Chapter 0003

I've given them all the same replies, albeit extremely vague ones.

"Well, I'm studying business and media at university and..." Lory leans forward in her seat, shaking her head, her hands resting on the enormous mahogany desk.

"No, my sweetheart, not what you're doing now. What is your most ardent desire? If the sky was the limit, anything would be possible. What would you do if you were granted a wish for a life?" I pause for a second to ponder, but the answer rushes out of my mouth before I can stop it.

"I've always thought it would be incredible to be a screenwriter, you know, writing for television and movies." "However, I'd also like to write books." My cheeks quickly flush when I say the words. That's something I've never told anyone else, not even Poppy.

I don't want to look over at her and see what she thinks of me in case she thinks I'm a moron. Lory grins, as if this was the solution she was looking for.

"Beautiful, simply beautiful." And available; many guys are looking for ladies who adore the arts, just like you. They want someone who sees the world differently and can hold an educated conversation. You need someone who can provide you with the luxurious life you deserve, so you don't have to work long hours to pay the bills when you might instead be writing and building your ideal life. Amelia, I can find you someone very special. I can find you someone who will go out of their way to treat you like a queen. Doesn't that sound like something you'd want?" As she waits for my reaction, I mentally urge myself not to fidget with my hands and fingers. I nod, because that's what I want, and I believe that's what everyone wants out of life. However, this is not the case for everyone.

"Do you have any questions dear?" Lory asks, a bright smile on her face. Uh, approximately a million, but I'm having difficulty saying the words.

"Um, how does this all work?" If I decided to go ahead with it?" I inquire, attempting not to stammer my words.

"You fill out a form telling us about yourself, then we create a profile for you, and our system matches you with people we think you'd be compatible with." And because I sense something in you that makes me happy, I would personally comb through your matches and select the one I believe would be best for you." She pulls out a stack of papers linked to a white clipboard, similar to one you'd find in a doctor's office, from her desk drawer.

"Um, one more thing, would I have to be uh, you know, sexual with these men?" My voice stutters as I pose the inquiry, and I can feel my cheeks flush as I observe Grace's amused reply.

"That is something you should discuss with your match." If you and your partner both agree that you are happy with your match, you will begin the bargaining phase. This is where we figure out what you are and aren't willing to do, what nights you're open for dates, what rules your match may have for you, and so on. This is also when we talk about how much money you'll get from your match." She provides a lot of information in a single sentence, but one of the bullet points stands out to me.

"Rules?" I make a squeak.

"Some of our clients prefer a set of rules for their match, a list of personal preferences for how you would behave with them, what you would wear or eat, things they would allow you to do, and so on." It's one of the ways we prefer to make things easier, and it helps our matches survive longer than most other agencies; better to get these things out in the open than to find out you're not on the same page." I take a deep breath as her lips return to a lovely smile. Poppy goes over to my armchair and gently squeezes my hand.

"I know it's a little scary, but trust me, this is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to you." You deserve more than what your life has been providing you recently, and you're not doing it all on your own. That's one of the wonderful things Lory and her staff do; they are always there to support and assist you, and they are on your side." Poppy gently reassures me.

"That's correct. We will be there for you every step of the way. And if you decide this isn't for you, you can leave at any time." Lory leans slightly forward on the table. I'm completely overwhelmed. There is no way this is as fantastic as it appears, and I have a feeling deep down inside that this is a poor idea.

"Okay, I'll do it."

******

"All right, let's get started on the paperwork." We wish to match you with someone as soon as possible." Grace's delicate fingers move the clipboard she had brought out earlier across the desk in front of us. I grab for the clipboard and click the pen attached to it before answering the obligatory questions.

N A M E

B I R T H D A T E O

The letter A D D R E S S

THE WEIGHT

C U P U P A T I O N

Y E C O L O U R E

C O L O U R H A I R

The questions become more personal from there:

Do you experiment with drugs for fun?

Tattoos/Piercings?

How many sexual partners do you have?

Have you given up your virginity?

Do you consume alcohol in excess?

As Poppy tells Lory about her recent date with Adan, I scribble my answers on the paper. His next date appears to be extremely great.