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"Then leave it up to me," Marcella said and waved her hand. "It's going to be a matter of meeting them and feeling each of them out. Seeing who's compatible and who isn't. If you want to get married in a year, you need to start right away, if possible. Ideally, I'd like my staff to come by next week and conduct a few personality tests, that kind of thing."
I raised my eyebrows at that. "You sound like you have this all figured out."
"I've often thought how similar my profession is with matchmakers. In fact, it might be a profitable side business."
"Got to love entrepreneurs," I said and stood up, escorting her out of the office. "I don't envy you the job, frankly. I can't really believe you'll be successful."
"I'll find you a wife, Joshua. Leave it up to me. I'll bet that within a year, you'll be engaged and will be on your way to your wedding. In fact, you could leave the whole business up to me. I could even arrange the reception. I could check out venues and book them in advance. That way you'd get the most desirable choices."
"Isn't the groom supposed to consult with the bride's family first?" I said, feeling a bit too mercenary about everything. "It's traditional for the bride's family to pay for and organize the wedding and reception."
"Details. Don't worry about them. I'll take care of everything once you find your bride. Is there any place in particular you would like for the wedding? A church or other venue?"
"I'm Catholic, not practicing."
"St. Patrick's would be optimal," Marcella said and I could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. "It depends on the bride, of course, so maybe I could book it now and we could change the booking if there's some serious conflict."
"St. Patrick's is very popular," I said, remembering when Christie and I booked it the previous year. "They usually book a year in advance."
"I'll get right onto it."
I held the door for Marcella, smiling at how excited she seemed about the whole business.
"Do you have a date in mind?" I said, only somewhat sarcastically.
"Summer, preferably. Say, June in one year from now. I'll go ahead and book St. Patrick's if I can. We can always reschedule if necessary."
I looked at her more closely to see if she was serious but her expression was neutral.
"As to the reception," she went on. "Where would you prefer? Your own residence or would you consider renting a space?"
I sighed. Christie and I had planned on spending a few days at the house in the Hamptons.
"At my home in the Hamptons. It would be a perfect venue and I could house a dozen out-of-town guests there."
"Perfect. We can talk about decorations and food choices when we get closer to the date."
"You seem to have this all figured out," I said, walking down the hallway with her to the elevator. "The date, venue, reception. What about love?"
"What about love?" she asked, while I pushed the elevator down button. "Love will happen. It's as simple as one plus one equals two. All you have to do is meet the right woman."
"I went through all this a year ago." I shrugged. "I thought she loved me. She didn't. She loved my money and position."
"You let you heart lead the way and you'll find her, Joshua. I know." She made a sympathetic face. "I recall reading about your engagement and what happened but I thought it was mutual."
"I didn’t want to hurt her reputation."
"That was very gallant of you. Don't worry. This time, you'll be successful."
"I hope so. It was a hell I'd prefer not live through again."
The elevator arrived.
"Thanks again, Marcella. My assistant will provide you with any assistance you nee
d in this matter and regarding staffing the paper. He'll coordinate with your office on meetings and that sort of thing."
"That works for me. Thanks and good luck."
