Page 10 of Steel Beauty

Jack raises an eyebrow. “Another woman?”

“It’s not like that,” I say quickly, raising a hand. “Before the date with Cleopatra started, I ended up talking to one of Soul Sync’s staff members—an American. She was setting up the room. There was a divider between us, so we couldn’t see each other, and we started chatting. I was nervous and thought talking to her might help me settle down before meeting my match.”

Laurelyn tilts her head, curiosity lighting up her expression. “And what’s this mystery woman’s name?”

“No clue. I only know she’s from Charleston, so that’s what I’ve been calling her. She’s the set director—the one who designs the room for the date.”

Jack’s grin widens. “And you couldn’t help chatting her up?”

“Something like that. The conversation flowed. No pressure, no pretense. She made me laugh, and for once, I didn’t feel so uptight.”

Laurelyn’s smile softens. “Sounds as though you like her.”

The truth settles in my gut. “Yeah. Honestly, I vibed more with Charleston than I did with my match.”

Jack’s grin turns sly like he’s already a step ahead of me. “And I bet you’ve thought about her more than you have Cleopatra.”

I haven’t thought about Cleopatra once since the date ended. Not even a passing thought. It’s Charleston who keeps popping into my head—her laugh, her voice, the way talking to her felt so easy. “Too true. I can’t get Charleston out of my head. There was something about her… it felt comfortable.”

Laurelyn glances at Jack, her brow furrowing in thought before looking back at me. “What if Soul Sync got it wrong? What if Cleopatra isn’t the right match for you?”

I turn the idea over in my mind. “Cleopatra’s the one they paired me with. That’s how it works.”

Laurelyn gives a small shrug. “Sometimes the best connections don’t make sense on paper.”

Jack grins. “Sounds like Charleston’s the one worth chasing, mate. Maybe that’s where your focus should be.”

Their words settle deep, stirring thoughts I’ve been trying to ignore. But that conversation with Charleston wasn’t just small talk. It sparked something real, something I can’t shake. One thing is certain––whoever that woman is, she’s got me thinking about things.

“All right, kiddos!” Laurelyn’s voice carries across the patio, bright and buoyant. “Out of the pool. Time to eat!”

The kids scramble to the table, wrapped in brightly colored towels that cling to their wet skin. The heavy metal chairs screech against the patio floor as they clamber into their seats, dripping water everywhere.

“Here you go, champ,” Jack says, sliding a plate toward one of the twins.

For the youngest, he cuts the shank into tiny bites, ruffling her wet curls as she grins up at him through a mouthful of bread.

Laurelyn trails behind Jack, placing forks and napkins within reach for the kids. “Try not to get dinner all over yourselves, yeah? We have a guest,” she says, pushing wet hair away from the youngest’s forehead.

Jack serves up another piece of lamb, passing it to Laurelyn without breaking stride. She nudges him with her elbow, a smile playing on her lips, and he answers with a quick wink—an unspoken language all their own between them. Theirs is a rhythm that’s clearly second nature to them, the kind of coordination that comes only from years of loving and living alongside each other.

There’s no fuss about manners tonight—just the easy comfort of family sharing a meal on the patio, surrounded by laughter, delicious lamb, and the tenacious scent of chlorine.

The hum of soft conversation and the clink of silverware settle around me. Jack’s youngest kicks her legs under the table, her little feet not reaching the ground, while the twins exchange mischievous glances that hint at future trouble.

The kids’ chatter overlaps, blending talk of school projects, a soccer game, and the twins’ latest antics. It’s noisy and chaotic, but it reminds me of my own childhood—messy and full of life. There’s a warmth in it, something I’ve been missing. This easy rhythm, the simple joy of being together, the small gestures that saywe belong—it’s everything I want in my life, everything I’m missing out on.

For so long, life has been about chasing perfection—the next game, the next win, the next goal to conquer. But here, surrounded by the laughter of kids and the quiet ease of love, I wonder if family, connection, and belonging are what I’ve been running toward all along.

As the plates empty and the chatter fades, MJ, the oldest, leans forward with bright, excited eyes. “Mum, can I play the new song I learned for Uncle Alex? I’ve been practicing all week.”

Laurelyn smiles at her daughter with that special kind of encouragement only a mother can give. “Of course you can, sweetheart. Go grab your guitar.”

MJ bounces off her chair, still wrapped in her towel, and runs inside. Her excitement is infectious, and I smile as I watch her go.

Jack leans back, shooting me an easy grin. “She’s been working on this one just for you, mate.”

I chuckle softly, grateful to be included in moments like these.

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