Page 37 of Just Like That

‘Lauren, this online assessment is amazing.’ I’m reviewing the questionnaire on my laptop at a desk in the park office. ‘I know the park can’t afford to pay your classmate, but I think we need to arrange a gift as a thank you.’

‘Oh, it’s fine.’ Lauren, who’s sitting at the desk next to me, casually waves away my comment. ‘She’s already made her demands and I’ve agreed to them.’

‘Which are?’

‘She gets to take part in the dating events for free.’

‘Is that an indefinite arrangement?’ My mind goes to the fact that we’d have one less paid place at each event.

‘We agreed on five, then she has to pay after that.’

‘Ah, perfect. You’re a shrewd negotiator.’

‘Another one of my many talents.’ She strikes a pose, making me laugh.

‘So, I think we’re ready for our test run today.’ I complete my review of the self-assessment and close the lid on my laptop. ‘Your friends all know they need to complete the survey by midday, right?’

‘They do. And I’ll have them reviewed and matched before they arrive at four p.m. Although…’ She tails off and looks at me tentatively.

‘Although what?’

‘A few of them have had to pull out last minute because today clashes with an assignment deadline. Bad timing, unfortunately.’

‘Ah, that’s a shame.’ I grimace. ‘How many have pulled out?’

‘Five. But I think we can fill the spaces so we can still test the process with a full complement. I’ll see if I can get some of the team to sign up.’

‘To an impromptu dating event at their place of work? Really?’ I give her a sceptical look.

She shrugs. ‘It’s not real though, is it? It’s just testing the process.’

‘OK, good luck with that. While you’re sorting that side of things, I’ll see to the logistics so we’re ready to start bang on four p.m. Oh, by the way, I’ve been wondering about something… if all our daters have to come by car because of the location, it might limit the market we can tap into. It’s also not very environmentally friendly and some of them might want a proper drink – you know, for courage.’

‘I’ve actually been thinking about this too.’ Lauren fiddles with the stapler on her desk. ‘Keeping the alcohol levels down is probably a good thing, so our daters aren’t judging their matches through prosecco goggles. But we also don’t want to put people off – especially when there’s a welcome drink, and cocktails and fizz are a feature of some of the mini-dates. We can look at chartering coaches, same as with the retiree events, and build that transport provision into the ticket price. It even helps with making the events catchier. How’s this: we’re launching our “Love on Safari” dating events where the animal instincts don’t just play out at the park. Get it?’

‘I do, and I think it’s brilliant. This is great.’

‘Yes. And if they prefer to drive, that’s up to them. They get charged a cheaper price, but they miss out on all that extra love potential from not being “on tour”.’

‘Boom. Lauren, I think we might just be the ultimate events team. Put it there, partner.’

We share a slapping high five and grin at each other, before heading in separate directions to get this show well and truly on the road.

At three p.m., mine and Lauren’s paths cross again while we’re getting the final bits and pieces organised in the outdoor seating area across from the main restaurant. We’ve also set up indoors as a backup in case it starts to rain.

‘OK, that’s everything organised from my side,’ I say to her. ‘Serge has the welcome drinks and canapés ready, the mini-dates are prepped with team members allocated to turn them around after each couple, and Monika will be ferrying our guests here from the main gate so they don’t get lost.’

‘Perfect.’ Lauren consults her own to-do list on the tablet she’s holding. ‘Think I’ve got everything done too. Oh, apart from, I have a favour to ask you.’

‘Anything, shoot.’

‘We’re still one person down for the test run, so I was wondering if you would step in?’ Her expression is one of pleading.

‘Me?’ I splutter in surprise. ‘You want me to take part in the dating event?’

‘Just to make up the numbers. It’s not a real event, remember, and we said we needed to try it with a full complement. This is the only way to do that.’

‘But surely you need me to oversee the event and support you with running it.’

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