Page 3 of Steel Beauty

This will definitely be different. Gabby can’t send an entire team, so with a smaller crew, it’s crucial for everyone to step up and take on multiple responsibilities—even those outside their comfort zones. I’m used to designing sets, not managing the social flow of events, but this is a huge opportunity, and flexibility is part of the deal. We’ll all have to juggle roles we didn’t necessarily sign up for if this is to succeed.

I nod. “I’d be happy to.”

Rebecca leans forward with a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Magnolia. I’ve got your back with the social coordination stuff. We’ll make sure everything runs smoothly. Think of it as your chance to flex some new skills.” She finishes with a wink.

Gabby smiles. “That’s what I love to hear. It’ll take some creative problem-solving, but I know we’ll make it work.”

A few more hands go up as Gabby thanks each new volunteer with her usual enthusiasm. The team is starting to take shape, and the room hums with excitement as others begin murmuring about the possibilities ahead.

The meeting wraps up with more applause, and as we head out, Violet nudges me with a smirk. “Elijah volunteering? Guess he’s still convinced he’s got a shot with you, huh?”

I cut my eyes toward Elijah and notice him looking pleased with himself. “Hell has a better shot at hosting a snowball-throwing convention.”

Violet leans in, her words dropping to a whisper. “Maybe you should send him a fruit basket. Like a ‘thanks, but no thanks’ gesture.”

Some men don’t understand that when a woman says she’s not interested, she means it. They think persistence is romantic when it’s really just fucking exhausting.

“With my luck, he’d think it was an invitation to a picnic. You know me, Vi. I’m not looking for romance with him or anyone else. Sydney is about work and furthering my career. So the dude needs to chase someone else’s…fruit basket.”

Chapter2

Magnolia Steel

What a beautiful spacethis has turned out to be.Comfortable velvet seating, carefullyselected artwork, and freshflowers come together to provide a mix of comfort and elegance. Softlighting gives the dating suite a warm and inviting feel. A simple divider separates the two areas, ensuring privacy while allowing for easy movement throughout the room.

I aim to make my clients feel completely at ease when they walk in. I believe I’ve accomplished that.

Looking around, the thought crosses my mind: Even I might be able to fall in love in a place like this. A quiet laugh escapes me as I shake my head. Who am I kidding? Love and I don’t mix—like oil and water, best kept at a safe distance.

With only an hour left until the clients arrive for their first date, there’s still work to be done on the female side. Elijah has been hanging around, offering help with every detail. He means well, but his presence is beginning to wear thin.

“Do you need help with the finishing touches?” he asks for what feels like the hundredth time as he hovers too close to the mood board I worked on all week.

I inhale deeply. “Thanks, but I’ve got it.”

He doesn’t budge. “Are you sure? Looks like you’re cutting it close. I could grab something for you or move a few things around.”

Stay calm, cool, collected. “Elijah, I really appreciate it. You’ve done a fantastic job here––seriously––but I need to finish up without distractions.”

And if you step on my mood board, I swear I’ll use it as a weapon to beat you to death.

Stylishly, of course.

He backs off, blissfully unaware of how close he’s come to meeting his demise. “All right, I’ll leave you to it then.”

Yes, please step aside and let me do what I do best.

The silence settles over the room, and I feel like I can breathe for the first time. The tension disappears the second he’s out the door.

I take a moment to really look at the space I’ve created. It’s everything I hoped it would be—warm, calm, inviting. With no distractions pulling me away, I can finally take it all in, and yeah… I think I’ve nailed it.

Due to the strict privacy policy, we don’t get many personal details about clients at Soul Sync. I have no idea what this client likes explicitly, but I’ve tailored the room based on the information gathered during the client interview in the vetting procedure: simplicity, elegance, and nothing too overwhelming. It’s all about using the psychology of design to create a calming and approachable space without being too distracting.

And for once, I didn’t have to compromise my design with Macy. The space is entirely mine, and it shows. I love it.

I smooth the fabric of the throw on the armchair and glance around. Perfection… almost. Just a few more adjustments.

I’m almost finished when I hear the door open on the other side of the suite. Whitney’s words drift through, carrying the polished professionalism she reserves for clients. She’s talking to someone—a man. My stomach drops for a second—did Elijah sneak back in? But then I hear it—a deep, distinct Australian accent. Definitely not Elijah.

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