“They’re true.” Hadley had nothing to hide. No doubt what she’d worked so hard to build was now a punch line over drinks. “I have a handful of clients left. Three to be exact. And yes, it’s as bad as it sounds.”
As his eyebrows drew together, he leaned forward. “What are you going to do?”
She shrugged. “Try to salvage this somehow. If I can’t, close and find a new job.”
Henry straightened. “Then my timing is perfect.”
“For what?”
He beamed. “Bringing you a new client.”
Affection for her friend overflowed. Henry might be eccentric, but his heart was made of gold. “That’s sweet of you, but we both know you’re not interested in a relationship. Hosting your own birthday party each year is the only commitment you want to make.”
His laughter filled her office. “You know me well. I enjoy having an uncomplicated life. I do what I want and don’t have to worry about anybody else. Which is why I’m not the one who wants your services.”
“Then who?”
“He wants a nondisclosure agreement signed first.” Henry removed sheets of paper folded in thirds. “He takes his privacy seriously, especially in matters of the heart.”
“Not a problem.”
The office line rang again. Man, these reporters needed to get a life and stop preying on people like her.
She read through the pages. A blank space had been left for the client’s legal name. “I’m used to these forms, but you know I work a certain way.”
“I explained you have a unique way of doing business and he must talk to you in person before you take him on. He’s fine with that.”
There was one thing she had to ask. “Did he see the video that went viral?”
“Yes. He has, shall we say, specific needs, and we believe you’re the only one who can help him.”
“Specific needs or requests appear to be my specialty.”
Henry nodded. “Which is why I consult with you before any of my birthday adventures.”
“So far, your couple matches have been spot-on.”
“True, but having you confirm compatibility reassures me. I want everyone to live happily ever after.”
“So do I.” Her chest tightened, thinking after she matched her three clients she might not get the chance to do it again. Hadley loved what she did. “Where is the client located?”
“At the moment?” Henry glanced toward the doorway. “In the front lobby.”
“Oh.” That was unexpected. “I didn’t realize you’d brought him with you.”
“I've worked with you enough to know your process. Trust me, he doesn’t want to waste a single moment.”
A warning bell sounded in her head. She needed the client, but she didn’t want to destroy her success rate. “Does he understand the search can’t be rushed?”
“He’s aware, and he’s eager to get started.” Henry pulled out his phone. “May I have him join us?”
Fallon had the kids this afternoon, so Hadley didn’t have to be home right away. Henry was a friend who’d brought her several clients over the years. She trusted him.
She didn’t enjoy being caught off guard with a pop-in potential client, but she needed to save her business. Rules had a place but so did practicality and common sense. “Yes, that’s fine.”
Henry tapped on his phone. “He’ll be here shortly. Have I shared the latest photos of Noelle?”
Hadley oohed and aahed over the cute little girl.
