Chapter 1 : Florence And Her Job
"Oh, Florence, this is really happening. I'm now even more in love with him. And it's all thanks to you. He's such a sweet, funny, and fun guy. I'm not sorry I asked for your help. You're so cool and talented, I can't thank you enough. You're the best."
Florence's smile spread so wide when she heard those words from the phone line. She was pouring hot water into a cup when she started to say something. "Really? You really get along with him? Wow, I'm really happy to hear this from you. I was sure that you and him would be a good match. You guys are meant to be together. I can see that!"
A laugh rang out. "Yeah, I'm really happy right now. This is the first time I've ever felt such passionate love for a man! Oh my God, I even miss him already, even though I only met him an hour ago."
"Well, I just hope your relationship lasts longer. Congratulations to you! I'll pray for the best for your relationship with him."
"It's thanks to you, you know that?"
Florence stirred her coffee with slow movements. Her head nodded. "Yeah, that's my job. I'm glad I could help you," she said as she left the kitchen with the coffee she had just made.
"Bottom line, I'm very grateful to you. Call me when you have some free time, and I'll treat you to a meal out. What do you think?"
"I don't—"
"I just want to express my gratitude more properly, you can't refuse, okay? I insist."
Florence pressed her lips together when her sentence was cut short. She sighed softly, then replied simply, "Fine, whatever you want."
"Okay, I look forward to our meeting. Don't forget to call me if you're not busy."
"I understand."
"Then I'll hang up, I have to go shopping. Thank you again. I really appreciate your help. See you later, dear."
The call was disconnected. Florence placed her phone on the table and began to savor her coffee. She closed her eyes as she smelled the fragrant aroma of the drink.
Florence was happy that Nina, the woman she had just spoken to on the phone, had informed her that her love story was a success. Of course, as the person behind the successful relationship between Nina and a man, Florence felt this was a great achievement, as always. She never failed. This was her talent. This was the skill that Florence possessed.
The accomplishment was not unfamiliar to Florence. She was adept at dealing with other people's love stories, finding matches, matching a woman and a man, and listening to people's problems with their partners. That was the job she had been doing all this time. She was good at it. She was happy doing it. She loves helping people who have problems with their journey and love story.
Florence had no idea that her chosen career would lead her to success. The business was very lucrative. Moreover, she is happy doing it.
And even happier, all of her clients were satisfied with her work. That's what made Florence's name immediately soar until she was recognized by many people.
In short, if you have a problem with your love life and are struggling with it, you should come to Florence. She's the expert. She will help you find a way out.
Florence rose to her feet when she finished her coffee. She has an appointment with a client soon. She should get ready now.
Her client asked Florence to come over to a restaurant. She agreed without a second thought. She didn't protest much about it. It's up to the person asking.
When Florence finally arrived at her destination, her client had already gotten there first.
"Am I late? Have you been waiting here too long?" asked Florence as she sat down and placed her bag on the table.
Her current client was Barbara, a 25-year-old woman. She was beautiful and had straight, shoulder-length hair. She had made an appointment with Florence two days ago. And yeah, this is where we finally met.
Barbara smiled gently as she shook her head. "Not at all, you came at the right time. I just arrived too."
"Ah, thank goodness."
"Before we start, how about we order some food first?"
"Yes, of course. I agree."
Florence nodded. She raised her hand to call the waiter. A waiter came, carrying a small book, ready to record their order. After some time, the order was finally cooked and served in front of Florence and Barbara.
After stuffing her mouth with fries, Florence started right away. With a focused look on her client's face. "So, how can I help you? Tell me about your problem."
Barbara didn't answer right away. She was silent for a few seconds, seemingly stringing together the right sentence to say. "I just broke up with my boyfriend. A week ago."
"I'm so sorry to hear this from you. How did you guys break up?" Florence asked seriously. As usual, she would try to put herself in her client's shoes. It made it easy for her to get into their problems and help them find the best way out.
"It's complicated." Barbara began. "I realized that my boyfriend was cheating on me all along. It only came to light a few days before I made the appointment with you." She rolled her eyeballs, annoyed at the memory of the incident.
"How did you realize about that? I mean, that you knew your boyfriend was cheating on you."
"I was out with my friend. That's when I saw him with a woman. They looked very intimate and were laughing together. I thought I saw it wrong at first, but apparently not. It was real and a sight that really made me sick and very angry."
Florence could see the anger that her client was currently feeling. Barbara clenched her hands into fists and clenched her jaw hard. Thinking about and recalling the incident inflamed her.
Florence refrained from asking any questions.
Barbara continued. "And you know what? I came straight to him and demanded an explanation. He's such a shitty guy. He dumped me in favor of his new girlfriend. That bstrd makes me sick."
"How long has your relationship lasted?"
"Two years."
"That's quite a long time."
"And I regret wasting my time on a bstrd like him. I really regret it. Not to mention that he said that he was just using me all this time. He said that right in front of that woman! His new girlfriend. Imagine that!"
"How could he be that cruel to you?"
Barbara smacked her lips. "Maybe there's a demon living inside him. The point is that right now I really hate that bstrd. He only likes my money. I worked hard all this time, only to be fooled by him. D*mn it, I feel so stupid."
"He often asks for your money?" Florence asked in surprise.
"Yes, he scrutinizes my money. And I regret it. Why did I only realize now that he was cheating on me? He played it so smartly that I missed out like this, but I'm grateful that it's finally revealed all of his ugliness. I'm free of him."
"Okay, I understand, and I'm really sorry."
"Thank you."
"And what exactly do you want? What do you want me to do to you?"
"Of course I don't want to go back to him. You're wrong if you think I need your help to rekindle my love story with him. I've had it with that ignorant bstrd."
"I understand."
Barbara took a deep breath before responding. "Look, I'm going to a high school reunion. And the thing is, that sshl* is coming too."
"Your boyfriend was your friend in high school?"
"Ex-boyfriend," corrected Barbara. "Yeah, you're right, he and I went to the same school. This is why I'm calling you, I need your help. I need a partner to come to the reunion. I want him to know that I have a new partner, and I'm over him."
"When is the reunion?"
"In ten days. Can you help me?" Barbara looked at Florence with hope very clearly visible in her eyes.
Florence answered after she had a drink. "I wanted to ask you first. Do you just want to bring a partner to the reunion in order to let your ex know that you've found a new partner, or are you seriously looking for a man to be your lover?"
"I won't come to you if I need a man just for the reunion. If that's what I want, I can ask a man or acquaintance for a favor and pay him to accompany me to go there."
"I see what you mean."
"That's why I came to you. I know you are talented in matters like this. Your name is already known to quite a few people. I've also heard testimonials from some acquaintances about you. And, of course, I've searched the internet for reviews of your business. I trust you with this."
Florence's lips formed a wide smile. "Thank you, I'm really impressed, but you should know that the process is not as quick as you might think. Things like this take time."
"Yeah, I know that," Barbara agreed. "I've anticipated that, but if possible, I'd like you to find me a partner before I actually go to the reunion. I hope you can help me."
"Don't worry, you just relax, I will help you. Although the time is a bit tight, but I will try."
"Help me, I really need your help."
"Okay, now what kind of partner do you want? I mean, your ideal type of partner."
"No need to be grandiose, I just want a man who wants to be with me. I want to go through it first. If it doesn't work out, we can stop. If we turn out to be connected, I hope to be with him always. That's all. The rest I leave to you."
Barbara was the definition of Florence's favorite client. Asking for help without demanding much. Florence didn't need to feel giddy.
"I understand. I'll call you in a few days, okay?"
"I look forward to hearing from you."
Barbara and Florence exchanged big smiles.