Stripe Theory (The Matchmaker’s Book Club #8)
Prologue
PROLOGUE
G erri Wilder paused at the entrance to the Plaza Hotel’s grand ballroom, basking in the satisfaction of another successful match. The glittering space before her would have made any dragon proud—golden scale patterns adorned every surface, from the shimming table runners to the metallic wallpaper that caught the light like precious gems.
Floral arrangements burst with fiery reds and oranges, their dramatic height making them look like flames frozen in mid-dance. At each place setting, crystal dragon figurines perched protectively over hand-calligraphed name cards, their faceted eyes catching and scattering light across the crisp white tablecloths.
“Only the Drakers,” Gerri murmured, adjusting her red-and-gold dress—chosen specifically to complement the dragon theme because a good matchmaker always thought of the details. The dress sparkled as she moved, creating the illusion of flames dancing across the fabric. She’d paired it with golden heels that clicked satisfyingly against the marble floor, announcing her presence with each step.
“Gerri!” a voice called out. “You look absolutely magnificent!”
Turning, Gerri spotted Dr. Evadne Andrews waving from near the champagne fountain—a masterpiece of engineering that made the bubbly cascade down crystal tiers shaped like dragon wings. The effect was both elegant and slightly ridiculous, exactly the kind of over-the-top touch that made shifter celebrations so entertaining.
“Evadne, darling!” Gerri air-kissed her cheeks. “That dress is stunning on you.”
“This old thing?” Evadne smoothed the midnight blue silk that complemented her silver hair perfectly. “I had it made specially. The designer nearly fainted when I asked for actual silver thread in the embroidery, but I told him, ‘My daughter is marrying into a dragon shifter family—subtlety is not what we’re aiming for.’“
“Speaking of aiming for things,” a new voice chimed in, “I see you managed to hit the dress code perfectly, Gerri.”
Nellie Draker appeared beside them, resplendent in a gown that literally seemed to shift colors as she moved, the fabric designed to mimic iridescent dragon scales. Her dark hair was swept up in an elaborate style held in place by golden clips shaped like tiny dragons.
“Nellie! The decorations are absolutely incredible.” Gerri gestured at the transformed space. “Though I have to ask—are those actual dragon scales worked into the centerpieces?”
“Just a few shed ones,” Nellie said with a wink. “Mixed in with the flowers. Talon contributed them himself. Said if he had to sit through a formal luncheon, he at least wanted his mark on it.”
“Speaking of Talon,” Evadne nodded toward the far side of the room, “look at them. Have you ever seen two people more in love?”
They all turned to watch the newly engaged couple. Talon Draker cut an impressive figure in his tailored suit, his protective stance and occasional shimmer of scales beneath his skin marking him clearly as a dragon shifter. Beside him, Dr. Asher Andrews gestured animatedly as she explained something to their gathered guests, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. Every few sentences, she’d glance up at Talon, who gazed at her with such obvious adoration that Gerri had to suppress a satisfied sigh.
“You know,” Evadne said softly, “I never would have thought to match my scientifically-minded daughter with a dragon shifter. When you first suggested it, Gerri, I thought you’d finally lost your touch.”
“Lost my touch?” Gerri pressed a hand to her chest in mock offense. “I’ll have you know my touch is perfectly intact, thank you very much.”
Evadne added, “Though I have to say, the temperature thing does make family dinners interesting. We had to replace all our regular glasses with heat-resistant crystal after Talon accidentally melted three of them while nervous about asking for Asher’s hand.”
“He didn’t!” Nellie gasped.
“Oh, he did. My husband thought it was hilarious.”
Nellie sighed. “That reminds me of our own courtship days. My husband set our first dinner table on fire.”
“The passion of dragons,” Gerri said sagely, then ruined the effect by winking. “Never a dull moment with shifter romances.”
A waiter appeared with champagne, and Gerri noted with approval that the glasses were indeed made of extra-thick crystal. She accepted one, raising it in a toast. “To unlikely matches.”
“To love that transcends species,” Evadne added.
“And to fireproof furniture,” Nellie finished, making them all laugh.
As their glasses clinked, Gerri’s matchmaker’s instincts tingled. Her gaze swept the room, automatically cataloging potential matches with the precision of a master artist examining a blank canvas.
Her attention fell on two women seated at a corner table—one in burgundy that complemented her classic beauty, the other in shimmering silver that matched her academic air.
“Oh ho,” she murmured. “Now this is interesting.”
“I know that look,” Evadne said. “Who’s your next victim?”
“Victims? Me?” Gerri batted her eyelashes innocently. “I prefer to think of them as... beneficiaries of my expertise. Speaking of which, if you’ll excuse me, ladies. I see some old friends I should greet.”
She made her way through the crowd, stopping frequently to accept congratulations and deflect good-natured accusations about her matchmaking schemes.
“No, Mrs. Henderson, I’m not planning to match your grandson with anyone at the moment.”
“Yes, Mr. Simons, I remember you’re perfectly happy being single.”
“Of course not, Ms. Rodriguez, I would never dream of interfering with your love life... unless you’re interested?”
By the time she reached the corner table, her smile had grown genuine. “Well, if it isn’t my two favorite conspiracy partners! Jewel Kedi and Lumina Voss-Sky, looking absolutely stunning as always.”
“Gerri!” Lumina stood to embrace her, the silver fabric of her dress catching the light like starlight. Trust a professor’s wife to make even formal wear look intellectually elegant. “Another successful match, I see. Though I’m still not sure how you convinced a theoretical physicist to date a dragon.”
“Oh, that was easy,” Gerri settled into an empty chair, arranging her dress for maximum dramatic effect. “Dragons hoard treasure, and what’s more precious than knowledge? The real challenge was teaching Talon to control wanting to mate when his dragon demanded.”
“Really?” Jewel asked, her emerald dress shifting as she leaned forward with interest. The color perfectly complemented her natural grace, making her look every inch the distinguished shifter matriarch she was.
“For sure,” Gerri confirmed with a grin. “Poor boy got so excited about Asher’s research that steam started coming out his ears. Literally. The maitre’d nearly called the fire department.”
“Speaking of fire departments,” Lumina’s eyes twinkled, “remember that fundraiser you organized last month? The one with the calendar?”
“Ah yes, the ‘Shifters in Service’ charity calendar.” Gerri’s smile turned wicked. “Amazing how many single shifters suddenly felt called to public service when they heard about that photo shoot. Though I maintain I had nothing to do with matching three of them with the photographers.”
“Nothing at all?” Jewel’s elegant eyebrow arched skeptically.
“Well, maybe a tiny nudge here and there.” Gerri waved her hand dismissively. “But really, when you put attractive people in the same room with good causes and mood lighting, nature takes its course.”
“Nature with a helping hand from Gerri Wilder.” Lumina laughed. “You’re impossible.”
“I prefer to think of myself as improbably successful.” Gerri adjusted her golden bangles with a flourish. “Speaking of success, how are things with the foundation’s latest charity initiative, Jewel? Still keeping you busy?”
“Not nearly as busy as my son keeps himself,” Jewel replied, her fond exasperation clear. “Rehan seems to think sleep is optional when there are quarterly reports to review.”
“Ah yes, the mighty Rehan Kedi.” Gerri’s matchmaker senses tingled at the opening. “Still working himself to death running both the company and the pride?”
“Worse than ever,” Jewel sighed. “Last week, his assistant caught him sleeping in his office chair at four in the morning. The poor boy had shifted in his sleep and nearly clawed through his custom Italian leather chair.”
“Not the one he had custom made?” Gerri gasped in mock horror.
“The very same. Cost more than most cars, but apparently made a very expensive cat scratch post.”
“Well, that won’t do at all,” Gerri tutted. “Such a waste of good leather. And speaking of brilliant workaholics who need intervention...” She turned to Lumina with practiced casualness. “I haven’t seen your youngest at any recent events. How is Alora?”
Lumina’s face lit up at the mention of her daughter. “Oh, she’s wonderful! Though also working too hard. Last time I visited her lab, I found her having a full conversation with her cat about genetic sequencing.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Jewel offered.
“The cat was wearing a lab coat and safety goggles.”
“She made her cat wear protective gear?” Gerri couldn’t hide her delight.
“She said if her cat was going to be her research assistant, he had to follow proper lab protocols.” Lumina shook her head fondly. “I didn’t have the heart to tell her the goggles kept sliding off his ears.”
“A cat?” Jewel’s lips twitched.
“Oh yes,” Lumina grinned. “She had business cards made.”
Gerri nearly choked on her champagne. “Business cards? For a cat?”
“With little paw prints in the corner,” Lumina confirmed. “She gives them out at conferences. Says it helps break the ice when discussing her research.”
“Research?” Jewel leaned forward slightly, trying to look casual but not quite succeeding. “What exactly does she study? Besides feline business card design, that is.”
“Oh, Alora’s research is fascinating,” Gerri jumped in smoothly. “I remember her from the charitable event for large cats. Such passion for tigers, especially.”
“Tigers?” Jewel’s interest sharpened visibly.
“Mm-hmm,” Gerri hummed innocently. “She had some brilliant theories about shifter biology. Very innovative approach.”
“My baby is absolutely brilliant,” Lumina said proudly. “Multiple PhDs before thirty—genetics, virology, zoology. She’s currently working on understanding a virus that’s been affecting tiger shifters, actually. Taking a whole new approach to the problem.”
Jewel’s eyes widened. “A virus affecting tiger shifters? That’s... that’s very interesting. What kind of research exactly?”
“Very promising work,” Gerri added helpfully. “Combining genetic analysis with viral mutation studies. Very cutting edge.”
“It would be fascinating to hear more about her research,” Jewel said carefully. “Especially given Kedi Biogenetics’s focus on shifter healthcare. We’re always looking for fresh perspectives.”
“What a wonderful idea!” Gerri exclaimed as if the thought hadn’t been her goal all along. “You should mention it to Rehan. The Katzens’s resources combined with Alora’s brilliant mind—imagine what they could accomplish together.”
“The facilities would be perfect for her research,” Lumina agreed eagerly. “And Alora’s been saying she needs better equipment. Just last week she was complaining about her centrifuge making suspicious noises.”
“She said it sounds like a dragon with hiccups,” Gerri offered helpfully, making both women laugh.
“Speaking of dragons...” Jewel’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Gerri Wilder, is this your way of playing matchmaker again?”
“Me?” Gerri pressed a hand to her chest, the picture of wounded innocence. “I’m simply suggesting a mutually beneficial professional collaboration between two brilliant minds. Though...”
“Though what?” Lumina asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“Well,” Gerri drawled, examining her perfectly manicured nails, “if those two brilliant minds happen to belong to equally brilliant and attractive young people who might benefit from a little... personal collaboration...”
“Gerri!” both women exclaimed, then dissolved into laughter.
“You’re incorrigible,” Jewel said fondly. “Though I must admit, Rehan could use someone to shake up his perfectly ordered world. Just last week he color-coded his sock drawer. By shade.”
“Really?” Lumina raised an eyebrow. “Alora’s idea of organization is throwing everything into a box labeled ‘Science Stuff’ and hoping for the best.”
“Oh, they’d drive each other crazy,” Jewel grinned. “It would be wonderful.”
“Perfect,” Gerri declared. “Rehan needs someone to mess up his color-coding system, and Alora needs someone who can actually find things in her lab without a treasure map.
“Plus,” Gerri couldn’t resist adding, “think how adorable your grandchildren would be. All that intelligence combined with shifter genetics—they’d probably be solving quantum physics equations while learning to pounce.”
“Grandchildren!” Lumina’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early. “Oh my, can you imagine? With Rehan’s strength and Alora’s brilliance...”
“And both of their stubbornness.” Jewel laughed. “Those children would be unstoppable. Though hopefully they’d inherit better organizational skills than their mother.”
“Hey!” Lumina protested. “Alora’s perfectly organized. She has a system.”
“Chaos is not a system, dear,” Jewel patted her hand sympathetically.
“It is when you’re a genius,” Lumina sniffed. “Besides, I’ve seen Rehan’s office. All those neat little labels and color-coded files? The boy needs to loosen up.”
“He labeled his labels last week,” Jewel admitted with a sigh. “I’m starting to worry.”
“See?” Gerri spread her hands. “They’re perfect for each other! His structure, her chaos. His focus, her enthusiasm. His tiger, her... well, her cat with business cards.”
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Lumina cautioned, though her eyes sparkled. “First, they have to meet.”
“And fall in love,” Jewel added dreamily.
“And not kill each other,” Gerri muttered into her champagne.
“What was that?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Gerri waved away their suspicious looks. “Just thinking about logistics. For example, did you know there’s a rather important charity gala coming up next month? Something about conservation efforts for big cats?”
“The one at the Natural History Museum.” Lumina perked up. “Alora’s already planning to attend. She’s quite excited about the tiger conservation exhibit.”
“How interesting,” Gerri mused. “And isn’t Kedi Biogenetics one of the major sponsors this year?”
“Why, yes,” Jewel’s lips twitched. “In fact, Rehan is expected to give a speech about the importance of protecting endangered species. Especially tigers.”
“What a remarkable coincidence,” Gerri said blandly.
“Gerri...” Both women fixed her with knowing looks.
“What? I’m just saying, it would be a shame if two people so passionate about tiger conservation didn’t get a chance to meet. In a romantic setting. Under the museum’s new starlight ceiling installation. With dancing.”
“And let me guess,” Lumina raised an eyebrow, “you just happen to be on the planning committee?”
“I might have some small influence over the seating arrangements,” Gerri admitted. “And the music selection. And possibly the menu—did you know Alora’s favorite dessert is chocolate mousse? Such a coincidence that it’s being served that night.”
“Along with Rehan’s preferred single malt scotch, I assume?” Jewel asked dryly.
“Well, we want everyone to be comfortable,” Gerri said primly. “And relaxed. And possibly slightly tipsy.”
“You’re terrible.” Lumina laughed.
“I’m efficient,” Gerri corrected. “Now,” Gerri continued smoothly, “have you seen the cake? The baker outdid herself.”
They all turned to admire the masterpiece being wheeled in—five tiers of golden fondant decorated with intricate dragon scales, topped with a pair of dragons whose tails intertwined to form a heart. As they watched, tiny jets of flame shot from the dragons’ mouths, lighting the sparklers arranged around each tier.
“Now that’s what I call a showstopper,” Lumina murmured.
“Just wait until we plan Alora and Rehan’s wedding cake,” Gerri couldn’t resist saying. “I’m thinking white chocolate tiger stripes. Maybe some edible gold leaf. Ooh, and those sugar sculptures that look like DNA helixes!”
“With little tigers wearing lab coats on top?” Jewel suggested, getting into the spirit.
“And test tubes filled with champagne as party favors!” Lumina added.
“Ladies, ladies,” Gerri held up her hands, laughing, “let’s not get carried away. We still need to get them in the same room first.”
“Right, right.” Lumina tried to look serious. “One step at a time.”
“Exactly. First the gala, then the romance, then the wedding.” Gerri ticked off points on her fingers. “And then, of course, those brilliant grandbabies.”
“You really think they’ll be compatible?” Jewel asked softly, motherly concern creeping into her voice. “Rehan carries so much responsibility, being both CEO and pride leader. He needs someone who can understand that burden.”
“Alora has such a big heart,” Lumina assured her. “And she already understands shifter biology better than most humans. She’d be fascinated by pride dynamics, not intimidated by them.”
“Trust me,” Gerri patted both their hands. “I have a feeling about this one. Like I had about Asher and Talon.”
They all glanced across the room where the engaged couple now swayed together on the dance floor, lost in their own world. Occasionally, tiny sparks would drift up from where Talon’s hands rested on Asher’s waist, but she just smiled up at him, completely unfazed by her fiancé’s literal burning love.
“See?” Gerri gestured at the couple. “Sometimes the most unlikely matches make the most perfect pairs.”
As the luncheon began winding down, Jewel and Lumina rose to leave, both hugging Gerri warmly.
“This has been lovely,” Jewel said sincerely. “You always know exactly how to bring people together.”
“It’s a gift,” Gerri agreed modestly. “One I’m happy to share with deserving people.”
“And our children certainly deserve happiness,” Lumina added.
“That they do.” Gerri’s smile turned mysterious. “I have a feeling the next few months will be very interesting for all of us.”
After they left, Gerri remained at the table, watching the last of the guests depart. She lifted her champagne glass in a silent toast to the happy couple, and to the match yet to come.
“To another aloof shifter about to meet his sunshine,” she murmured. “May their collision be spectacular... and minimally destructive to laboratory equipment.”
The champagne sparkled like destiny as Gerri drank, already anticipating the fireworks when the serious tiger shifter met the brilliant scientist who would turn his world upside down. Those were always her favorite matches—the ones where opposites collided and created something magical. Or in this case, possibly explosive, given Alora’s tendency to get excited about chemical reactions.
Gerri pulled out her phone, checking her meticulously organized calendar. The charity gala was exactly three weeks away, which gave her plenty of time to ensure everything was perfect. She started making notes:
“Arrange for Alora’s research poster to be displayed near the VIP entrance. Make sure Rehan has to walk past it to reach his seat. Position Alora’s table in direct line of sight from the podium. Request that specific Bach piece Rehan likes for the first dance set. Hide all the fire extinguishers because honestly, dragons...”
“Planning another ambush?” a voice interrupted her plotting.
Gerri looked up to find Nellie Draker watching her with knowing amusement. “I prefer to think of it as arranging serendipity.”
“Like you arranged for my son to ‘accidentally’ spill coffee all over Asher’s research papers?”
“That was pure coincidence,” Gerri insisted primly. “How was I to know the coffee cart would hit that exact bump at that exact moment?”
“Mm-hmm.” Nellie’s eyes sparkled with dragon fire. “And I suppose it was also a coincidence that the only dry space available for redoing those calculations was Talon’s private office?”
“Complete chance,” Gerri agreed solemnly. “Though I will admit to suggesting he keep premium coffee and spare calculators on hand. Just in case.”
“You’re dangerous, Gerri Wilder.”
“Thank you!” Gerri beamed. “Now, speaking of danger... how do you feel about helping me arrange some tiger-themed serendipity?”
“Count me in,” Nellie said instantly. “Dragons love a good scheme almost as much as we love treasure. Who’s the target?”
“Rehan Kedi.”
Nellie’s eyebrows shot up. “The tiger pride leader? Mr. Everything-Must-Be-Alphabetized-And-Color-Coded?”
“The very same.”
“Oh, this should be good. Who’s the lucky lady?”
“Dr. Alora Sky. Brilliant scientist, chaos incarnate, owns a cat with business cards.”
Nellie threw back her head and laughed, tiny sparks dancing in the air around her. “Perfect! When do we start?”
“Already have.” Gerri showed her the phone calendar. “Though I could use some help with the seating arrangements at next month’s gala. Know any dragons who might be willing to strategically cancel their reservations at the last minute, forcing certain tables to be combined?”
“Leave it to me,” Nellie promised. “We dragons are excellent at creating controlled chaos. Emphasis on controlled , of course.”
“Of course,” Gerri agreed. “We want sparks to fly metaphorically, not literally. Save the actual fire for the dragons.”
Standing, she smoothed her dress and took one last look around the dragon-themed ballroom. Soon enough, she’d be planning another celebration, this one with a decidedly feline flair. But first, she had some strings to pull and coincidences to arrange.
“Time to get to work,” she told the crystal dragon figurine on the table. Its faceted eyes seemed to twinkle in agreement as she gathered her things.
Behind her, the afternoon sun caught the golden scale patterns on the tables, creating patterns that danced across the walls like prophecies. In a few months, she knew, she’d be back here celebrating another successful match. Because if there was one thing Gerri Wilder knew better than anyone, it was that love had a way of finding those who needed it most—especially with a little help from a determined matchmaker and her increasingly large network of supernatural co-conspirators.
She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to both Jewel and Lumina, suggesting they all meet for lunch next week to discuss “charitable opportunities.” By the time she reached her car, both women had enthusiastically agreed.
“Marketing strategy meeting on the books,” she murmured, then sent another text to Nellie: “Operation Tiger’s Heart is a go. Alert the dragons.”
Her phone buzzed almost instantly with Nellie’s reply: Consider it done. Should we warn the fire department?
Better safe than sorry , Gerri typed back, grinning. But tell them it’s just a precaution. I’m sure nothing will explode this time.
She started her car, humming the wedding march with a few improvisational flourishes. After all, when you’re planning the match of the century between a tiger-shifter CEO and a brilliant but chaotic scientist, a little dramatic background music is practically required.
“Let the games begin,” she announced to her rearview mirror, and drove away plotting her next matchmaking triumph. Behind her, a tiny puff of dragon smoke rose from the plaza’s chimney as if the very building was sighing contentedly at another successful love story in the making.
In her purse, her phone buzzed one final time. A message from Lumina: Just talked to Alora. She’s definitely coming to the gala. Says she wouldn’t miss the tiger conservation exhibit for anything. Should we warn her about Rehan?
Gerri’s laugh echoed through the car as she dictated her response: Absolutely not. Some things are better left to fate... and professional matchmakers. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?
She paused, considering the combination of a strict tiger shifter and a scientist who gave her cat business cards, then added: On second thought, don’t answer that. Just make sure we have good insurance coverage.