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'I don't even remember the last time I talked to him' Kelly Jo Kuharski came within a rose of being the chosen one on "The Bachelor." Now the Wheaton native shares some candid thoughts on 'Bachelor Bob,' reality TV and fame.

Article Excerpt
Kelly Jo Kuharski is looking forward to trading in her reality TV star status for a career that actually pays the bills.

For now, though, she's finding that just being Kelly Jo is a full-time job.

Since gaining national attention last year as the runner-up on ABC's "The Bachelor," Kuharski, 24, has been traveling, making public appearances and participating in the latest installment of "The Bachelorette."

As part of that show, the Wheaton Warrenville South High School graduate offers guidance to the new bachelorette, Meredith Phillips, a friend and fellow contestant from the earlier show. The second episode of "The Bachelorette" airs on ABC Wednesday.

During a chat with Daily Herald Staff Writer Robert Sanchez last week at Kuharski's Wheaton home, she had two cell phones by her side that were constantly ringing.

The hourlong meeting was interrupted several times so Kuharski could arrange interviews, pitch appearance ideas to someone from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and direct other callers to her publicist.

In between, Kuharski shared her thoughts about her return to prime time, her newfound fame and Bob Guiney, the man who broke her heart on national television.

What follows is an edited transcript of the conversation.

Q. Do you still keep in touch with bachelor Bob Guiney?

A. Nope. I don't even remember the last I talked to him. Sometime in October, maybe, I talked to him on the phone. I saw him when we were on "Oprah."

Q. What was your reaction to the news that Bob's relationship with Estella Gardinier (the woman he chose over Kelly Jo) was short-lived?

A. Not surprised. There is a lot that went into that final decision. Just talking with Estella and stuff, I knew...