Page 2 of Allure
Joy gestured toward the chairs in her office. “Please, make yourself comfortable. You can choose any seat you like.”
I decided on the chair closest to her desk, settling in as Joy took her seat across from me. She picked up a clipboard and pen, her warm smile never wavering.
“Mr. Lockwood, I want you to know that this is a safe space. We’re here to get to know you better and to understand your hopes and dreams for a future partner. There are no judgments, only an open ear and a desire to help you find the love you deserve.”
I felt my shoulders relax, appreciating her candor. “Thank you, Joy. And please, call me Niko.”
She nodded. “All right, Niko. I’m going to ask you a series of questions. Answer them as honestly as you can. We’ll use your responses to help find the best possible match for you.”
I leaned forward, ready to begin. “I’m an open book. Ask away.”
Joy started with the first question. “What are the most important values you look for in a partner?”
I thought for a moment before replying. “Honesty and loyalty, without a doubt. I need someone who will always keep it real with me and have my back, no matter what.”
She jotted down my answer before moving on. “Which three qualities are absolute must-haves in your ideal match?”
“Independence, confidence, and a great sense of humor,” I said without hesitation. “I want a woman who knows who she is, goes after what she wants, and can make me laugh until my sides hurt.”
Joy smiled, seeming to appreciate my answers. “Do you have a preference for your partner’s education level or career path?”
I shook my head. “Nah, as long as she’s passionate about something and has drive, that’s what matters. I respect ambition and hard work in any field.”
She continued asking questions, covering topics like my ideal first date, my thoughts on having children, and how my friends would describe my personality. I answered each one openly and honestly, feeling more at ease as the conversation progressed.
After the final question, Joy set down her clipboard and looked at me. “Thank you for your honesty, Niko. These answers will help us immensely in finding your perfect match. Now, let me explain a bit about our process.”
She detailed how Arranged Hearts conducts assessments based on the questions, as well as background checks, STD testing, and mental health evaluations. “We want to ensure that both you and your potential match are ready for a committed, healthy relationship. It’s not about finding perfection, but about finding compatibility and the potential for a lasting love.”
I appreciated their thorough approach. “That makes sense. I’m glad you guys take this so seriously.”
Joy leaned forward, her expression sincere. “Niko, we can’t promise a perfect match, but we can promise you a real shot at finding love. Our goal is to bring together two people who have the potential to build a beautiful life together. It may take work, but we believe in the power of love and the importance of finding a true partner.”
Her words resonated with me, and I felt a sense of excitement and hope. “You couldn’t have said it better. I trust that you will be able to bring along the woman I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”
I stood from my seat and smiled up at Joy. I walked over feeling more comfortable and hugged her.
She squeezed my arm gently before pulling back. “And that’s what we’re here to help you find. We’ll be in touch soon with potential matches, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, Niko.”
As I left Joy’s office, I felt a sense of excitement and determination. I knew the path ahead might not be easy, but I was ready to face it head-on. With Arranged Hearts guiding me, I was one step closer to finding the love and partnership I had always dreamed of.
Once I made it to my car and turned on the radio, the news host spoke loud and clear.
“Yo, yo, yo! This is your boy, DJ Spinz, and I’ve got some wild news for all you football fans out there. Niko Lockwood, the lightning-fast running back of the Marina Knights, is hanging up his cleats and calling it quits. The league’s gonna miss this superstar, but we wish him nothing but the best in his next play.”
My phone buzzed incessantly in the passenger seat, reminding me of the unanswered calls and messages I had received earlier. The news of my retirement had broken just before my interview, and my family had been trying to reach me, undoubtedly full of questions and concerns.
I sighed, knowing that I would have to face their reactions sooner or later. My decision to retire and pursue a new path had not been an easy one, but it was a choice I had made for myself. With the upcoming changes in my life, including my search for a life partner, I knew I would need the support and understanding of my loved ones more than ever.
As I navigated the familiar streets of Marina Bluffs, I steeled myself for the conversations ahead. I had always faced challenges head-on, both on and off the field, and this would be no different. With a deep breath, I reached for my phone, ready to embrace the new direction my life was taking and to build the future I had always envisioned.
I stood in front of my easel, the morning sunlight streaming through the large windows of my studio in Marina Bluffs. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance provided a soothing backdrop as I focused on the canvas before me. I was adding the final touches to my latest painting when my best friend Mahalia’s voice filled the room from the speakerphone, accompanied by the background noise of excited children.
“Lore, are you sure about this?” Mahalia asked, a hint of concern in her tone. “All right, kids, let’s take a five-minute break, and then we’ll work on our spins!” she called out to her students.
I smiled, appreciating her support and understanding, even as she juggled her responsibilities as a skating instructor. “Yes, Mahalia, I’m sure. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I believe that Arranged Hearts could be the answer I’ve been looking for.”
“I know, I know,” she replied, her voice softening. “It’s just... it’s such a big step, you know? I want you to be happy, and if this is what you truly want, then I’m here for you, girl.”