Page 5 of No Mane, No Gain
“Is this Olive Russo?” A warm, slightly husky female voice came through the line.
“Yes, this is she.”
“Wonderful! This is Gerri Wilder from the Paranormal Dating Agency. I understand you’re interested in our matchmaking services.”
Olive sat up straighter, her heart skipping a beat. “Oh! Yes, I am. I’ve heard great things about your agency.”
Gerri chuckled. “Well, I’d love to chat with you about how we can help. Are you free for lunch tomorrow? Say, one in the afternoon at Bella Vista downtown.”
“Tomorrow? Yes, I can do that,” Olive replied, her mind already racing ahead to what she’d wear.
“Perfect. I look forward to meeting you, Olive. We’ll get you matched up with Mr. Right in no time.”
As soon as the call ended, Olive leaped off the couch and paced the living room, nervous energy thrumming through her veins. She needed to talk this through with someone. Without hesitation, she dialed her cousin and best friend.
“Athena! You’ll never guess who just called me,” Olive blurted as soon as her cousin picked up.
“Ooh, was it that hot barista from Brew & Bean? I told you he was into you.”
Olive rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but smile. “No, not him. It was Gerri Wilder.”
“From the Paranormal Dating Agency? No way! What did she say?”
“She invited me to lunch tomorrow to discuss matchmaking. I’m meeting her at Bella Vista.”
“That’s amazing, Olive. I told you reaching out to her was a good idea.” Athena’s excitement was palpable even through the phone. “Okay, you need my advice. First, keep an open mind. Gerri’s methods might seem a little... unconventional.”
Olive’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean by unconventional?”
“Let’s just say she has a unique approach. But trust me, it works. She’s blunt and speaks her mind, so be prepared for that. But she’s also incredibly nice and genuinely wants to help people find love.”
“Got it. Open mind, expect bluntness. Anything else?”
“Be honest with her, Olive. Completely honest. Gerri has this uncanny ability to see right through people, so there’s no point in trying to hide anything. Tell her exactly what you’re looking for, even if it seems silly or impossible.”
Olive nodded, then remembered Athena couldn’t see her. “Okay, I will. Thanks, Athena. I’m nervous, but excited too.”
“You’ve got this, cuz. Call me right after and tell me everything.”
After hanging up, Olive headed to her walk-in closet, determined to find the perfect outfit for tomorrow’s lunch. She rifled through designer dresses and tailored suits, rejecting option after option. Too formal. Too casual. Too bright. Too dull.
Finally, she settled on a deep blue wrap dress that hugged her curves without being overly sexy, paired with classic nude pumps. Professional, but with a hint of flirtiness. Perfect for a matchmaking consultation.
Olive barely slept that night, her mind buzzing with possibilities. What if Gerri really could find her perfect match? Someone who would love her for who she was, not for her family’s money or her social status. Someone who wouldn’t betray her trust like her father had betrayed her mother.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Olive took extra care with her appearance, applying her makeup with a steady hand and styling her honey-blonde hair into soft waves. As she slipped on her dress and shoes, she gave herself a critical once-over in the full-length mirror.
“You can do this,” she told her reflection firmly. “Just be yourself.”
The drive to Bella Vista seemed to take forever, even though traffic was relatively light for midday in Manhattan. Olive’s stomach fluttered with nerves as she handed her keys to the valet and stepped into the restaurant.
Bella Vista lived up to its name, offering stunning views of the city skyline through its wall of windows. The decor was chic and modern, all clean lines and muted colors with pops of vibrant art on the walls. Olive scanned the dining room, searching for Gerri.
She spotted an older woman sitting alone at a corner table, dressed in a brilliantly patterned silk blouse and tailored white pants. Her silver-white hair was cut in a stylish bob, and her bright blue eyes twinkled as she caught Olive’s gaze. She waved, and Olive made her way over.
“You must be Olive,” the woman said warmly, standing to greet her. “I’m Gerri Wilder. It’s lovely to meet you in person.”
“It’s great to meet you too,” Olive replied, shaking Gerri’s offered hand. The older woman’s grip was firm and confident.