A Quickie With Rebecca Cardon

AE: You've said that you and Jackie have "undeniable chemistry."
RC: We do have chemistry. We have the kind of relationship … here's an example: We went to see a movie. The movie was sold out, so we had to wait for the next show. I think it was a three-hour wait. And we literally sat on the sidewalk and talked for three hours. And it felt like four minutes.

AE: That sounds more like a really good date.
RC: It was like, "This is the coolest chick ever." I was definitely drawn in. And it's like that, always. You just put us together and we're like 10-year-old schoolgirls.

AE: Yeah, that's what I think of when I think of Jackie Warner: a 10-year-old schoolgirl. You sound like you've gotten very close, as friends.
RC: We weren't for a while, [but] now, it would seem I'm on her person-to-call list again, 'cause I'm getting a lot of daytime phone calls. You know you're on someone's person-to-call list when they give you daytime phone calls.

AE: Well, you know, friendships — they ebb and flow.
RC: Absolutely. And I guess I'm on the flow. I'm on the flow right now with Jackie.

AE: Was the physical part of your relationship just for the show?
RC: No, that part was all very real and the chemistry was palpable. It was awkward with the cameras around, that's for sure. [But] a lot of times with Jackie, I would forget they were there. We're just so natural together. But yeah, there was definitely stuff going on, both on-camera and off.

AE: Hmm. And off-camera?
RC: [laughs] Just a little.

AE: Have you ever had that kind of connection with a gay woman before?
RC: No, not to that degree. You know, I've made out with a couple of girls, here and there. And [I] had a little shirt-off situation with a certain girl on a certain show. [laughs] This is going to be juicy, right? [laughs]

AE: Oh, yeah. Was this show called Amazing Race?
RC: No, no, that's all I can say. Because she's not out, this girl. But she's very well-known. I think everyone in the gay community knows her, but I don't think she's out on a national level. And her show is very successful …

AE: OK, I got ya. How long ago was that?
RC: I think it was about two years ago. It was a while ago. Jackie introduced us.

AE: That's right, they know each other, don't they ...
RC: They used to date.

AE: Yes they did. Our community is this big. Everyone has either dated someone, slept with them, is friends with them, or knows someone who did-is-was.
RC: Even in the straight world, it's all very small and connected.

AE: But if you break up with your boyfriend, you can work it that you never see him again. In the lesbian community, you're going to see them tomorrow. I think we're friends with all our exes because if everyone was avoiding them, no one would be able to go out.
RC: [laughs] Yeah, that's true. I know Jackie keeps seeing Briana everywhere she goes. It's like that thing in your eye … that little dot. And everywhere you look, there it is. That's Briana to Jackie.

AE: I think that dot is called a "floater."
RC: Briana is a floater. That's terrible. I shouldn't say that. Briana is very, very sweet. She couldn't harm a fly. She's adorable, too sweet for Jackie.

AE: That's probably true. Jackie needs someone who's a little harder to please, more of a challenge. But not crazy, like Mimi.
RC: Yeah, I love how you called Mimi "crazypants." It's the best name ever.

AE: I can't believe you've been reading the recaps all along.
RC: I love them, they're so good! So many people will write me on MySpace and say: "Oh my God! Did you read Dara's article on AfterEllen? They're calling my attention [to them] or they'll send little excerpts from it through my email. It's really funny. You were pretty kind to me; not so much to others. I'll take it!

AE: I'm afraid I'm going to run into Jackie and she's going to kick my ass.
RC: No, she would be very, very sweet to you.

AE: Yeah, OK, Rebecca. Maybe you can help me out — you're wicked strong. Does your bench-pressing world record still hold?
RC: Yeah, as far as I know, it's still in place. I don't know that much about it. My dad knows all about that stuff.

AE: How much did you bench press?
RC: 135 pounds. My weight class was 105 pounds at the time — I was 17 and the category was 17-to-19-year-olds. It was a women's teen division, by weight.

AE: That's impressive.
RC: I'm pretty strong.