21
Located in the center of the city, LACMA is iconic and the perfect spot for this year’s biggest matchmaking event. It’s being held in an airy courtyard at the sprawling art museum. With Chris Burden’sUrban Lightsculptures as the backdrop, we’ve set up a bar and there are high-top tables scattered through the rest of the space. Napkins with our logo are spread on the tables, along with little conversation-starter cards. The string lights lend a magical glow to the evening.
Everything is ready to go when the guests start trickling in. They check in at the entrance with the interns, receiving brass-plated pins with their names etched onto them. Much cuter than name stickers. Have to give Shreya props for that idea. Everyone also has a QR code etched into their nameplates, with the codes leading to their public profiles on the One & Only database. That contribution was mine. It earned me “snaps” from the interns when I suggested it.
I meet our VIP guest at a discreet back entrance.
Gemma Flores is low-key but stunning in a simple black slip dress with a blazer thrown over her shoulders. She’s wearing dark sunglasses until she steps inside.
“Nervous?” I ask as I give her a hug.
She tugs on her rings. “Very much so.”
I guide her through the halls that lead to the courtyard. “Everyone who comes to our events signs an NDA,” I say. “And in the past, when we’ve had public figures at our events, we’ve found that most people are too wrapped up in their own connections to be too starry-eyed.”
When we step outside, Gemma tenses slightly. I look at her with reassurance. “That said, if anyone bothers you, my great-aunt will drop-kick them to the curb.”
This gets a laugh out of her and she nods. “I trust you guys.”
“And I’m not kidding, if you have any problems at all, come straight to me, okay?” She nods and I squeeze her arm before handing her a name pin, which feels silly but I do it nonetheless.
I’m overseeing the jazz band setting up in a corner when my phone buzzes with a text:
Would it be too much to wear an actual tuxedo?
It’s Daniel, and he’s sent me a photo of a fucking corgi in a mini tux. And bow tie. Oh my god. It’s so corny but endearing.
Do you turn into a corgi when the sun goes down? If yes then, yes, only a tux will be appropriate.
I’m not even thinking about how quickly I’m responding, at how available I am when I’m in the middle of preparing for a huge work event.
He texts me back:
You’ve caught me.
A pause as he types something else.
See you soon. In normal fancy clothes.
I’m smiling when I rapidly text back:
Looking forward to it.
It’s a little risky when we set these events up—sometimes people hit it off with the wrong person. But we usually manage to maneuver things, and our success rate is maintained. Because it’s just a fact: When we get the past loves right, the connection is undeniable. I think about Daniel’s eyes catching mine over and over again at the bonfire in Joshua Tree. At how he bumped into me hiking. What it feels like when our hands touch.
There is obviously the small chance that Daniel might be interested in someone else tonight, but it’ll be pretty hard when I’m masterminding this entire thing.
Halmoni, Sunny, and Emoni show up all looking lovely in their dresses and St. John suits.
“Everything looks wonderful,” Halmoni says approvingly, eyeing the tastefully lit courtyard. “Great job, Cassia.”
“Thanks.” I signal to the head caterer that they should start serving the appetizers.
“How’s Gemma?” Sunny asks in a low voice.
“Good, so far.” I see her in a corner, talking to a man who is not Peter Cruz. But she looks relaxed, smiling, and the man looks happybut nottoohappy. I happen to know for a fact that his fated is a dental hygienist who likes playing pickleball on the weekends. “Peter just got here, so we simply have to make sure they chat.”
We disperse, each of us assigned to specific couples. I’m talking to two women who used to be lovers in 1879 Kansas, when I feel a ripple go through the night air. Like the heat and force you feel with the first Santa Ana winds in L.A. My hair swirls into my face and when I push it aside, I see Daniel walking into the courtyard.
