Page 5 of Steel Beauty

“So, you’re the person who designed the room I’m in?”

I nod, then realize he can’t see through the divider. Wow. My brain cells are really thriving today. “Yes, it was me.”

I imagine him glancing around, taking in every detail of the room. “The design is really nice. It feels like you knew exactly what I would like.”

Yes!I pump my fist in a victorious motion. A quiet exhale escapes me, and for the first time, a bit of tension eases. I never hear client feedback about what I do, so knowing he actually likes it is a relief. And I’ll admit, a little flattering. “Thank you. I’m given a brief summary about the client—nothing identifying, of course—and I design the space based on that information.”

“You’re very talented.”

“Thank you.” A small flush of pride warms me as his compliment sinks in.

He clears his throat softly. “I arrived a little early. I thought it would give me a moment to adjust to my surroundings before I’m thrown into a conversation with a complete stranger on the other side of a wall.”

His words throw me for a loop. I’ve never considered the possibility before—the nerves, the uncertainty. People who can afford Soul Sync’s services always struck me as the type brimming with confidence, the kind who walk into a room and own it. But maybe, despite their wealth and status, they need a moment to steady themselves, too.

“I completely understand needing a moment to settle in. Is there anything I can adjust in the space to help you feel more comfortable next time?”

“The room feels homey so keep everything as it is. It’s comfortable.”

A surge of satisfaction swells in my chest. “That’s always my goal. The idea is to make you feel at ease so you can focus on the conversations you’ll be having with your match.”

This man showed up early to calm his nerves, and here I am, jabbering away. He’s not going to find peace with me hanging around, disrupting the atmosphere. “I’ll step out so you can relax.”

“Actually, could you stay for a little while longer? Talking to you is helping me get over my jitters.”

Gabby’s reminder to embrace new roles echoes in my mind. If a little conversation helps ease his nerves, then it’s part of my job to step up. “Of course, I can stay and chat for a bit.”

A deep breath escapes him, followed by a soft “whew,” as if he’s been holding it in all along. “Thanks. I’m really grateful.”

“You’re quite welcome.”

Unsure of what to say next, I wait for him to speak, hoping he’ll take the lead.

“So, what’s your name?”

Naturally, asking my name is the first question. It’s a simple way to ease into conversation, but this isn’t exactly a normal situation. “At Soul Sync, we have a strict privacy policy to protect both our clients and employees, so I’m not able to share that information about myself.”

“Understandable.” A beat passes. “You really don’t know who I am, do you?”

“I don’t. To me, you’re Julius Caesar, your assigned alias.”

His laughter comes easily, the sound warm and amused. “My alias isJulius Caesar? Seriously?”

Amusement tugs at the corner of my mouth. “All our matched clients are assigned the names of an iconic couple. The husband of Soul Sync’s creator is a huge history buff. It’s kind of a nod to him.”

“That’s hilarious,” he says with a chuckle. “I guess my attorney forgot to mention that little detail.”

“Well, now you know,Caesar. But it should’ve been mentioned multiple times in the contract you most assuredly read.” A bit of concern crosses my mind—how did he miss such a detail? It’s a standard part of the Soul Sync agreement.

He brushes it off with a laugh. “I’m sure it was. Guess I skimmed a little too fast. So, if I’m Julius Caesar, that must mean my Soul Sync match is––?”

It really is comical, Gabby’s system of assigning aliases to clients. “You guessed it. Cleopatra.”

“Makes sense. Keeping it all historically accurate.”

“Cleopatra was never his wife, but their relationship was significant enough to shape history—and cause plenty of drama along the way. It’s part of the quirky charm here at Soul Sync.”

“I can’t help but notice that you sound American.”

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