Page 2 of Silver Fake

Jessica Rose is a famous matchmaker from California. Ever since she opened her new office in the Barton Beach Hotel, it seems like everyone in Texas can't stop talking about her.

Denise, of course, has been insistent that I give it a try. It's been five years since my divorce, and while I've grown comfortable with my independent life, Denise seems to be on a mission to nudge me back into the dating scene.

I give her an unconvincing smile through the camera. "You did, actually."

"Oh, okay. I wasn't sure if I told you. Anyway, have you had a chance to check out her website yet?"

"I looked at it."

The truth is, I opened the link and skimmed the homepage, but I didn't delve deeper. The whole idea of a matchmaker seems outdated and a little desperate.

"And? What did you think?"

I take a moment before responding, considering my words.

"I'm...considering it."

Denise wiggles her eyebrows at me. "You should do more than just consider it. What's the worst that could happen?"

I smile at her words. "But I'm not sure about paying for this matchmaker service. It seems kind of desperate."

"Oh please," Denise scoffs playfully. "You deserve the best and sometimes that means investing in yourself to find it."

I laugh, shaking my head at this role reversal.

Just last year, I was the one prompting Denise to let go and give love a chance. She stubbornly refused, resisting the idea of romance. But then her birthday rolled around and Brett Cooper swept Denise off her feet. After only six months, Brett moved to Barton Beach and bought Denise her dream beach house.

Love has a funny way of making us eat our own words.

Denise squeals, and I nearly drop my phone.

“Oh, sorry,” she says. “I’m just so happy for you. You have so much to give, and I want you to have a chance to share yourself with someone who is just as great as you.”

I smile at her. “You’re my best friend. I think your assessment might be slightly biased.”

“That’s why we’re friends.” She smiles brightly. “Now we just need this matchmaker to find someone equally worthy. I hope you packed enough date clothes, too. Because If this matchmaker is as good as everyone says, you might have a boyfriend before you leave Barton Beach.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes at her optimism. "I've packed enough clothes, don't worry."

Denise purses her lips. “I’ll check when you get here. If we need to, I’ll take you shopping, or you can borrow one of my dresses.”

I shake my head because I know there’s no reason to argue with her. Besides, I don’t mind if she wants to dress me up if I go out on a date. Although, I do think she’s overestimating how quickly things might happen.

Looking at my watch, I realize I’ve only got fifteen minutes left before I’ve got to be back at the office for a meeting.

"I've got to run, Denise. My lunch break is almost over, and I've got a meeting I can't be late for," I say, glancing at the clock again. "But don't worry, I will text you as soon as I'm on my way."

Denise's laughter fills my ear. "Alright, go back to work. Just don't forget to say goodbye to Mr. Grizzly before you leave." she pauses, a playful lilt in her voice. "Something tells me he's going to miss you while you're gone."

* * *

I step off the elevator with three minutes to spare. The conference room is just up ahead, and I quicken my pace to make it on time.

The litigation department is having a mandatory team meeting in the conference room, and I can’t be late. John would never let me live it down. Punctuality is important in our business, and John sets high expectations. It’s fine with me though, because I also have high expectations for myself.

I've been a legal secretary at Carter & Folkes for over twenty years. And even though it wasn't part of my initial plan, I've grown to love my job. I also take it seriously and strive to give my absolute best in everything I do.

As I walk into the conference room, I'm relieved to see that John isn't here yet, just groups of associates chatting among themselves. I quickly take my seat at the long table and pull out my notebook.

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