Page 6 of Crocodile Tears
The woman who emerges is exactly what you’d expect from someone who names their business after themselves and decorates in matching colors.Auburn hair, bright smile, and an energy level that suggests either caffeine addiction or natural enthusiasm.Something about the subtle markings around her eyes marks her as a red panda shifter, though she’s doing her best to appear human-normal.
“Ms.Carrington.Thank you for fitting me into your schedule.”
“Oh, please, just Red.Everyone calls me Red.”She gestures toward her office.“Come on back, and we’ll get you sorted out.I’d normally have Finley handle intake, but she’s on her honeymoon with her husband, Michael.”She points to a large picture on the wall, framed with a red heart.“One of my most successful matches.”
I nod politely and follow her back.Her office continues the red theme with an impressive collection of red panda figurines arranged on shelves.I automatically note the positions of windows, doors, and potential weapons before catching myself.Normal people don’t assess office spaces for tactical advantages.
“Have a seat wherever you’re comfortable.”
The chair she indicates faces the door with clear sight lines to both windows.Either Red understands her clientele better than most, or I’m more obvious than I want to be.
“So, Calvin, tell me a bit about yourself.What brings you to Romance Expected?”
Standard intake question, but I still don’t have a good answer.“I’m trying to transition into civilian life.Thought it might be easier with someone who understands… complex circumstances.”
She nods like this makes perfect sense.“What kind of work are you transitioning from?”
“Private security.International contracts.”
“Ah.”Her expression doesn’t change, but something in her posture suggests she’s dealt with my type before.“Military background?”
“Special Forces.Eight years active duty and then private sector.”
“And you’re looking to settle down somewhere more stable?”
The question sounds simple, but I sense layers underneath.“I’m looking to build something that doesn’t involve getting shot at for a living.”
Red grins, pulling out a tablet and stylus.“That’s refreshingly honest.Most of my ex-military clients spend twenty minutes dancing around what they actually did overseas.”
She starts tapping notes into her tablet, and I find myself relaxing despite the unfamiliar situation.Something is comforting about her matter-of-fact approach to what most people would consider deeply unusual circumstances.
“Now, I’m going to ask some questions that might seem a bit personal, but they help me understand what kind of match would work for you.Ready?”
“Shoot.”
“Tell me about your last relationship.”
“If you consider a relationship about twenty minutes… She was a kindergarten teacher.Sweet, normal, and completely incompatible with my lifestyle.”
“What happened?”
“I disarmed a waiter during dinner.She didn’t take it well.”
Red pauses her note-taking.“Was the waiter actually threatening you?”
“He approached our table carrying a steak knife.My training kicked in before my brain caught up.”
“And she didn’t appreciate your protective instincts?”
“She didn’t appreciate being on a date with someone who treats dinner service like a potential security threat.”
Red makes more notes, her expression thoughtful.“Calvin, can I ask you something directly?”
“Go ahead.”
“Are you looking for someone who’ll help you forget your past or someone who can accept all of it?”
The question catches me off guard.“I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
