Polite laughter rippled through the crowd.
“I’ve spent the last few years building Cupid’s Arrow, helping thousands of people find meaningful connections. And I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. We have the best matchmakers in the world, the most sophisticated algorithm in the industry, and a success rate that speaks for itself.”
People nodded along.
“But when it comes to my own love life?” I paused, letting the crowd lean in. “Well, it turns out even the best matchmakers in the world and the most sophisticated data can’t help someone who refuses to fill out their own profile honestly.”
More laughter, this time louder.
“I’ve been guilty of the very thing I tell our users not to do. I’ve convinced myself that I’m too busy for love.” I smiled ruefully. “My matchmakers are the best in the world, probably because I’m such a challenge.”
More people laughed.
“Trust me when I say, I give them a lot of practice.”
They thought I was being charming. Self-aware.
“So while I appreciate this recognition, I have to admit that being New York’s Most Eligible Bachelor isn’t exactly a badge of honor. It’s more of a reminder that I’ve been doing something wrong.” I raised my glass. “Here’s to hoping?—”
I stopped mid-sentence. The ballroom doors had opened, and a woman in a sapphire blue dress stood framed in the entrance.
Ina.
My brain short-circuited. The words I’d been about to say evaporated. The crowd started to murmur, confused by my sudden silence.
I cleared my throat. “Excuse me.”
I had two options.
Option one: Finish the speech. Say something smooth about how despite having access to the best matchmaking resources in the world, I hadn’t found my match yet. I could continue to play the part of the charming, unattainable bachelor that everyone expected.
It was the safe option. The professional option I’d been planning on going with this evening.
Option two: Step off this stage and go to her.
I handed the microphone to the confused host and walked off the stage, my eyes locked on Ina as I crossed the ballroom floor.
Everyone was watching. Phones were probably out with cameras recording, gossip already spreading like wildfire through the room. I didn’t care.
When I reached Ina, she looked up at me. I saw how nervous she was. She looked like she was ready to bolt at any second.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“Lucas showed up at my apartment with a dress and turned me into the modern-day Cinderella you see standing before you.” She glanced around at the crowd watching us. “He said it would be good if I showed up tonight.”
“I’m going to kill him.”
“Don’t. He means well.” She smiled. “Although I was absolutely terrified to walk in here.”
“I can’t believe he sent you into the lions’ den alone.” I put my hands on her upper arms and gave her an affectionate squeeze. “I also can’t believe you’re really here. For a second up there, I thought I had lost my grip on reality.”
She smiled. “I’m glad I came. You looked like you were chewing glass up there. Totally miserable.”
“Iammiserable.” I looked into her eyes. “I’m feeling slightly less so now, though.”
Her eyes drifted over my shoulder. “Everyone is looking at us, so maybe you should go finish your speech.”
I groaned. “Do I have to?”
