“It was, and then, well… it wasn’t. Isn’t.”
“Remember when I mentioned those little upticks in clients for our area specifically in our review before yoga? I think it was a warning for this,” Carina said. “I knew something was wrong.”
“We’re triaging the lobby as low key as possible,” Olivia explained, “but we’ve already escorted a few non-clients out of the building.”
“Then why are they here?”
“One guy point blank said he was looking for his future wife and propositioned me. Didn’t have an appointment. Didn’t want an appointment. Just wanted to hang out.”
“This is not good.”
“I’ve got a plan. So I pulled together a questionnaire. Anyone who doesn’t have an appointment will be politely sent home with this form.” She handed it to Whitney. “It’s a draft. We can change it, but I thought it might ease the lobby activity until this all blows over.”
“It’s the videos.” Whitney shook her head. “Do we know any tech whiz kids who can start a viral video about a wishing well or something? Anything to get them out of here. This is absolutely ridiculous. Why are we even having to deal with it?”
“Because people are social media crazy. They want to believe all that nonsense,” Carina said. “It’s kind of sweet, in a backward sort of way, that people still want to believe in love.”
“Okay, let me go through this questionnaire so you can get them printed and put them into action.”
“Let’s get ‘Operation We’re Not a Dating App’ underway. Give me ten minutes and I’ll have this back to you.”
“I think Olivia’s plan is a good one,” Carina said. “It might have some long-term benefits for first-time clients going forward too. We’re lucky to have her.”
“We are.”
“I was thinking the three of us could grab dinner tonight. William had that meeting in Virginia Beach today. He won’t be home until late.”
“Oh, I can’t.”
“It’s one night. Work will wait.”
“No. I didn’t have a chance to tell you, but I’m going out tonight. Not exactly a date, but sort of. Maybe? I’m not even sure.”
Carina dropped into the chair. “What? With who? Whom? Who. When did this happen?”
“Matthew.”
“The artist?” She nodded with that snide grin she had when she was cooking up a scheme.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Whitney tried to avoid looking her way. “He’s got a gallery opening to go to in Williamsburg. He asked if I’d join him. You know, he didn’t want to go alone. It’s honestly no big deal.”
“Oh, I think it’s more than that.”
“It’s not.”
“What are you going to wear?”
Whitney felt like it was a trick question. “Well, I?—”
“Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it. Is it casual? Dressy?”
“Black-tie.”
“What?” Carina grabbed her hand. “Let me think. Yes, you have to wear that purple dress you wore to the holiday warm-up last year. It brings out your eyes. I love that dress.”
“I was thinking of that one too.” She kept the part where he suggested purple to herself.
“What time is he picking you up?”
