The Golden Bachelor star Leslie Fhima should not consider giving Gerry Turner another chance after his divorce from Theresa Nist. Leslie made her reality debut as one of the 22 women vying to end up as lead Gerry’s bride at the end of the season, and she made an instant impact on Gerry and fans alike with her entertaining and lively personality. Leslie, a 65-year-old fitness instructor from Minneapolis, Minnesota stunned viewers by dressing up as an old woman with a grey wig and walker before tossing them away to reveal her beautiful face and stunning dress.
Leslie’s captivating first impression would set the tone for her time on The Golden Bachelor. Leslie quickly became one of the early favorites to win the show and her scenes with Gerry were highly anticipated by fans. Going into the last week of the show, Leslie was still considered the frontrunner until Gerry broke her heart and gave the final rose to Theresa. However, Gerry and Theresa’s marriage only lasted months and there’s a chance he might want to rekindle his romance with Leslie. However, there are signs Leslie would be better off without Gerry.
‘Leslie Will Always Be Gerry’s Second Choice
Leslie gave Gerry her all and he chose someone else
From the moment Gerry met Leslie on The Golden Bachelor, their chemistry became evident. From a sensual dance routine that left Gerry aching for more to connecting over their use of hearing aids, Gerry and Leslie’s personalities matched perfectly and Leslie was an early favorite to end the season, winning Gerry’s heart. By the time Gerry and Leslie started exchanging “I love yous,” their romance looked like a done deal. However, despite their connection which grew steadily as the season progressed, only one person stood in Leslie’s way; Theresa Nist, Gerry’s final choice.
Whatever connection Gerry seemed to have with Leslie, he and Theresa always had more.
Whatever connection Gerry seemed to have with Leslie, he and Theresa always had more. Not only did Theresa give Gerry a sense of peace and familiarity, but Gerry also felt comfortable in her presence, something he didn’t quite feel with Leslie. After Leslie and Gerry’s hometown date, where Gerry looked almost ready to go down on one knee, all it took was for him to meet Theresa the next day for Gerry to change his mind and return to break Leslie’s heart. Leslie did all she could to be as open and truthful to win Gerry’s heart, and he still chose Theresa.
Leslie Will Struggle To Trust Gerry Again
Gerry fed Leslie false hope of a future together
Before Gerry returned to give Leslie the news he wouldn’t be choosing her, Leslie had believed she would end up being his forever after. Not only did Leslie’s energy match Gerry’s, but she also found herself being vulnerable around Gerry, especially in her struggles to find a true partnership, which has kept her single for 22 years. Gerry would swoon over Leslie whenever the two were together. During a carnival-themed group date at the Santa Monica pier, Gerry would whisper in Leslie’s ear the words “I’m falling in love with you. You’re my girl.”
Gerry knew he wouldn’t be choosing Leslie and continued to give her hope till the last few days. According to Leslie, Garry even made plans about the future with her days before the finale, saying “Save the date, this is what we’re going to do, I can’t wait for us, two more days, we’ll be done with this, be together, start our life.” Yet, days later, Gerry broke her heart and trust. It took Leslie more than two decades to fall in love and trust her heart with someone the way she did Gerry, and he still played her.
Leslie’s Family Commitments May Affect Relocating for Gerry
Leslie’s kids will always take precedence over anyone
Leslie made her debut on The Golden Bachelor, determined to do her very best to find love again. An instant connection with Gerry with the promise of a forever after indicated Leslie was on track. However, Leslie was ready to throw it all away when she heard her son needed her back in Minnesota. Leslie, who is mum to Elijah, Chloe, and Zack, noted “Just because your kids are bigger doesn’t mean they don’t have problems. So we’re a mother first and if my son had said, ‘I need you now,’ I would have left. Because that’s who I am.”
Although Gerry and Leslie live in the Midwest, Gerry’s home state of Indiana is 593 miles from Minnesota. Any hopes of a relationship between the two will depend on Leslie’s willingness to move to Indiana. However, while Leslie’s career as a personal trainer wouldn’t hinder her from moving, Leslie’s commitment to her kids will hugely impact her willingness to relocate to be with Gerry. After getting her heart broken, Leslie will be cautious about the sacrifices she would be willing to make if she gets back together with Gerry.
Leslie Still Has A Lot Of Questions About Gerry
Leslie is unsure about Gerry’s integrity
After months of thinking she would end up with Gerry, Leslie had a hard time dealing with his eventual rejection. During her appearance on the “Bachelor Happy Hour Podcast,” Leslie declared she didn’t get a satisfying closure with Gerry (via Yahoo!). Leslie believes Gerry switched during the season and, by the end, she wasn’t sure if The Golden Bachelor lead had any of the integrity she thought he had. Leslie’s comments about Gerry’s integrity are understandable considering how he planted dreams of a future for them in her head only to end up choosing another person.
Meanwhile, since the show ended, there have been reports Gerry dated several women after his wife’s death despite claiming he hadn’t dated in 45 years, which also calls Gerry’s integrity into question. Meanwhile, when Leslie was asked if she still respected Gerry, her unsure response indicated how far her feelings for him had fallen. From once lauding Gerry for having everything she wanted in a man, Leslie hoped he’d handled their romance a little differently than he did and while she honestly wanted to believe she still respected him, Leslie still wasn’t sure of which Gerry she met.
