She sat on the edge of Ella’s desk. “What’s up?”
“I’ve had three calls from a CEO’s assistant. Each one was more frantic than the last. He’d left a message before I arrived this morning.” Ella bit off what lipstick remained. “His boss wants to meet with you this afternoon in Portland, Oregon.”
“Today?”
Worry filled Ella’s brown-eyed gaze, stealing away the warmth that usually resided there. She nodded once. “Sounds like the boss isn’t the type to take no for an answer.”
None of these wealthy, successful types were. That was why Hadley had developed her own process to weed through potential clients. She didn’t have as big a business as she could, but her market was niche. Matching couples to go on a date might be the starting point, but the end goal was to find a client the person they wanted to be with forever. Her services didn’t end until they said “I do.”
Some who came to her, however, weren’t interested in falling in love. Finding a life partner wasn’t their goal. They wanted a trophy—the definition of trophy depended on whether someone wanted arm candy or accomplished or both—a wife or a husband who fell at their feet without them having to put any effort into the relationship. Someone who would sign a prenup without complaint and be as pliant once wed. A spouse who would be nothing more than the newest addition to their portfolio of stocks, homes, and artwork. One they could show off until the time came to replace them with a younger version.
Which Clint had been planning to do to Fallon before his arrest.
Hadley turned down those people, telling them her services weren’t a good fit. She only took on clients who wanted more.
Wanted love.
Wanted forever.
Those men and women were more flexible, willing to give up some control to find their perfect matches. Some complained loudly about what she expected from them, which she understood. Ultimately, without fail, each client who met her requirements had put or was putting in the effort required. The result—marriage. Given the nonexistent divorce rate so far, she would say a happy marriage. Each successful coupling gave her a glimmer of hope there was someone for everyone, especially Fallon. Even if logically Hadley had doubts about finding that herself.
Ella’s missing smile made sense to Hadley now. “You’re worried about the assistant.”
“His boss sounds…demanding. Harsh. A bit of a jerk.”
That wasn’t a client Hadley wanted to take on. “Where do things stand after your last call?”
A sheepish expression flitted across Ella’s face. “Whether he makes the flight reservation or I do?”
Hadley wasn’t upset, but she needed Ella to be firmer with potential clients. Especially possible jerks. “Noisn’t a four-letter word.”
“He said he would be fired if you didn’t show up.” Ella’s voice cracked.
“Assistants always say that.” Hadley smiled at Ella. “As soon as anyone hears your voice, they know you’re a softy.”
“Notthatsoft.” Ella showed off her bicep. “At least not anymore. I’ve lost twenty pounds and am working out at the gym now.”
“Good for you.” Hadley needed to do the same. And would. If she ever had any free time to exercise. At least she ate healthier now because of the kids. “But you’re way friendlier to people, including strangers, than I am. That’s why everyone likes you more than they like me.”
“They don’t.” Ella’s words shot out fast, but they lacked conviction.
“Yes, they do. And I don’t mind.”
Hadley was a business owner, not vying for a congeniality award. She wouldn’t call herself standoffish, but she kept a comfortable distance from her clients, never mixing business with pleasure. She’d learned that lesson at a previous job.
“Did you explain my procedure for taking on a new client?” she asked.
“Yes. I also emailed him the info packet.” Ella blew out a breath.
“I hear abutcoming.”
“But he said his boss didn’t have time to do all that.”
Of course, he said that because bosses never did. But finding love was something they had to make time for if they wanted her help. Guess this “boss” didn’t.
Not a problem.
“You handled everything correctly once again.”
