8
JACE
I shift uncomfortably in my seat under the piercing gaze of the receptionist. The lights in here are too bright, I feel like I’m under a spotlight, but I’m not comfortable with this one.
She knows who I am, I think to myself, irritated. She’s probably online already, posting about me.
No, that’s silly. This dating agency is all about privacy, I checked before I came here. I don’t want anyone to know what I’m doing. Especially not Addie, not that I’m crazy enough to think she keeps up with my life like I do hers. Since she’s the one who walked out on me, she probably hasn’t ever looked back.
“Oh, Mr. Creek,” the receptionist calls out, in a disbelieving voice. Yep, she definitely knows who I am. “Hayley is ready to see you now. If you’d like to follow me into her office.”
“Right, sure.” I dust off my hands as I stand, showing how awkward I feel. “I see, yes.”
Her heels click along the floor, for some reason making my heart beat faster, and soon she leads me into a small, but very clean room. The woman sitting behind the desk has a nice smile and kind welcoming eyes.
“Ah, Mr. Creek, is it?” She extends her hand out for me to shake, which I do. “Nice to meet you.”
I don’t know if she knows who I am but I decide to tell her the truth. I’m sure it will help me on my journey.
“Actually, I’m Jace Fairs, sorry for the pseudonym. I just need to protect my identity, that’s all.”
“Ah, you’re from that band, I see. So, what are you doing here?”
I smile thinly. I can’t tell her the whole truth; it just wouldn’t do. I know she won’t like it. “I am from here, actually. I might live in LA now but this is my true home.”
Hayley takes a few notes. “I see, and you’re planning to come back here all the time? I know that might be a strange thing to ask but I do need to know what your intensions are with my clients.”
“Yes, of course. Well, I think I am.” I shake my head. “I’m not quite sure. I… yes, I think I will be back.”
Shit, is that true or am I just saying that to get on Hayley’s good side? I don’t know anymore. I’m all messy.
“Okay right, so things with the band are…”
“I don’t know,” I cut her off. I can’t get in to that right now. “That’s all up in the air right now.”
“I see.” She doesn’t see, I can see it on her face. She isn’t totally sure if she can trust me right now.
“Look, I know this isn’t typical, but I’m hoping that you’ll keep me on your files anyway. I will be honest with anyone I go on a date with, I’ll let them know that my future is uncertain, I just want to…”
“Why are you here?” she asks curiously. “Surely, you have your pick of women.”
“I want something more, something deeper. Not just a physical connection.”
“Right, of course. So, you’re looking for love?”
“I am.” I smile a bit more genuinely this time. “And because of who I am, I was wondering about your privacy policy. I know that you said all your data is locked down, but…”
“Oh, of course. You will need extra. I mean, we take privacy very seriously, but for you
we will go the extra mile. We won’t keep your picture on file or anything that could identify you.”
“Actually, would it be possible to not have a profile for me?” Since I only want one person, there isn’t any need. If that doesn’t work out, then I will leave this crazy idea behind. “Can I just look through the profiles and pick?” She doesn’t look certain; I need to offer more. “I will pay higher. I know this is crazy.”
She pauses thoughtfully for a second before bursting in to a smile. “You know what, I will. We don’t have clients of your caliber here usually so I am willing to work things a little differently for you.”
I breathe easier, relieved. That’s perfect. “Great, thank you very much.”
She tentatively reaches for a file and hands it to me. “Here are all the women we have on file. If you would like to look through it now, then I will give you some time with the profiles.”