The Matchmakers

Charlotte sat in the office she shared with Gordon. Sara was meeting her at the office so they could go to lunch. Her phone buzzed, signaling an internal call.

"Charlotte speaking." She answered.

"Madam, Miss Sara Fang is here to see you." Mark Rong told her.

"Send her in." Charlotte instructed.

A moment later Sara walked into the room. Charlotte couldn't believe the changes that had transpired in Sara's life recently. Some were superficial, like the new hairstyle and clothes Charlotte had taken her shopping for. She also wore light makeup. Others were more permanent. New found confidence. Sara was blossoming under the love and care of family and friends, something she hadn't had in awhile.

She was meeting with Charlotte to talk to her about how to do resumes and job interviews. Sara wanted a different job. She didn't want to continue waiting tables in the bar.

Charlotte grabbed her bag and headed out with Sara. They met Gordon and another gentleman in the hallway. Gordon stopped them to introduce the man with him.

"Charlotte, Sara, this is Edward Bai, and his company, the Bai Group, will be planning the launch event for the upcoming, "Love is Beautiful" jewelry collection. Edward, this is my wife, Charlotte, and my sister-in-law Sara." Gordon did the introductions.

"Ladies, it's a pleasure." Edward said.

"Likewise, sir." Said Charlotte. "Gordon, Sara and I are going to lunch now." Charlotte told her husband.

"So are we. The two of you are welcome to join us." Gordon said, reaching out to pull Charlotte close.

She smiled up at him. "That would be wonderful! Sara is that okay with you?" Charlotte asked.

"Sure. I don't mind." Sara said.

They rode together in Gordon's Aston Martin and arrived at an elegant Japanese restaurant. The men had reservations so they went straight to their private room and ordered several dishes.

"So, the two of you are sisters?" Edward asked.

"Sara was engaged to my brother before he died some years back." Gordon explained quickly.

Edward turned to Sara, "I'm sorry. I lost my wife three years ago." Edward shared.

"It's an awful feeling Ian it?" Sara asked softly.

"Mmm. I think it's worse when they're young because there are so many unfinished dreams." Edward said.

A few minutes later two waiters brought in their food.

Charlotte asked Gordon, "You wouldn't happen to know any places hiring, would you?"

"Why? Don't even think about changing jobs, Charlotte." Gordon pinned her with his gaze.

"No, it's me. Now that Bella is in preschool all day I'd like something that isn't a night job." Sara said simply.

"Do you have experience working in an office?" Edward asked Sara.

"I don't." She said with regret.

"If you are a quick learner, you'll probably catch on soon. My secretary is asking for an assistant. You come tomorrow and we'll go over the details." Edward said suddenly.

"Alright! Thank you!" Sara beamed with gratefulness and excitement.

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Later that night, Edward walked into a bar, determined to drink away the pain. Today was his late wife's birthday. She should've been thirty this year. But it wasn't to be.

He also wanted to drive away the thoughts he'd experienced earlier in the day. How could he betray Mia by feeling attraction for another woman? He hadn't meant to, but the moment he saw her he felt a bit weak kneed and couldn't stop looking at her. Wouldn't Mia be disappointed that he'd lusted after a woman on her birthday of all days?

Suddenly his attention was drawn to the commotion behind him.

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Sara hated this job, mainly because of men like her current customer: A man who wanted to buy more than drinks. But she wasn't for sale. However, he wasn't taking her hint. He kept trying to grab and grope her and she kept dodging.

When she had leaned down to set his drink on the table the older man squeezed her breast. Out of reflex, she slapped him hard. He jumped up and grabbed her arm.

"You'll pay for that!" He bellowed.

"Let me go, you pervert!" Sara shouted but his grip tightened on her.

Then she was pulled back against a wall of flesh as she watched her rescuer plow his fist into the pervert's face.

"I believe the lady said she wasn't interested." The familiar voice said. She looked up to see Edward's warm eyes on her.

"Let's get out of here." He told her quietly.

"I have to stay till three AM to finish." Sara said.

"No way. You don't need this job anyway. You're coming to work for me, remember?" He insisted.

"But—" She began.

"I forbid you to work here if you're working for me. Now let's go." His voice was hard, leaving no room for argument. She immediately dropped everything and followed him obediently.

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Edward was relieved to see her coming with him. Why? He only knew when he saw the drunk man grabbing at her chest he felt a rage and sense of protectiveness that he hadn't felt in years. Not since Mia. He groaned. Why today of all days.

He remembered Mia's voice from years ago, "You can't escape fate! Might as well accept it."

Was Mia telling him something?

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Gordon and Charlotte were wrapped in each other's arms as they talked before bed.

"I think something may be happen with Edward and Sara. He hasn't been that attentive to a woman since his wife died." Gordon said reminiscing about the day.

"They've both lost someone they loved deeply. It wouldn't hurt to encourage them to spend time together. Or...make opportunities to spend time together!" Charlotte said.

"I think you're on to something." Gordon told her.

"You invite him over for dinner to discuss the project and I'll invite her over for what she'll think is a girls' night." Charlotte said triumphantly.

"Have I told you lately how smart you are?" Gordon kissed her.

"Of course I am. I married you, didn't I?!" Charlotte said, drawing circles with her finger on his chest. A fire of desire sparked in his eyes.