Epilogue
Jane
New York has been a breath of fresh air—for me and for my career. The Broadway play has been a wild success, and we're extending it for another four months. I do miss LA, my friends there, the house, and the everlasting sun, but I have everything I need right here with me.
Truffles is curled up at the end of the U-shaped couch in our living room, and the fire Agnes started earlier is roaring in the fireplace.
Colton stands in front of it, a stack of notes in his hands. He's preparing for the interview tomorrow concerning his new project. I've watched him work tirelessly on this, and I'm so glad it's almost ready to be out in the world.
"So, tell me about this new service," I say in my most professional journalist tone.
He cocks his head to the side. "I will, but I have to kiss you first." He leans over the couch to capture my lips in his.
"Mr. Green," I say, a hand on my heart. "I'm in shock, what are you—"
Giggles replace my voice, and I wrap my arms around his neck, kissing him in return.
"I feel much better now," he says, getting back up. "Okay, I'm ready." He flashes me a confident smile. Now, it's me who wants to stop him so I can kiss him.
"Okay," he begins. "Here goes. This new service I'm developing will be more profound, more highly focused on the user. It will be a welcome alternative for those who aren't convinced about the efficacy of a matchmaking app, those who don't want to waste time with trial and error. We created a new algorithm specifically for this program, designed to find that one person who's right for you."
"And how is it going to work?" I prod.
"Glad you asked," he says, showing off his dimple. "Basically, you'll pass through an extensive series of questions and behavioral observations. Then, a professional—a human, not a robot— will gather and assess that data before entering it into the algorithm, which will then find a match for you. But we won't stop there. We'll stay with you all the way, accompany you as you get to know each other. You'll be going on dates planned and curated by our team of professionals, tailored specifically to you."
"Whoa, very impressive, Mr. Green. Sounds like it's going to revolutionize the world of matchmaking services."
"That's the idea," he says.
"I do see some limitations, though. In order to find a match for everyone, you'll need a ton of data. How will you gather it?"
"We've already started. We asked all our current users if they are interested in trying out the new service—for free. We'll begin beta testing very soon. Which is why I am here today." He glances away, as if turning to the camera. "If you are interested in participating in this free beta program, sign up now on the Love Connected website, and finally take that first step toward your happily ever after."
"Woo-hoo!" I say, my noisy applause making Truffles jump.
"Isn't the ‘happily ever after' thing a bit much, though?" he asks, patting Truffles' head. She closes her eyes and drifts back off to sleep. The allergy treatment Colton has been taking has been a game changer for him. Since the New York apartment is smaller than the house in LA, Colton was sneezing constantly, and his eyes were perpetually bloodshot. I had my EpiPen just in case, but I never had to use it.
I shrug. "I like it. But feel it out, see what seems right in the moment. It's very catchy, though. Something a salesman would say, for sure. The entire pitch is a great hook."
He sits down next to me. "I hope the beta phase will be promising, and that I can officially make that promise to people."
I tuck a finger under his chin. "My husband is such a romantic," I whisper, planting a soft kiss on his lips.
"It's all your doing, Mrs. Green," he mumbles, kissing me softly. "All your doing."