Chapter One

“Come on Hattie, it’s just this once,” Tamarin pleaded. “I need the night off and you need the money. It’s perfect for both of us.”

Hattie looked at her roommate, shaking her head. “I don’t do the dates, only the bookings.” Hattie had first met Tamarin at the Agency, where they both worked. The two soon became friends and roommates. The Agency was a companionship service, where a client can book someone of their choice to accompany them events or dates, or even sometimes just to talk with them. But all the clients were aware that there was a ‘no sex’ clause, and those that made any unwanted moves on the Agency’s staff were booted off the list.

“It’s two hours with a sweet older man who just wants to talk about his wife. He’s harmless.”

“Well, you do it then,” Hattie puffed. “I’m not.”

Tamarin gave up, knowing she was pushing Hattie outside her comfort zone. “Fine. No worries. I can ask another girl. I just thought you needed the money.”

Hattie smiled as she relaxed. “Thanks Tam, but I’ll stick with the bookings for now. I’m just grateful to have this job.”

Hugging Hattie, Tamarin picked up her phone to call another girl from the Agency to see if she could take Tamarin’s client for the evening. Hattie went back into her bedroom, tears forming as she thought about how to tell Tamarin the truth. She just didn’t know how to relate to men. The two men she had dated previously she had carelessly given her heart too. And both broke it, telling her she had been boring in bed and in life. So, Hattie had made a pact with herself not to get involved in anymore relationships, paid or not.

That’s why the Agency was the perfect job for her. All she had to do was book the companions for the men that called. And over the phone Hattie could be whoever she wanted to be, whether it be tall, blonde, and willowy or petite, dark, and sultry. Though in reality she was short and slightly chubby, with nondescript brown hair and eyes, all wrapped in the homegrown, farm girl next door look.

Freckles and all, Hattie thought, wiping a tear away.

Tamarin called out goodbye to her as she left and Hattie settled in to watch another Christmas movie on her streaming service, where she knew the girl would get the happily ever after and the man would be hopelessly in love and worship her.

Why can’t life be just like that?

****

Across town, two of the Agency’s past employees, and Hattie’s dearest friends were deep in conversation about Hattie and her love life, or lack of. Katie and Grace both had found love through the Agency, and now they were determined on getting Hattie back out into the dating world.

“She just lacks confidence,” Grace said, taking a sip of her latte, unaware of the male gazes on her as she licked her full lips and tucked her auburn hair over her ear.

“I agree, but I’m not sure if she’ll agree to what we have planned,” Katie replied, her pert nose crinkling as she bit her bottom lip, concerned they might upset Hattie.

“Well, we just have to make sure it looks natural. I’m convinced Ben is a good fit for Hattie. He’s wholesome and kind and shies away from the limelight. Not to mention sexy as all get out. He and Hattie would be a great match.”

“So why is he single then?” Katie queried. “Maybe he doesn’t want a relationship?”

Grace shook her head. “No, he does. He’s just sick of going to clubs and having the girls only wanting the attention of being with him, so he just shut himself away.”

Katie ran her hand through her hair, flicking it back off her shoulders, “Maybe we could take her to one of his games? She is always going on about how much she loves baseball, but she doesn’t actually go to the games, and other than us she hasn’t really made any friends since she moved here.”

Grace nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah…you’re so right. I think I’ll try asking Ben to set us up with some premium tickets and then get him to come out for drinks after. That way he’ll meet Hattie and we can just let nature take its course.”

“Do you really think she’ll go for it?” Katie asked frowning.

“What’s the worst that could happen? We have an afternoon watching a bunch of players in their baseball uniforms and having a few drinks after. Sounds like a good day regardless.”

“Agreed. Though I don’t think we should mention the ‘checking out the team’ when we mention this to the guys.” Katie laughed said as they made plans for the following weekend and Grace messaged Ben to arrange the tickets.

“Will you tell Ben about the set up?”

“No way.” Grace laughed as they stood up to leave, stretching her lean body. She enjoyed the admiring glances she was attracting. “But if we give them a gentle nudge towards each other, hopefully they will get the message.”

“Gentle?” Katie scoffed as they walked towards the door.

****

Hattie was so excited when Grace told her over coffee the next day. She’d felt so lonely since moving to the city and she finally felt like she was making some real friends.

“We’ll pick you up next Saturday at two in the afternoon.” Grace said.

“No, please, I don’t want to be a bother. I can easily just catch the train there,” Hattie said.

“My mother would have a fit if I allowed you on the train by yourself Hattie. No. We’ll come and get you. Besides, Katie and Lee are meeting us there anyway so it’s hardly out of our way.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Hattie hesitated. “And Grace, thank you. I really needed this.”

“Anytime,” Grace said as she walked out the door, hoping Hattie would still feel the same way after she realized what they were planning.