Epilogue
A COOL OCTOBER BREEZE drifted through the open front door of Lunch Meetings’ newest branch, alleviating some of the heat that resulted from packing so many bodies into one place.
The large storefront windows overlooked the night skyline of downtown Oakland. A string quartet played in one corner, though the murmur and hum of conversation competed with the music. Silver candelabra glowed on tables set with creamy white linen and tall vases of scarlet roses with tiny white sprays of baby’s breath.
Waiters in white dinner jackets offered trays of hors d’oeuvres to the fifty or so clients and reporters milling about. Two cameramen circulated through the gathering, capturing the event on film, while Autumn Matthews conducted interviews for a later broadcast on her Bayside Morning Show.
Rei stood with P.J., sipping champagne and watching from across the lobby while Chris shook Eric Antoine’s hand. He turned as another man clapped him on the back and engaged him in conversation. She thought he was engrossed in what the man was saying until Chris suddenly looked right at her and smiled.
Rei grinned in response then turned to her best friend, who had gone toe to toe with her father’s cronies in order to get Chris the venture capital. “Thanks again for making this happen.”
P.J. shrugged gracefully, causing the pashmina wrap to slip off her shoulders. “All I did was authorize the money. Chris is the one who makes Lunch Meetings a success. It was a smart investment.”
“Have you gotten used to being completely in charge of Hollinger/Hansen yet?”
“No. I think I’m still a little shocked.” Unbeknownst to P.J., there had been a codicil to her father’s will stating that if she ever dismissed the Board of Directors, she was to be named CEO and Chairperson with full authority to make decisions for the company.
“I guess Kent had a lot more faith in you than you realized.” Rei smiled and touched her flute to P.J.’s in a toast. “Here’s to facing down our insecurities.”
After draining her glass and handing it to a passing waiter, P.J. moved off to mingle. “I think that hot looking guy over there might need financial planning advice.”
Rei was content to stand on the sidelines while the guests nibbled Brie and Bosc pears, chatted with the media and attempted to dance. It was difficult to hear the music, but looking at Marvin Carrington and his fiancée Tina Farrell, it was obvious they were swaying to their own tune anyway.
Suddenly Rei felt a pair of hands slide down her arms while a familiar pair of lips pressed a kiss to her temple. Chris slowly twirled her around, admiring her red satin cocktail dress and matching heels. “You look beautiful tonight, sweetheart.”
Rei gave him an exaggerated once-over, taking in the sight of him in his white linen shirt and tuxedo. “You’re looking rather spectacular yourself.”
“You both look gorgeous!” She turned around to see Autumn Matthews and her cameraman. “Can I ask you a few questions as a couple? Great! Okay, roll in three, Larry.”
Autumn quickly held up a small microphone. “So, Rei, Chris, how long have the two of you been together now?”
Chris smiled but left it to her to answer. “A little over five months.”
“And what would you say is the secret to your obvious happiness?”
Rei had been quietly promoting the dating service for a while now and so was prepared for the question. “The key is in determining the vital attributes that are important to you and then discovering compatible core traits in your partner. That’s what allows us to connect on a deeper level. That philosophy is integral to how Lunch Meetings works and we’re proof of the results.”
Autumn came back with a follow-up question. “Okay, so much for the corporate hard sell. Wouldn’t you admit that it takes more than a digital database to get two people together?”
Chris spoke up. “That’s very true, Autumn. Finding a lasting relationship is more than statistical probability and orchestrated opportunity. At some point, you have to throw logic out the window and take a leap of faith.”
Autumn positioned the mike in front of Rei. “Would you agree with that?”
Rei looked up, smiled at Chris and saw the depth of his love reflected in his light-green gaze. She knew that hadn’t always been his philosophy. Nor hers for that matter. Their being together owed as much to coincidence, fate and magic as to the Lunch Meetings computer software.
She snuggled against Chris’s side when he kissed her cheek. “Yes, absolutely. I’ve finally found the love of my life.”