Page 3 of Allure
“Thank you, Mahalia. That means the world to me.” I stepped back from my painting, admiring the vibrant colors and bold strokes. “I’ve tried the traditional dating scene, and it just hasn’t worked out. I’m ready for something different, something that might lead me to the love and family I’ve always dreamed of.”
As I cleaned my paintbrushes, Mahalia’s voice chimed in again, this time with a hint of amusement. “Hey, what time does your interview start again? And Jeremy, sweetie, be careful on the ice, okay?”
I glanced at the clock on the wall and my eyes widened. “Oh no, it’s at 11:00 a.m., and it’s already 10:30! I completely lost track of time while painting. I have to get ready and rush over there!”
“Girl, you better get moving, then!” Mahalia laughed, the sound of skates gliding on the ice in the background. “You don’t want to be late for your own happily ever after.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I quickly put away my painting supplies. “You’re right. I’m going to hop in the shower and head out. Wish me luck!”
“You don’t need luck, Lore. You’ve got this. Just be your amazing, talented, and beautiful self, and they’ll love you. Call me as soon as you’re done, okay? All right, kids, back on the ice! Let’s see those spins!”
“Will do. Thanks, Mahalia. Love you!”
“Love you, too, girl. Now go get ’em!”
I ended the call and rushed to get ready, excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. As I stepped out of my studio into the warm California sun, I took a deep breath, feeling the salty ocean breeze on my face. I smiled, knowing that whatever the outcome of this interview, I was taking a bold step toward the future I’d always wanted. With renewed determination, I set off toward the Arranged Hearts office, ready to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.
I finally made it to the office ten minutes past my appointment time. I tried to call while I was driving but no one answered. Dread settled into the pit of my stomach. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and here I was, about to mess it all up due to my problem with time.
When I woke up this morning, I had a plan. I was going to work out, then I would spend a few hours in my studio. It had long since become my routine to paint or sculpt every morning. So, I didn’t plan on switching it because I was going to an interview. I stood in front of the door, then released a breath before walking inside. It was so comfortable here. Pictures of couples adorned the walls, and they even had abstract paint strokes against the walls in free-form patterns.
I smiled, already feeling at home as I rushed to the front desk. The woman positioned behind it immediately gave me the warmest welcome.
“Hi, I’m Lore. Uh, Lore Reed. I don’t usually stutter or ramble, but today is the beginning, or could be the start of my new life.”
“Honey, take a deep breath for me,” the older woman said.
She lifted her hands to symbolize the rising of my chest, then lowered them to tell me to release. I followed a few times before I finally felt a calm come over me.
“Do you feel better?” she asked.
I nodded, afraid if I used my voice, I would begin to ramble again.
“Okay, so you’re right on time. I will let them know you’re here. Have a seat for me,” she said, lifting her phone.
But, I didn’t move from where I stood, so she waited.
“Ma’am, I feel as if I heard you incorrectly. You said I am on time, but I’m ten minutes late.”
She smiled. “Honey, we always give our clients an earlier time. We know how stressful and nerve-wracking this process can be. Do you think you are the first person to think you’re late? If so, think again. We got you, now go over there and try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.”
“Thank you,” I told her before finding my way to a bright red chair positioned by the mural painted on the wall with affirmations, love languages, wedding bells, and more.
I craned my head to the side, I wanted to see if I could tell who the designer was. I knew some of everyone in the industry. Before I could come to a conclusion, the sweet tone of the woman I spoke to earlier called my name.
I stood and wiped my now moist hands against my jeans.
“She is ready for you now. You’re going to love Mrs. Joy,” she commented.
I didn’t say a word as she led me down the hall. This hall was covered with pictures of success stories too. I knew I needed to relax. I rarely researched a thing in my life, choosing to go with the wind. But with this decision, I figured I had better take it a little more seriously. When I noticed the company had a 97 percent success rate, I hoped I wasn’t destined to be part of that lonely 3 percent.
We finally made it to the last room at the end of the hall. Joy was standing up in her office the moment we walked in. At first glance, I noticed her smile was the most vibrant thing in here. Which was a rarity whenever I came across someone who worked in an office, which let me know she loved her job.
“Lore, it is so nice to finally meet you in person. I am Joy, the one you have been emailing all this time. You look exactly as I imagined, and I say that in a good way.” She held her hand out to shake mine.
I bypassed her hand and hugged her, then stepped back, immediately unsure.
“I am so sorry. Usually, I’d ask if that would be okay. I am a big hugger. I feel handshakes are so impersonal.” My hands went to my mouth and my eyes widened.