor. I noticed that she had very big hair.
CATHERINE I thought he was very handsome. He had a great smile, and I loved his outfit.
MATT She was very quiet at first. I asked her where she was coming from and why traffic was so bad. We discussed her job and the fact that I was in school. I discovered where she was from, how she was from an Irish and Italian family, and how she had twin sisters. We had a pretty ranging conversation going.
CATHERINE I discovered he is in school getting his master’s for nursing so that he can have a profession where he is helping people. I found that very admirable. He is driven and has worked and studied hard to get to where he is today.
> SAVED BY THE BELL
MATT She came off as very calm and laid-back. I appreciate that, and I felt more comfortable as I got to know more about her.
CATHERINE I was enjoying myself. It was a date with lots of smiling and laughter.
MATT She seemed like a really cool person, but there were no romantic feelings. I was reluctant to continue the date, because I did not want to give her the wrong idea.
CATHERINE He was sweet and walked me to the end of Hanover Street so I could easily grab a cab. We hugged each other goodbye, and he asked for my number.
> POST-MORTEM
CATHERINE A
MATT B-
> SECOND DATE?
CATHERINE Possibly!
MATT The chemistry was unremarkable. I just don’t think that it’s in the stars for Catherine and me. — Compiled by Jessica Teich
GO ON A BLIND DATE. WE’LL PICK UP THE TAB.Fill out an application at boston.com/cupid.