by Zoe May
‘A tour?’ I wrinkle my nose.
‘Yeah, he wanted to see the office, so I showed him. I told him we were a small agency and it wasn’t much, but he seemed really impressed. He said he was going to sign up and that he’d be in touch the next day, but I haven’t heard a word. Not one word.’
‘He ghosted you?’ I grimace.
‘Yeah. Something like that,’ Derek grumbles.
‘That’s rude,’ I comment. ‘When was it he came in?’
‘Last Tuesday,’ Derek reminds me.
‘Hmmpph, so he’s had a week to get in contact… Plenty of time.’
‘Exactly. He could have at least got in touch and told me he was busy or still considering it, but he’s just gone quiet. Radio silence,’ Derek huffs, pulling another Oreo from the pack. He presents the pack to me, but I decline.
‘Erm… I guess you win some, you lose some,’ I reason.
‘Yeah. I guess,’ Derek replies glumly. ‘You’re right. It’s just frustrating. I was excited to sign up a new client. But I suppose I just have to put him out of my mind.’
‘Exactly!’ I resist the urge to smile as I turn back to my computer, Derek really does sound like a disappointed dater. I log onto Match. I need to reply to messages for Steve – the art-collecting hedge fund manager. I chat to matches until the intercom buzzes at around midday. Derek’s on the phone to a balloon supplier for the party so I answer it.
‘Hello, To the Moon & Back,’ I chirp in my most sing-song receptionist voice.
‘Polly, it’s Brandon,’ Brandon says, and I immediately buzz him up, my finger a blur as it shoots to the entry button. I’m dying to hear about his date with Eve.
‘Brandon’s here,’ I whisper to Derek, who’s looking over curiously. He nods, and I slip next door into the client lounge and plump up the pillows, arranging them nicely on the sofa.
‘Polly!’ Brandon pushes the door open and gives me the broadest, most charming, spectacular smile he’s ever given me, and that’s saying something. Every smile I’ve ever seen from Brandon has been a Hollywood red-carpet worthy 100-watt showstopper – he’s just that gorgeous and charismatic – but this is like that and then some. Perhaps it’s because his eyes are sparkling too, the skin crinkling around them.
He strides towards me and envelops me in a warm hug. He smells delicious but even when he pulls away, he’s still beaming, radiating joy.
He clutches my shoulders. ‘You – Polly Wood – are a miracle worker!’ he states.
‘Really?’ I grin.
‘Yes!’ he insists, letting his hands drop from my shoulders. ‘I can’t believe it! I really can’t,’ he gushes with an air of disbelief as he settles into the armchair.
‘So, I take it you and Eve hit it off then?’ I ask, smiling brightly while I try to quell the tiny sinking feeling of disappointment; Brandon truly will never be mine.
‘We sure did!’ Brandon grins. ‘She’s perfect, Polly. I know I shouldn’t get too ahead of myself but wow…’ He shakes his head in disbelief as though he can’t believe his luck. ‘Where did you find her?’
‘Tinder!’ I remind him.
‘I know, but all this time I’ve been looking for a woman like Eve. Really, for years. In a city as big as New York and out of all the millions of people here, I haven’t managed to find anyone like her, even remotely like her,’ Brandon enthuses, beaming.
‘I’m so glad! So, she was the same as her photos then? Not a catfish?’
‘Definitely not a catfish!’ Brandon insists, shaking his head in disbelief, as though he can’t quite believe his luck.
‘Was she as interesting in person too?’ I ask.
‘Oh yes. She ticks all the boxes. Intelligent, successful, independent. She’s fantastic!’
I smile, the disappointment falling away. It’s not like I seriously thought Brandon would go for me, it was just a daydream. Here he is, radiating hope and enthusiasm and excitement and it’s impossible not to feel anything other than happiness for him. It’s catching. I have the strange urge to message Eve and have a girly chat with her to see what she makes of Brandon, but of course, that’s impossible.
‘Wait, are you bringing her to the Valentine’s party?’ I ask, brightening up.
‘What party?’ Brandon asks. I give him the low down.
‘Sounds great, Polly, but why would I bring Eve to a singles mixer? Plus, I don’t really want her to know that I used a dating agency.’
‘Hmm… I guess. But there’ll be a lot of people there. Just think of it as a party, rather than a singles thing. No one needs to know you were one of our clients. You can just say you went as a favour to your friend – me!’ I clap my hands against my chest.
Brandon raises an eyebrow. ‘A favour? I guess I do owe you one. You did find Eve,’ Brandon muses. ‘And we’re getting commission from the damages Alicia’s paying up.’
My ears prick up. ‘The what?’
‘Oh yeah. My copyright guy got stuck into your case. She’s agreed to pay $5,000 to you for violating your copyright. All further use of the images will be credited. We’ve got it all in writing. Sorry, it’s not higher but the figure was based on the first print run, which wasn’t particularly large.’
‘$5,000?’ I gawp.
‘Yeah, like I said, not a lot but she only had a thousand copies printed and they’ve all been recalled now.’
‘Not a lot?’ I balk. Five thousand dollars may not be much to Brandon, but it’s huge to me. It would be such a big help, yet I can’t quite feel happy about it. Even though Alicia has treated me terribly, I can’t help feeling a little bad. She’s may flaunt a privileged lifestyle online, but I’m not sure how I feel taking that much money from her, even if it is a legal payment.
‘Do you think she can afford it?’ I ask timidly.
Brandon guffaws. ‘Of course, she can afford it. She’s from the Carter family. They’re loaded. This is spare change to them! We deal with them all the time. They’re always up to stuff like this – screwing people over. They get into plenty of legal trouble. You’d think they’d have learnt by now.’
‘Really?’ I gawp, feeling my heart sink at the thought of how much I’ve been taken advantage of. Clearly Alicia could have afforded to pay me for my work.
‘Yeah. Not a nice bunch, I’m afraid. I’d have warned you not to get involved with them if I’d known you back then,’ Brandon says.
‘Wow, okay…’ I murmur.
‘Honestly, don’t feel bad. It really is nothing to them. But hopefully it’s some help,’ Brandon says kindly.
‘It’s a massive help. It’s an incredible help,’ I tell him. My eyes begin tearing up and I look away, blinking the emotion back. Not only does it feel like justice has been served but the money is a big deal. It might be nothing to Alicia, but it means so much to me. Five thousand dollars will give me breathing space. It’ll help me get up to date with my rent, pay Gabe back some of the money he’s been lending me here and there. Maybe, I’ll put some of it towards getting a proper photography website set up, who knows? The point is, this payment will give me time and possibilities – the precise things I’ve been lacking recently. But I don’t want to make a big deal of it. Making money is nothing to Brandon. Just like messaging someone on Tinder for him is nothing to me.
I still feel on the brink of tears when fortunately, Derek bursts through the office door and I’m saved the embarrassment of getting weepy and sentimental. As usual, Derek greets Brandon like his first-born child, and then sits down on the sofa next to him.
‘So, tell me about Saturday then? I hear Polly found you someone special?’ Derek asks.
‘Very special,’ Brandon replies and his eyes get that twinkly look about them again. He starts telling Derek about the date, from the moment he first saw Eve (‘such a stunning, beautiful woman’) to the food they shared (oysters followed by duck at one of Chelsea’s fancy eateries).
‘And, did you have a kiss goodbye?’ Derek asks.
‘What ar
e you like, Derek?’ I tut.
‘Oh, come on! Don’t pretend you don’t want to know, Polly,’ Derek retorts.
A mischievous smile plays on Brandon’s lips. ‘Let’s just say, we had a kiss goodbye this morning,’ he says.
‘This morning!?’ I balk.
‘She came back with me on Saturday and she didn’t leave until this morning. When I said we hit it off, I meant it,’ Brandon tells us with a smug gleeful grin.
‘Wow, Brandon!’ I’m impressed. I mean, I know he’s Brandon Fox, one of the hottest, most eligible bachelors in New York but seriously? He not only managed to have an amazing date with Eve but an amazing weekend too. That’s some pretty impressive work.
Derek nudges Brandon like a jock would having found out his mate got lucky after prom. I roll my eyes.
‘Right, that’s my cue to leave,’ I say, getting up.
‘Good to see you, Polly,’ Brandon says.
‘You too.’ I thank him again for his help with Alicia and then go next door, leaving him and Derek to catch up.
I smile to myself as I sit down at my desk. I still can’t believe Brandon’s just casually managed to get me $5,000 from Alicia. Especially considering I didn’t even get paid for the photos in the first place. I send a quick text to Scarlett to tell her. I know she’ll be thrilled for me, considering how much she disapproves of all my unpaid work. After taking a few moments to calm down and take what’s just happened in, I turn my attention back to Match.com.
Through the office door, I can hear Derek saying goodbye to Brandon. He comes back in, waving goodbye to Brandon over his shoulder.
‘Polly!’ he says as he closes the office door behind him. He catches my eye and there’s a twinkle of pride in his expression.
‘To say I’m impressed would be an understatement!’ he gushes.
‘Huh?’
Derek sits down in his office chair and swivels around to face me. ‘I’ve been trying to find someone for Brandon for months and you’ve managed it in a week!’
‘Oh, well, I guess I got lucky,’ I say with a modest smile.
‘No, it’s more than just luck! You totally understood Brandon. You kept Eve interested. You set up the date. I’ve never seen Brandon so happy. I’m really impressed, Polly, genuinely,’ Derek says. His enthusiasm is infectious and even though he’s busy complimenting me, I can’t help noting how genuinely happy he seems to be for Brandon. He may not own the swankiest dating agency in New York, but he certainly does take a personal approach. You can tell that he cares about his clients; he’s totally invested in Brandon’s love life.
‘Thanks, Derek. He does seem to really like Eve,’ I say.
‘Like?! I’ve never seen him get like this over anyone.’
I grin. ‘Maybe I should buy a hat,’ I joke.
‘Fingers crossed, eh?’ Derek winks. ‘Oh, that reminds me. Could you go and buy some cupcakes from Angel’s Bakery? I heard they’re great and I really want to try them out. I’m thinking of getting them to supply us for the party.
‘Sure!’ I reply, feeling excited about the prospect of going to Angel’s. Its cupcakes are legendary in the city, but I’ve never got around to going.
‘Go somewhere nice for lunch while you’re at it as well, on me,’ Derek says.
I protest, telling him that it’s not necessary but he insists.
‘Okay, well, thanks Derek!’
‘No worries.’ He reaches into his trouser pocket and pulls out his wallet.
‘Oh, and here’s the company card,’ he says, handing it to me. ‘I’ll text you the pin.’
‘Thanks, Derek,’ I murmur as I take the card and slip it in my wallet, before Googling Angel’s Bakery and looking up the address. ‘Oh, Angel’s is on 54th street. Isn’t that just around the corner from Elite Love Match?’
‘Yeah.’ Derek shrugs.
‘I keep running into Olly. It’s looking really suspicious,’ I warn Derek, although I omit telling him flat-out that Olly already knows who I am.
‘It doesn’t matter,’ Derek says. ‘I’m sure Olly has bigger fish to fry.’
‘I guess, but what if he thinks I’m still creeping around there.’
A smirk plays on Derek’s lips. ‘Well, wear sunglasses or something. Be incognito.’
I roll my eyes. ‘Seriously? What next? A wig?!’
‘You never know, it might suit you!’ Derek jokes.
I laugh, shaking my head.
‘Stop worrying!’ He urges me. ‘Just nip into Angel’s Bakery, grab some cupcakes and then go have a nice lunch. Enjoy yourself!’
‘Okay.’ I nod. Derek’s right. I’ll just dash in and out, I probably won’t even see Olly.
‘Just have a nice lunch. Treat yourself after your success with Brandon.’ Derek says.
‘Thanks Derek,’ I say as I gather my things. ‘That’s a really sweet gesture.’
‘No worries. Go to a nice restaurant.’ Derek smiles. ‘Enjoy it.’
‘I will.’ I smile back, grabbing my coat to go.
Chapter 18
I feel a bit bad splashing out on a fancy lunch, even if Derek said I could treat myself. I can’t help thinking of his wife and her knee surgery so head to an upmarket sandwich shop rather than a restaurant. It’s the kind of place that has all organic ingredients and serves delicious sandwiches on fresh ciabatta bread. Far nicer than the cheap sandwiches I usually have for lunch, but not too pricey. Not exactly breaking the bank.
I opt for a grilled aubergine and hummus sandwich and people-watch office workers darting about on their lunchbreak while I tuck in. The sandwich is so tasty but I’m a little on edge. I can’t help keeping an eye out for Olly, even though with his out-there dress sense, I’m sure I’d spot him immediately in a crowd. Derek’s right though, I probably shouldn’t feel nervous about running into him. Like Derek said, Olly probably has much bigger fish to fry. I am no doubt completely irrelevant to him. He probably can’t even remember my name and has written me off as some time-wasting weirdo, yet I feel kind of stalkerish continually hanging about in the area where he works. As though I’m creeping on him or have some strange obsession. It wouldn’t surprise me if he assumed I’m some desperate fan girl who developed some kind of infatuation after following him on Instagram. It probably wouldn’t be the first time that kind of thing’s happened to him.
I leave the café and head down the road to Angel’s Bakery, where I admire the rainbow displays of delicious-looking cupcakes. It even smells of sugar inside and I select half a dozen gorgeous cupcakes so Derek can try some of the flavours (it’ll make a nice change from Oreos), before paying with the company credit card. With the lunch time rush dying down, the street is pretty quiet now. Olly’s probably busy with client consultations or securing press coverage or whatever. I relax a little bit and do a spot of window shopping. After all, Derek did say I should enjoy myself, and my lunch didn’t take long.
I nip into a few shops – a retro sweet shop where I buy a jar of lemon sherbets to have in the flat with Gabe, and a shop that sells hats and scarves where I try on a ridiculously expensive silk scarf that makes me look way older than my years. I wander over to a jewellery shop a few doors down from Elite Love Match, where I pause to admire the window display of glittering rings, necklaces and bracelets, which glint in the winter sunshine. I’m probably getting a bit too close to Olly’s office, but I just want to have a quick look at the jewellery. I’m checking out a beautiful emerald and diamond ring, sparkling in the sunlight, when suddenly, a man comes through the revolving doors of Elite Love Match and I stiffen, ducking my head in case it’s Olly. But it’s not. The person is shorter and as he steps out onto the street, I look over my shoulder and spot an unmistakable spiky black fringe. It’s none other than Elliot Brown, the guy who had a consultation with Derek at To the Moon & Back last week. The guy who didn’t get in touch after claiming he was going to sign up with us. He must have decided to sign with Elite Love Match instead. Urghh. He catches me looking his wa
y and instantly, a look of recognition flashes across his face. Great, now I have to speak to him.
‘Hi Elliot!’ I step towards him, extending my hand. ‘I’m Polly. I work at To the Moon & Back. We met the other day when you came in for a consultation.’
He limply shakes my hand. ‘Ah yes.’ He smiles, but it’s a forced uncomfortable smile – one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. He clearly thinks I’m about to go into pushy sales mode or something.
‘I just thought I’d say hi,’ I mutter, regretting talking to him at all. So what that he never got back in touch? Just because Derek was upset about it, doesn’t mean I should be haranguing random people in the street. I’m about to excuse myself and scurry off when I spot a lanyard dangling around his neck, with the Elite Love Match logo, Elliot’s photo and the job title ‘Business Development Manager’.
‘What’s that?!’ I point to it, aghast. ‘You work for Elite Love Match?’
He immediately whips his coat closed, covering his name badge. ‘Errr… sorry, I err…’ He looks over my shoulder, clearly desperate to get away from me. ‘Got to go. Meeting. Sorry, bye.’
He smiles awkwardly and scurries past me, hurrying away.
‘Wait, but…’ I mutter after him as he dashes away, but he doesn’t turn back. I watch him disappear down the street, until he’s indecipherable among the other passers-by. My mind is churning. If Elliot works for Elite Love Match, what the hell was he doing at To the Moon & Back? It doesn’t make any sense. Did Olly send him to spy on us too? Is snooping just common practice in the dating agency world? I should probably be heading back to work, but I can’t seem to move. I feel rooted to the spot, gripped by irritation. I want to know what’s going on. I turn on my heel and find myself charging into Elite Love Match, pushing through the gleaming door.
Thankfully the receptionist is a different one to Gina, who was working last time I visited. She looks momentarily startled, but quickly corrects her expression, plastering on a bland smile.
‘Hi, can I help you?’ she says.
‘Hi, yes. I’d like to see Olly Corrigan. It’s about a business matter. It won’t take long,’ I tell her, feigning confidence, even though I’m beginning to wonder what the hell I’m doing.