Prologue

PROLOGUE

G erri Wilder sat back and took a sip of her raspberry zinger tea and smiled at the housekeeper who placed a tray of Gerri’s blueberry scones on the table along with the other pastries available to the ladies in attendance. Some of the women opted for champagne with their pastries, but Gerri loved her tea.

The opulent penthouse salon of Vivianne Sharpe was a sight to behold with its gleaming marble floors, plush velvet furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline and Central Park. The delicate aroma of afternoon tea wafted through the air, mingling with the mouthwatering scent of Gerri’s scones.

Gerri surveyed the room, her vibrant blue eyes sparkling with mischief and wisdom. The walls were adorned with thoughtful touches—strategically placed inspirational quotes about love and partnership, each carefully chosen to inspire and encourage. It seemed Vivianne was a romantic at heart.

Gerri might be the newest club member, but from the excited looks around the room, she knew they were all dying to plead their offspring’s case to her. Gerri was renowned for her unconventional yet highly successful matchmaking methods. Her reputation preceded her, and the women in the room regarded her with a mix of respect and reverence.

Catherine and Martha continued to joke about how they’d gotten the better of their stubborn children.

As the women laughed, Gerri’s gaze swept the room, landing on a figure sitting quietly in the corner. The woman’s shoulders slumped slightly, her eyes downcast as she nursed a glass of champagne.

Intrigued, Gerri made her way over. “Well, hello, there,” she said, her voice warm and inviting. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure. I’m Gerri.”

The woman looked up, startled. “Oh! I’m... I’m Suzette. Suzette Reeves.”

Gerri settled into the chair next to her, studying Suzette’s face. “Now, Suzette, why don’t you tell me why you’re not over there, vying for my matchmaking services like the rest of them?”

Suzette sighed, a rueful smile tugged at her lips. “Oh, Gerri. As much as I’d love to see my daughter happily matched. She’s... well, she’s stubborn as a mule. Set in her ways. I’m afraid even your considerable talents would be wasted on her.”

Gerri frowned at Suzette, an elegant woman in her mid-50s with well-maintained blonde hair and a striking appearance, leaned forward, her warm brown eyes filled with concern. “I’m at my wit’s end,” she sighed, her perfectly manicured fingers toying with the string of pearls around her neck. “I don’t think even you’ll be able to help my stubborn daughter. Cat hasn’t been on a date in over a year, and I’m worried she’ll end up alone at this rate.”

Vivianne, a regal figure with long silver hair and a sage-like presence, nodded in agreement as she passed a plate of Gerri’s scones to Suzette. “I completely relate, Suzette,” she said. “I can’t even mention the word ‘dating’ to my son Keir without him shutting me down faster than a speeding bullet. He won’t date any woman past three dates and keeps it so superficial that none of the family has ever met anyone he’s gone out with. I only see his dates in the news and magazines since he dates so many movie stars and models. It’s like trying to catch a glimpse of Bigfoot.”

Gerri reached for a scone, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Well, ladies, you know what they say—the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Maybe we should start by sending Cat over with a batch of these scones. Keir won’t know what hit him.”

Laughter filled the room as the women savored the delectable treats, the tension momentarily easing. Gerri’s culinary skills were as legendary as her matchmaking abilities, and her scones were always a hit.

Gerri took a sip of her tea, relishing the smooth blend of flavors before setting the cup on the delicate saucer. “In all seriousness, though, I have a feeling that both of you will be pleasantly surprised very soon. Your children’s love lives are about to get a major upgrade, courtesy of yours truly.” She winked, her smile brimming with confidence.

Suzette and Vivianne exchanged curious glances, their perfectly shaped eyebrows raised in anticipation. Gerri’s matchmaking philosophy was rooted in the belief that everyone had the potential for growth and change. Her confidence, born from years of experience and success, provided a beacon of hope for the worried mothers.

Turning to Suzette, Gerri delved into the heart of the matter. “Suzette, my dear, a regular blind date wouldn’t work for Cat. She’s as uncomfortable in forced social situations as a vegan at a barbecue. Her social anxiety doesn’t exactly lead to the best dating results, if you catch my drift.”

Suzette nodded, her elegant features softening with concern. She reached for another scone, finding comfort in the familiar taste. “I just want her to be happy, Gerri. She’s such a wonderful girl, and I hate seeing her lonely. It breaks my heart.”

Gerri reached out and patted Suzette’s hand, her touch warm and comforting. “Trust me, Suzette. I have a plan that will knock Cat’s socks off.”

Vivianne leaned forward, her interest piqued. She delicately wiped the corner of her mouth with a linen napkin before speaking. “And what about my Keir, Gerri? How do you plan to tackle that stubborn son of mine?”

Gerri smiled. “Vivianne, I believe Keir will need a new top-level employee soon. I suggest you encourage him to interview Cat for the position. Have Suzette send you Cat’s LinkedIn profile so you have something to pass along to Keir. It’ll be like slipping a love potion into his morning coffee.”

Vivianne started to interject, but Gerri held up a hand, her expression confident. “Trust me, Vivianne. Cat is the perfect person for the job. You wouldn’t be messing with Keir’s company. She truly would be helping him in more ways than one. It’s a win-win situation.”

Suzette and Vivianne exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with renewed hope and excitement. The prospect of their children finding love brought a smile to their perfectly painted lips.

Gerri leaned back, her tone conspiratorial. “Ladies, you’re in for quite a ride. When those two fall, it’ll be a joy to watch. We’ll need to stock up on popcorn because this is going to be better than any romantic comedy.”

The rest of the women in the meeting immediately chimed in, their curiosity piqued by Gerri’s words.

“When can it be our turn, Gerri?” one woman asked eagerly, her hand shooting up like an overeager student.

“Can we please make these meetings more than once a month?” another pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. “I need my Gerri fix more often.”

Laughter filled the room as the women shared their own stories of stubborn clients and sought Gerri’s advice on navigating the complexities of love. Gerri answered each question with her signature blend of humor and brutal honesty, her infectious energy filling the space.

“Darling, if your client is as stubborn as a mule, you’ve got to be as clever as a fox,” Gerri advised. “Sometimes, you’ve got to outsmart them to help them find their happily ever after.”

The women hung on Gerri’s every word, their faces a mix of amusement and awe. Gerri’s unique perspective and unconventional methods were a breath of fresh air in the often-frustrating world of matchmaking.

As the meeting drew to a close, Gerri reflected on the wheels she had set in motion. Cat and Keir’s journey was just beginning, and she couldn’t wait to see how their story would unfold. With a satisfied smile, Gerri sat back to answer more questions, knowing that the next chapter was about to begin.

“Ladies, this is just the beginning,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “Mark my words, Cat and Keir’s love story will be one for the ages. They just don’t know it yet.”