Tom Schwartz opened up about the connection he shares with Raquel Leviss while attending BravoCon on Saturday.
Following weeks of rumors regarding their supposed romance as well as their alleged hookup, the Vanderpump Rules cast member had nothing but good things to say about his co-star, admitting that he’s enjoyed getting to know her in the months since splitting from ex-wife Katie Maloney.
“We have, like, a connection,” he told E! News on October 15. “Yes, me and Raquel have gotten much closer. I have a great appreciation for her. I’ve gotten to know her, and I’ve gotten to see all these different facets of her personality I didn’t know existed…I didn’t realize how f-cking funny Raquel is—and witty.”
At the end of August, as they attended the Mexico wedding of Scheana Shay and Brock Davies, Tom and Raquel reportedly sparked “tension” between Tom and Katie as they reported “made out” and “more.” But while they’ve been seen looking “cozy” in recent weeks, Tom said he’s more focused on his and Tom Sandoval‘s businesses than dating.
“At this point in my life, dating seems like such an abstraction to me,” Tom explained. “I’m not even thinking about dating, I’m embracing being single, focusing on my career, and our business.”
Tom echoed similar sentiments during another interview, saying that while he’s glad to have opened his mind to Raquel, he doesn’t see a future between them.
“I don’t think so,” he said to Page Six. “I have a great admiration for her, and we’re tight, we’re friends, we’re boys… It’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know her on a deeper level. I’ve been chatting with people [about how] I didn’t really ever bond with Raquel before, but now I see the depth of character and how funny she is.”
Although Tom and Raquel won’t be getting serious anytime soon, Tom confirmed they shared “a climatic moment” — but he wouldn’t reveal details.
“I’ll just say that I have a great appreciation for her, and it’s cool,” he teased.
Also at BravoCon over the weekend, as Tom admitted he was “a sad sack of sh-t” after his split from Katie while attending a panel, Raquel said she finds Tom to be “cute.”
“We have a little flirty, friendly connection that’s lighthearted and fun,” Raquel told Page Six. “He’s a very sweet guy, obviously, and easy to talk to. It’s just very nice to have a friend in my corner.”
Vanderpump Rules season 10 is expected to begin airing on Bravo later this year or early next year.