Page 7 of Steel Beauty

“It’s special to me.”

“You don’t sound like a typical American. I’ve only heard something similar to it once—my mate married an American girl from Nashville, and your accent reminds me of hers.”

“Nashville is only a few hours’ drive from where I grew up in Mississippi. But I live on the East Coast now, in Charleston.”

The momentCharlestonleaves my mouth, I realize I’ve crossed a line. I’ve told him where I live—far more information than I should’ve shared with a client.

Great job, Magnolia. Way to stay professional.

Worry crosses my mind. What if he’s a weirdo? Or worse, some kind of stalker? My thoughts spin for a second before I push them away. No, he seems fine. Plus, he lives on the other side of the world. He’s not going to travel across the globe to stalk me.

“You know, I’m not sure what I’m even going to say when my match gets here. I mean, how do you start a conversation with someone when you can’t see them?”

A smirk tugs at my lips because this guy doesn’t even notice how naturally he’s been talking to me. He’s giving himself far too little credit. “We’re total strangers who can’t see each other, yet here we are, chatting like it’s second nature. Trust me, when you meet the one chosen for you, it’ll be even easier. You’ll have so much in common the conversation will flow without a hitch.”

“You’re really easy to talk to, but we’re discussing general things. I’m not sure I’d know what to say when it gets more personal.” He hesitates for a second. “Would you… maybe practice with me? You know, go over the kind of questions she might expect to discuss? Just to help me break the ice.”

Embrace new roles. Do whatever it takes to make clients feel comfortable.Gabby’s words play on repeat in my mind.

It’s our job to help them, after all. And if this will ease his nerves… “I’d be happy to help with a practice run. Let’s start with something simple. How old are you, Caesar?”

“I still can’t get over being called Julius Caesar.” His words come with a hint of amusement before softening into something more casual. “I’m thirty-two. How about you?”

Thirty-two. So close to my age. I wonder how someone so young can afford the elite services of Soul Sync.

“I just turned thirty.”

He lets out a small hmph. “I thought you’d be older”.

Feigning offense, with extra emphasis on each word, I say, “You thought I’d be older?Why’s that?”

He lets out a quiet chuckle as if trying to cover it up. “You sound very wise and mature for thirty.”

“Let’s just say I’ve been through the school of hard knocks. Graduated with honors. Honestly, I could’ve taught a few classes there.”

Wounds turn into scars and scars make you tough.

“What about your family? Parents, siblings?” he asks.

There are too many branches on my family tree for me to keep track of, let alone explain.

“I’m an only child… and also not. It’s complicated. It would take a decade to explain, and even then, no one sane would understand.”

“That sounds like an interesting tale.” He doesn’t push for more, and for that, I’m grateful.

“I come from a big family. Five siblings. Our parents are still married.”

“Wow. You grew up with eight people in your household? That sounds… chaotic.” And maybe even lovely under the right circumstances.

“It’s extremely chaotic when four of the six kids are boys. Life at our house was never dull.”

I smile at that, imagining the lively chaos. “Well, you already know what I do for work, but what about you? Are you able to tell me or would it give away too much?”

“I’m in the hotel industry. Family business. I’ll spare you the dull details. Trust me, they’re boring.”

Considering he can afford Soul Sync’s services, I have no doubt he’s either a hotel heir or some kind of mogul.

Our conversation continues, easy and natural, like we didn’t just meet. And I catch myself laughing more than I expected. There’s something surprisingly comfortable about talking to him like this.

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