Page 123 of Whiskey Lies

“So tell me, Grace, what does the love life of a matchmaker look like?”

I knew the question was coming, and I begin my practiced statement about how my main focus is on my clients, when it dawns on me that I want to be honest. For so long I have practiced the right things to say, the right things to do, and where the hell has that gotten me? As I start this next chapter in my life, I want to do it authentically. And more than that, I’m genuinely happy, and that is all because of one man. I want people to know that.

Smiling, I reply, “Honestly, up until a few months ago, it was not that glamorous.”

Vanessa’s eyebrows go to the heavens in shock.

Yes, I’m really going there, my smirk seems to say. I’m happy and I want everyone to know it.

“And what changed a few months ago?”

I bite my lip coyly. “I think it’s more about the who, not the what,” I say honestly. “I met a man who set my world on fire. I’ve spotted that kind of chemistry for clients before, but I never felt it myself. I didn’t even realize I hadn’t felt it until this man looked me in the eyes and asked me to dance with him beneath the stars. I was sunk.”

I think back to that night with Cash, the way he held me, his fingers keeping me in place, reminding me with his touch that our bodies belonged that close. I’d barely known him a few hours and my body lit up for him.

“Wow…that’s just…what we all want,” she says in awe.

“Yes, and now that I have it, I want to help other women experience it. It’s why I’m changing my business model. I want to help women find a man who can complement their life, not complete it. Ca—” I catch myself before saying his name. “My boyfriend”—I blush at the ridiculous term—“helped me realize that I can lean on him. That relying on someone else isn’t a weakness. But he also isn’t my entire world. I have dinner with girlfriends, work, family…I have a full life and he adds to it. It’s really…it’s just been eye-opening, for sure.”

“But before this you only helped men, wealthy men if we’re being honest,” she says pointedly.

“Very true. But after meeting my boyfriend, I realize how little money matters. I mean obviously it pays my bills; we don’t do this for free.” I laugh. “As much as I wish I could find everyone a happily ever after, I do need to pay rent.” Vanessa smiles, urging me on. “But if I’ve learned anything through my own experiences, it’s that women deserve the chance to find a man. I mean what does money matter if a man has secrets, or fetishes, or God forbid a criminal background. Or if he cheats. Women deserve to know this ahead of time and that’s what we do. My team and I vet the players and hopefully provide our client with a gambit of suitable men until we find someone that she will have real chemistry with.”

“Sounds amazing. I’m looking forward to being your first client.”

I beam. “I’m looking forward to it as well. I’m excited for this new chapter in my business and in my life…If I’ve learned anything from my past relationships it’s how easy it is for a man to hide things. Hopefully, I’ll be able to use my experience to spot the liars for you and my other clients.”

“Thank you for sitting down with us. And good luck with the new boyfriend. It sounds like everything really has worked out for you.”

I couldn’t agree more. Finally, after months of hiding in the shadows, it’s time for Cash and me to dance in the sun.

Chapter 45

Cash

Cat bursts into my office at five o’clock just as I’m standing up to leave for the day. “Did you get Grace pregnant?”

I laugh at the ridiculousness of the question. “What? No. What are you talking about?”

Cat huffs and stares down at her phone, her lips pinching together and her brows furrowed. The anger I feel cools instantly when I see the genuine concern and nervousness on her face. “What’s wrong, Kit Cat?”

She shakes her head, clear anguish on her face. “I don’t even know how to say this. I think I fucked up.”

The tension grows. “What did you do to Grace, Cat?” I grit out, trying to keep my voice even.

Her temper flares as she glares at me. “I didn’t do anything to that media whore.” She flings her phone at me, and I see a message from Vanessa on Cat’s phone.

Your brother really should vet the women he dates first. But I guess it’s no surprise, like father like son.

Below is a link with an image of Grace and Vanessa on it. My stomach drops as I click. As an image of Grace and Vanessa appears on her phone, sitting across from one another chatting, a voice plays over them. “Tonight at Six, Grace Kensington, the new owner of The Happily Ever After Makers matchmaking service, discusses her latest client, Cassius James, and the reason she’s no longer catering to billionaire men.”

Grace’s voice cuts in, “If I’ve learned anything through my own experiences, it’s that women deserve the chance to find a man. I mean what does money matter if a man has secrets, or fetishes, or God forbid a criminal background. Or if he cheats. Women deserve to know this ahead of time and that’s what we do.”

The voice-over continues. “Listen tonight to find out what she learned about the James family and how her interaction with them led her to literally switch sides and represent only women.”

Grace’s voice breaks through again, “I’m excited for this new chapter in my business and in my life…After my divorce, when I was finally single and coming out of an unhappy marriage, well, let’s just say I’ve learned how easy it is for a man to hide things. Hopefully, I’ll be able to use my experience to spot the liars.” She winks at Vanessa and my blood boils.

Cat bites her lip. “It gets worse.”

---