Chapter 2
I stoodin front of my easel, the morning sunlight streaming through the large windows of my studio in Marina Bluffs. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance provided a soothing backdrop as I focused on the canvas before me. I was adding the final touches to my latest painting when my best friend Mahalia’s voice filled the room from the speakerphone, accompanied by the background noise of excited children.
“Lore, are you sure about this?” Mahalia asked, a hint of concern in her tone. “All right, kids, let’s take a five-minute break, and then we’ll work on our spins!” she called out to her students.
I smiled, appreciating her support and understanding, even as she juggled her responsibilities as a skating instructor. “Yes, Mahalia, I’m sure. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I believe that Arranged Hearts could be the answer I’ve been looking for.”
“I know, I know,” she replied, her voice softening. “It’s just... it’s such a big step, you know? I want you to be happy, and if this is what you truly want, then I’m here for you, girl.”
“Thank you, Mahalia. That means the world to me.” I stepped back from my painting, admiring the vibrant colors and bold strokes. “I’ve tried the traditional dating scene, and it just hasn’t worked out. I’m ready for something different, something that might lead me to the love and family I’ve always dreamed of.”
As I cleaned my paintbrushes, Mahalia’s voice chimed in again, this time with a hint of amusement. “Hey, what time does your interview start again? And Jeremy, sweetie, be careful on the ice, okay?”
I glanced at the clock on the wall and my eyes widened. “Oh no, it’s at 11:00 a.m., and it’s already 10:30! I completely lost track of time while painting. I have to get ready and rush over there!”
“Girl, you better get moving, then!” Mahalia laughed, the sound of skates gliding on the ice in the background. “You don’t want to be late for your own happily ever after.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I quickly put away my painting supplies. “You’re right. I’m going to hop in the shower and head out. Wish me luck!”
“You don’t need luck, Lore. You’ve got this. Just be your amazing, talented, and beautiful self, and they’ll love you. Call me as soon as you’re done, okay? All right, kids, back on the ice! Let’s see those spins!”
“Will do. Thanks, Mahalia. Love you!”
“Love you, too, girl. Now go get ’em!”
I ended the call and rushed to get ready, excitement and nerves bubbling inside me. As I stepped out of my studio into the warm California sun, I took a deep breath, feeling the salty ocean breeze on my face. I smiled, knowing that whatever the outcome of this interview, I was taking a bold step toward the future I’d always wanted. With renewed determination, I set off toward the Arranged Hearts office, ready to embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.
I finally made it to the office ten minutes past my appointment time. I tried to call while I was driving but no one answered. Dread settled into the pit of my stomach. This was the moment I had been waiting for, and here I was, about to mess it all up due to my problem with time.
When I woke up this morning, I had a plan. I was going to work out, then I would spend a few hours in my studio. It had long since become my routine to paint or sculpt every morning. So, I didn’t plan on switching it because I was going to an interview. I stood in front of the door, then released a breath before walking inside. It was so comfortable here. Pictures of couples adorned the walls, and they even had abstract paint strokes against the walls in free-form patterns.
I smiled, already feeling at home as I rushed to the front desk. The woman positioned behind it immediately gave me the warmest welcome.
“Hi, I’m Lore. Uh, Lore Reed. I don’t usually stutter or ramble, but today is the beginning, or could be the start of my new life.”
“Honey, take a deep breath for me,” the older woman said.
She lifted her hands to symbolize the rising of my chest, then lowered them to tell me to release. I followed a few times before I finally felt a calm come over me.
“Do you feel better?” she asked.
I nodded, afraid if I used my voice, I would begin to ramble again.
“Okay, so you’re right on time. I will let them know you’re here. Have a seat for me,” she said, lifting her phone.
But, I didn’t move from where I stood, so she waited.
“Ma’am, I feel as if I heard you incorrectly. You said I am on time, but I’m ten minutes late.”
She smiled. “Honey, we always give our clients an earlier time. We know how stressful and nerve-wracking this process can be. Do you think you are the first person to think you’re late? If so, think again. We got you, now go over there and try to make yourself as comfortable as possible.”
“Thank you,” I told her before finding my way to a bright red chair positioned by the mural painted on the wall with affirmations, love languages, wedding bells, and more.
I craned my head to the side, I wanted to see if I could tell who the designer was. I knew some of everyone in the industry. Before I could come to a conclusion, the sweet tone of the woman I spoke to earlier called my name.
I stood and wiped my now moist hands against my jeans.
“She is ready for you now. You’re going to love Mrs. Joy,” she commented.
I didn’t say a word as she led me down the hall. This hall was covered with pictures of success stories too. I knew I needed to relax. I rarely researched a thing in my life, choosing to go with the wind. But with this decision, I figured I had better take it a little more seriously. When I noticed the company had a 97 percent success rate, I hoped I wasn’t destined to be part of that lonely 3 percent.
We finally made it to the last room at the end of the hall. Joy was standing up in her office the moment we walked in. At first glance, I noticed her smile was the most vibrant thing in here. Which was a rarity whenever I came across someone who worked in an office, which let me know she loved her job.
“Lore, it is so nice to finally meet you in person. I am Joy, the one you have been emailing all this time. You look exactly as I imagined, and I say that in a good way.” She held her hand out to shake mine.
I bypassed her hand and hugged her, then stepped back, immediately unsure.
“I am so sorry. Usually, I’d ask if that would be okay. I am a big hugger. I feel handshakes are so impersonal.” My hands went to my mouth and my eyes widened.
I was pulling an all-time record for running my mouth without thought today. Joy laughed as her assistant smiled and closed the door behind her.
“You’re completely fine, Lore. I promise this isn’t new to me and I was not offended. I am usually a hugger myself, but in this profession, you can be slightly unsure what someone else is comfortable with, so I leave it in their hands. But please, get comfortable. You can sit anywhere you’d like,” she said, pointing to the different chairs in the room.
She had one that was right by her, another by the window, and then another across the room, against the wall. I made my way to the seat closest to her. The other two felt so impersonal and like I was in a therapy session. I wasn’t crazy, I just needed a man, a damn good one, if I might say so myself. I stroked the arms of the chair before smiling up at her.
“I’d prefer this one, the other two feel so therapy-ish, and I’m far from needing help with that. I just need a woman I’ve never met before to help match me with the perfect husband. Well, damn, now that I think about it, it sounds like I might need to book a session with someone real soon.”
Joy smiled warmly and took the seat beside me, setting the clipboard on her lap. “I completely understand, Lore. Seeking an arranged marriage can feel like a big step, but I assure you, it’s a journey many have taken before you, and we’re here to guide you through the process.”
She glanced down at the clipboard before looking back up at me. “Now, I have a series of questions I’d like to ask you. These questions will help us get a better understanding of your personality, preferences, and what you’re looking for in a partner. There are no right or wrong answers; just be honest and open. Are you ready?”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m ready. Ask away.”
Joy started with the first question. “What are the most important values you look for in a partner?”
I thought for a moment before answering. “Honesty, loyalty, and kindness. I need someone who I can trust completely, who will always have my back, and who treats others with respect.”
Joy nodded, jotting down my response. “Which three qualities are absolute must-haves in your ideal match?”
“Open-mindedness, emotional maturity, and a great sense of humor,” I replied without hesitation. “I need someone who can embrace my creative, free-spirited nature, communicate openly, and keep things fun and lighthearted.”
“How would you describe your ideal first date?” Joy asked, looking up from her clipboard.
I smiled, picturing it in my mind. “Something laid-back and fun where we can talk and get to know each other. Maybe taking a painting class together, visiting an art gallery, or grabbing coffee and walking around the city.”
Joy continued, “What is your preference regarding having children someday?”
“I want kids,” I answered. “Growing up in a loving family has made me excited to create that for myself someday. Ideally, I’d like to have two or three children, but I’m open to what feels right for us as a couple.”
“How would your closest friends describe your personality?” Joy asked.
I laughed softly. “She’d probably say I’m creative, adventurous, and a bit of a free spirit, but also deeply caring and always there for the people I love. I tend to go with the flow, but I’m ambitious too.”
Joy finished taking notes after asking the remainder of the questions and looked up at me with a warm smile. “Thank you for your honesty, Lore. These answers will be incredibly helpful in our matching process. Now, I want to give you an overview of what happens next.”
She explained that based on my responses, their team would conduct a series of assessments to determine potential matches. They would also run background checks, STD testing, and other health screenings to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
“We also conduct mental health evaluations,” Joy added. “We want to make sure that both you and your potential match are emotionally ready for a committed relationship. It’s not about perfection, but about compatibility and the potential for a strong, healthy partnership.”
I nodded, appreciating their comprehensive approach. “That all makes sense. I’m glad you’re so thorough.”
Joy leaned forward, her expression sincere. “Lore, I want you to know that while we can’t promise perfection, we can promise you a genuine chance at love. Our process is designed to bring together individuals who have the potential to build a lasting, fulfilling relationship. It may not always be easy, but we believe in the power of love and the importance of finding a true partner.”
I felt a wave of emotion wash over me, and I smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Joy. That’s all I’m looking for – a chance at something real and meaningful.”
She reached out and squeezed my hand reassuringly. “And that’s exactly what we’re here to help you find. We’ll be in touch soon with potential matches, and we’ll guide you through every step of the way. You’re not alone in this, Lore.”
As I left Joy’s office that day, I felt a renewed sense of hope and excitement. I knew that the journey ahead might be uncertain, but I was ready to embrace the possibilities and open my heart to the love I had always dreamed of finding.