Page 3 of Romance Reset
“Fine, I’ll give you that. But you’re definitely settling if you do this wholespermthing,” Izzy said, thankfully lowering her voice, “without giving Marsali a chance. Just try it, Meli. What can it hurt? Other than a date here and there since you moved back to Wilmington three years ago, you’ve worked nonstop. At this point, I’d be surprised if you remember what men look like.”
“Okay, okay, ladies, let’s focus,” Marsali said softly, earning their attention once more. “Amelia, I think it’s clear Izzy wants you to be happy. We can agree on that, right?”
“I suppose,” Amelia murmured.
“Well, I have some great guys in my database looking for equally great women. We have a lot of ground to cover, but if you agree, I’d love to set you up. You’re how old?”
“Thirty-eight,” she murmured, avoiding Izzy’s gaze because of her upset with her friend. “Which is why time is of the essence if I’m going to be able to get pregnant at all.”
“I understand,” Marsali said in a soothing voice. “And believe it or not, I have some guys feeling the same way. They’ve put their careers first and have reached an age where they want to be a father before they feel too old to enjoy the experience. So let’s start with what you like in a man. What attracts you and makes you want to get to know them better?”
Amelia closed her eyes and took a calming breath. Marsali and Izzy couldn’t make her do anything she didn’t want to do. Answering a few questions wouldn’t hurt. Would it? “I like… intelligence, being able to hold an articulate conversation. I like good looks and manners. Someone who knows how to treat a woman like she is more than an object to be used for sex or housekeeping duties.”
“A man who appreciates his woman as his partner,” Marsali murmured. “I like those qualities, too. They’re getting harder to find these days but not impossible. What else?”
Amelia lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “He’d… have to be faithful. That’s definitely a priority. I mean, if I’m involved with someone, I’m not just passing time until the next person comes along—andthat’simpossible to find in the dating world right now. I know,” she stated, glaring at Izzy, “because I’ve tried to find that man despite what Izzy thinks, but men today say cheating is normal and everyone does it.”
“Not true. Fidelity is hard to find but not impossible,” Marsali countered. “It depends on where you’re looking, and again, my database is filled with men who are actively looking for women who desire the same things you’re describing.” Marsali scribbled in her notebook and began making bulleted lists. “Does occupation factor in?”
That question threw her. She wasn’t a snob but… “He’d have to bring something to the table. I mean, at my age, I have a home, a good job, a life. He’d need to enhance that, I suppose.”
“No, you’re exactly right,” Marsali said. “You don’t want someone who would be a detriment to your career. You want someone as motivated as you are and as successful. Someone supportive. Now, what about looks? Do you prefer facial hair? Dark hair or blond? Is bald or balding a yes or no?”
Amelia answered the questions one by one, even though she felt the whole process was useless. The waitress returned and took their order, and as soon as she was gone, Marsali picked up where she’d left off.
“What about kids? Okay if he has some already?”
“Yes.”
“And you want children?”
More than anything.“Yes. If possible.”
As the interview continued, Amelia found herself really thinking about her perfect match. Who he’d be and how they’d fit together as two parts of a whole. Marsali made it easy, gently leading her with another question when Amelia hesitated or helping Amelia narrow down too broad of an answer. They covered political stances and religion.
“What about pets? Are you a dog person? Cat only? What?” Marsali asked.
“Definitely no reptiles. Or rats,” she quickly added, “or creatures of that sort. I’m allergic to cats so they’re out as well. A dog would be okay.”
“Dog-friendly is good. A lot of my men have happy, healthy dogs so it bodes well,” Marsali said, smiling. “Okay. That about does it, I think. I have what I need from you, but I’ll text or call you if I have any more questions. The good news is that I have a couple of men in mind,” Marsali said.
“Seriously?” Amelia asked.
Marsali gave her a gentle smile.
“You’re not demanding, Amelia. What you desire is a good man. An honest, loyal, hardworking man with integrity and drive. That’s doable.”
“If it’s so doable, why haven’t I met him already?” Amelia asked.
“Because they’re working as hard as you are and go home just as exhausted. Plus, they have also been jaded by dating and have much the same reservations. Women aren’t the only ones who have been cheated on and lied to, taken advantage of, and even abused. But they want to find someone special and are ready to commit, and know they probably won’t find this person in a bar. Most of my clients are successful and therefore well-known in the area, and don’t want their clients or associates seeing them on dating sites. That’s why they go through me. It’s discreet, the dates are vetted, and it’s simply more professional. So, it’s decision time. I can help you. The question is… do you want me to?”
Oh. Oh, boy. Even though Marsali seemed to be a wonderful person, this was a lot to consider.
Did she trust this process? Izzy was right in that Amelia’s ways of meeting men hadn’t worked, and she was embarrassed at her dating site fails, but a matchmaker? Really?
“I know that look,” Izzy said. “Oh, Meli, comeon. You have to do this. For me. Foryourselfand that baby you want so badly.”
“I’m just not sure. Marsali,” Amelia said, “I’m sure you’re great at your job—”
