Looking for Love, Page 2

  Chapter One

  “I can’t believe we’re all here!”

  Ella Haviland sucked in a breath and took in the vision of her three mates chilling in her sitting room, chatting together and enjoying a Friday night of no responsibilities. How different they all were but they’d remained bonded by years of friendship—relationships that had passed through the fires of neglect, jealousy, cattiness and plain old selfishness. Still, they remained rock solid. Chicky mates. Girly friends.

  “It feels like old times,” Pauline said. Her strawberry blonde hair, set in a whimsical, curly style, brought out her soft, dreamy features that matched the gentle, creative woman who worked in a craft shop by day and ran a food blog by night.

  “Remember all those nights playing Uno and Jenga, watching videos and pigging out on too much popcorn?” Carol picked up her wine glass and took a big gulp. Her freckly nose crinkled in distaste. “The very reason I nearly failed matric.”

  Ella rolled her eyes. Carol had always been the serious, uptight one, especially since matric. Ella could tell her to chill again or not live with regrets, but it never worked.

  No. Tonight should be fun. No bickering. Or living in the past.

  She pressed her lips firmly shut to stop from offering a wise-crack response. She’d set out gallons of rosé wine, packets of bacon kips, dark and white chocolate—no ways would milk chocolate be allowed—and there wasn’t a single man to mess up their fun.

  Plus they were about to have a mystery box reveal. She couldn’t help grinning at the thought and glanced down at the parcel by her feet.

  “So, what’s in the box?” Andrea asked, dipping a corn chip into a cream cheese dip and slotting it into her mouth painted with perfectly blended lipstick, her professionally manicured finger nails accentuating her elegant fingers.

  Ella tried to mimic the actions of Andrea’s pouty lips and elegant hands when she took a handful of chips but her instinctive response was to stuff them down in one go. She’d never be as poised as Andrea, had always been the tomboy growing up. Only lately had she enjoyed dressing up, but in the end, comfort came before elegance.

  Her friends’ gazes fixed on her as if they waited expectantly.

  Ella grinned. “It’s a surprise. After supper’s arrived, we’ll open it together.”

  As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

  “Pizza delivery!” Andrea screamed as she ran to the door, her sleek, brown hair bouncing against her back like in a shampoo commercial. Ella fiddled with her wayward curls with a sigh. No comparison.

  “Are you paying?” Ella laughed as she joined her over-eager friend.

  “Nah, I’m checking out who they sent this time. Last weekend, the cutest guy came…”

  Ella grimaced. “You really shouldn’t be so desperate with a bod like yours. You’re gorgeous.”

  She perused her friend’s perfect figure with curves in just the right proportions, took in her ivory skin without any blemishes, and her elegant tailored pants and figure-hugging blouse complemented with a large, silver rose pendant.

  “I’m not desperate at all. I’m just looking. Curious. Research on delivery companies.”

  Could be for her work as human resources manager, but Ella seriously doubted it. Andrea had been single for over six months now. She didn’t do well as a single, but Ella had the sneaky suspicion she was in no rush to change that status. Andrea liked to window shop, not buy. Or so her actions of the past few months had implied. Maybe things had changed.

  “And looking is free.” Aah, she does prefer window shopping still.

  Yip, looking sure is free.

  The pizza delivery guy made up for the whole Q&A thing on the way to the door. Cute as a button. Giving them both a dimpled and roughened grin, he parted with a huge tip after handing over their treasure. The door closed, and Andrea and Pauline let out a high-pitched teenage scream.

  “Hey, you’ll wake up the neighbour’s dog and then we won’t have silence for the mystery box reveal.” Ella took the pizza boxes to the mini bar set up against her living room wall and broke the pieces and stringy cheese apart. Soon, she had several triangles arraying four plates.

  Her friends all tucked in, partaking in nourishment and great conversation at the same time. Ten years after high school, the Famous Four, as they called themselves, still did almost everything together. In the modern global village that had morphed from a segregated world, amazingly, they all still lived in the same place—Richards Bay, of all places—a coastal industrial town along the east coast of South Africa, with very little to offer except for blistering heat, mosquitoes, and an uninteresting beach.

  Definitely no talent as far as men went; maybe the very reason they stuck together through it all. And they’d been through enough already during the last ten years out of school. Plus she had to admit, two of them had scooted off to UK and Canada for work stints there which had proved more like ‘dip a toe in and run away’ rather than permanent moves.

  Casual conversation took over guzzling of copious amounts of cheese followed by gorging of ice-cream with choc-mint sauce dredged on top.

  “I really should cut out processed food,” Ella muttered more to herself than anyone else as she sat back, her bare foot on the box. She could lose a couple of kilos in order to look like Andrea, her ideal standard to measure up to. Maybe then, she’d find this elusive ‘dream man’ she’d conjured up in her head the last decade. He never seemed to materialize. Mind you, Andrea hadn’t found her one yet, either. So, perfection didn’t necessarily equate to love.

  Everyone looked at her feet.

  “Hey, stop watching my toes. I haven’t had a pedi in weeks.”

  “Me neither.” Pauline pulled a face. “It’s been a rough month.”

  Ella eyed her friend. What was up with her? She was the only ‘non-single’ if you could call her that as she hadn’t really started to officially date the guy yet. Just hung around his place all the time. But at least, she had someone. “What’s up?”

  She blew a curl away from her forehead. “He’s asked to see other people.”

  “But you’re not dating?” Carol asked as she rested her blonde head against the couch and closed her heavily-painted eyes. She remained dolled up from work and hadn’t bothered to change.

  Ella admired her neat suit and short skirt showing off her ample curves. She sure had attractive friends.

  “Well, we are, actually. It’s official from a month ago. From when I moved in.”

  Silence. Deathly, heart-rending silence that echoed Ella’s stunned mindset. He wanted to see other people a month after his latest girlfriend moved in?

  Andrea shook her head. “Ouch.”

  The word came out as a whisper, but it spoke volumes.

  “Don’t get him wrong. It was my idea to move in. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other.”

  Pauline had always been the quiet, studious type, slow in going out with guys. This dude must be super sexy. Only Carol had met him so far. Ella looked at Carol to gauge her response but she kept her eyes shut and breathed in slowly. Maybe she knew more about him—whether he was worth Pauline’s heart being strung on a line, but Ella dare not ask in front of the woman.

  “I’d put my foot down,” Andrea said. She had neither a booming nor a harsh voice, but something about her tone always commanded attention.

  Pauline merely stared at her with her baby-blue eyes emanating her soft innocence.

  Andrea sat up straight. “Look, I know I’ve broken up with every guy I’ve gone out with, so you may not take me seriously, but really, are you sure you want to stay with someone like that? Give him some space, play hard to get or something. How long have you known him?”

  “A year.”

  “Oh.”

  Pauline laughed. “Hey, I’m not in love or anything. It was purely a sexual thing—an adventure. Something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage to try. I don’t regret it one bit. I’ll talk to him later and see what I can arra
nge.”

  She spoke with certainty, but Ella could see the hurt in her eyes.

  She hated it when people ended up with loser lovers. She’d had her fair share and so had her friends. If only there could be a perfect world where people knew who to choose and didn’t have to go through the pain of break-ups and incompatibilities.

  But perfect worlds didn’t exist, and it certainly wasn’t in her power to change anything. She’d tried with her matchmaking stints years ago—had always dreamed of saving people the heartache of unsuited loves, but that had fallen flat. And deep inside, she knew ‘that’ man for her lived somewhere in the world.

  Pauline leaned forward, a smile plastered on her face. “Oh, come on, El. We’re so curious. What’s in the box?”

  Her red-haired friend obviously wished to change the subject. Ella glanced at the parcel and her heart hammered with a strange excitement. “I’m not sure what’s inside. That’s why I called you over. A courier dropped it off yesterday—it’s from my late great-uncle who died a month ago. I inherited it.”

  Their eyes went large.

  “Ooh, that sounds so promising,” Carol quipped. “Your big ticket out of here.”

  Ella shrugged. “I doubt it.”

  She’d never been close to her great-uncle and he hadn’t been particularly rich. The box wouldn’t contain jewels.

  “At least out of your job.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with my job except the pay.” She narrowed her eyes at her friends to remind them she’d had enough of them always trying to find her another career. The optometrist receptionist’s job was comfortable and she knew what she was doing there. Why change? She’d get her yearly increase which would cover living expense rises. At least she had the security of knowing she’d built up a relationship with her boss over the years and they had a rapport. She wasn’t about to be retrenched at a time like this when many people didn’t have jobs.

  “Heavens, will you end the suspense?” Andrea said. “I’m about to jump up and tear it open myself.” Her long fringe flopped over her forehead, hiding her strong brown eyes.

  Ella ground her foot into the cardboard box peppered with addresses and scratched-out postal stamps and stickers. It had done the rounds. Probably been to every relative and ended up with unsuspecting Ella who would lap up any opportunity to enter fortune. She had to admit, she hadn’t turned out the most driven of her cousins. Her friends had a point that she settled for comfortable and probably dead end. Maybe, just maybe, the contents would give her the courage to…

  “Okay.” She made a flourish with her hands as she took her foot off the box. “Here goes nothing.”

  Grabbing a key, she then sliced the packaging tape apart so the flaps opened. Everyone came closer and peered into the box.

  Books.

  That’s all?

  She’d secretly hoped… Maybe she did want out. If she had enough, escaping out of her mundane would be heavenly. Imagine doing something totally different—having her own therapy practice or something similar. But she’d need millions to get a qualification and start up a business… Stop getting distracted, Ella.

  The box boasted old, dusty, second-hand books from a geriatric who probably read Moby Dick and The Grapes of Wrath over and over again.

  “Maybe there’s some money in them,” Carol said with her husky voice, her eyes alight.

  “Yeah, right. I don’t see any value in old books. Last month, I tried to sell—”

  “Just open the books, for goodness’ sake, will you?” Andrea tapped her heels like tap shoes on the tiles, showing her impatience.

  They must be seriously starved for entertainment.

  So was she, actually.

  She took out the first book and held it up for display. “It’s quite beautiful in its ancientness. It has a key.”

  Holding up the rusty, curvy, metal thing, she unlocked the little padlock on the side of the embossed, blotchy leather cover and opened it. Empty pages greeted her—almost like a scrap book. The front cover carried the indentation of a very simple yet ancient writing saying The Album, flourished with a paisley-type pattern around it.

  “The Album,” Andrea said with an echoey voice. “Sounds mysterious and magical.”

  Ella paged through and frowned. “It’s only got an empty frame on the first two pages, probably to stick a photo on, with an empty line at the bottom to write a caption. They haven’t even bothered to fill up the rest of the pages. Almost like an ancient scrapbook with yellowed, thick pages and covered in dust.”

  “Well, what are the other books?” Carol asked, her voice soft with awe.

  Ella took out several old books with plain bottle-green, leather covers and more yellowed pages. She gave her friends each one to leaf through.

  “Looks like short romance stories from centuries ago,” Pauline said. “I’d kind of like to read one just to see how people thought in those days.”

  “Be my guest. What am I going to do with them?” Ella’s flustered tone revealed her disappointment.

  “Give me the album, sweetie.” Carol stretched out her manicured fingers, concern in her gaze.

  She handed her the antique book.

  “Wonder how old it is. Maybe you could sell it and make something. Possibly you could sell all the books at a handsome price.”

  Ella stared at her friends. She’d never known her great-uncle—maybe met him once at a funeral when she was about ten. All she remembered was that he sported an untamed beard of mottled colours. Now, his sister was a different story—she’d corresponded with her gran quite often during the last few years. Despite hardly knowing him, she couldn’t just sell her inheritance. “No, it’s not right.”

  “Are you crazy?” Andrea peered over Carol’s shoulder at the album. “Give here.” She tried to snatch the book. Typical impatient Andrea.

  “Hey, look after it. It’s my only memory of my great-uncle.”

  They all stared at her.

  “Okay, I didn’t really know him, but I know his sister. Anyway, so what? It’s the first time I’ve ever inherited anything from anyone.”

  Andrea tugged on the album and nearly dropped it. A white envelope fluttered to the ground. Like a rugby team tackling the ball, the girls dived after it, but Ella scored first.

  “Hands off. This…here…it’s mine!” She pressed it into her chest. “I get to read it first. Sit down now.” She tried to sound gruff.

  Groaning and whining, they sat down eventually but craned their necks toward the envelope.

  “Read it aloud,” Pauline begged while she leaned forward in her seat, her embroidered blouse further highlighting her bohemian style.

  “Okay, okay, if you insist.”

  Her fingers trembled as she tried to open the envelope. It wasn’t sealed, the flap merely tucked into the folds. She pulled out a yellowed letter several pages long.

  “Whoa! Your relative had a lot to say.”

  Even Carol had dropped the too-mature expression she’d developed over the last few years from a broken heart battered by insensitive men. The same old story they’d all experienced.

  “Well, what does it say?” Pauline asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

  Ella cleared her throat and read.

  To The Next Owner of The Album,

  “Sounds ominous.” Carol sat on the edge of her seat.

  Ella’s heart rate accelerated. For some reason, it felt like the next few words would change her life forever. Goose bumps ran up her arms. Maybe now, she’d get out of the doldrums and find something to wake up for every morning.

  If you have signed to take over ownership of The Album, your life will never be the same again.

  “Signed? You didn’t sign anything. Where are you supposed to sign?” Andrea asked.

  “Just wait.” Ella held up her hand. “Let me read on. Then we’ll find out.”

  You may never use The Album for your own purposes. It is strictly for an unselfish service to your community and the world.
Now that you are the proud owner of this magical book, you will possess powers undiscovered by the people around you.

  Now all this sounded quite mysterious and mystical indeed. She glanced up and smiled at the gaping mouths of her friends. Things were picking up fast. Excitement, new and thrilling, sent its tendrils through her being. Blood pumped in her ears, and her fingers and toes wriggled.

  You may only divest of these powers when you sign off ownership of The Album to someone else. Please pay careful attention to whom you sign off ownership. They must be a trusted person whom you know very well. The very reason why you have been chosen…

  “Huh?” Ella giggled. “Did Uncle Stan know me well?”

  “Maybe he didn’t know of any other relative he could trust,” Pauline said.

  Ella’s head spun. She could think of many cousins more talented and responsible than she. Successful, accomplished. With a life.

  “Go on, will you?” Andrea stood up and knelt at her feet, her nose pressed in the air like an eager child. Once again, she acted very different around the girly group—not the usually poised, controlled career woman others knew her to be. “Really, you get distracted way too easily.”

  “Okay, okay.”

  The Album enables you to help people from all walks of life. It opens the door for you to see what suitable mate they should choose for the rest of their existence upon the earth.

  Carol and Pauline gasped.

  Surely not! I must be dreaming—projecting my inner desires into some fantasy. Ella’s breathing increased, her palms becoming sweaty.

  “Go on.” Andrea groaned.

  All you need is a photo of the couple and to place each photo in the frames in the first two pages of The Album. The other pages will come to life with their story. You can then read their story in images and work out for yourself if they make a happy ending.

  Wait, what? For real?

  The pregnant silence echoed the hundreds of questions streaming through her mind.

  You can now predict whether they have a good future with one another. You can warn people of poisonous relationships.

  Ella tried her best not to look at Pauline and had a feeling the others were doing the same. Who was she to judge? She’d stuck by difficult men for many stupid reasons. The only man who’d ever treated her like a true friend was Ross, but he was more like a brother to her. She’d never desecrate what they had by… She’d gone through that in her mind so many times. Yeah, she didn’t find him repulsive physically, but neither did they share that spark—the intense need to touch and kiss she’d had with her other relationships.

  “Earth to Ella,” Andrea said.

  She focused on the swirly script, her eyes sharpening.

  You can encourage others to choose the partners who will provide them with years of joy and happiness. It is purely your choice. That is the power of this book in your hands. You will possess a supernatural ability to look upon the images of their future life without being biased by what you see before you in the natural world. Outside stimuli and advice that contradicts what you see will no longer sway you. Not to say that the album will hypnotize you. No, it only shows truth. Instead, life hypnotizes and deceives you. How often have you fallen for someone who has only caused you pain?

  A collective groan simmered through the room before the girls burst out laughing.

  “That’s brilliant,” Andrea shouted. “We have the perfect tool.”

  “We?” Ella smiled. We. She liked that. “Can we all assume ownership together? Wouldn’t that be cool?”

  “It’s the best thing I’ve ever laid eyes upon.” Carol’s tired face transformed with childlike excitement. “You are the luckiest girl in the whole world, honey.”

  Ella continued reading silently. “Whoa. Don’t speak ahead of yourselves. I can’t use it for myself. If I assume ownership.”

  “What?” Pauline walked toward her. “Why not?”

  If you assume ownership, you cannot use The Album as your own seer. As soon as you put a photo of yourself in the book, the powers will cease for you forever. If you wish to transfer ownership, you may do so, but once you have transferred ownership, you may never take it up again, ever, in your lifetime. This is to ensure that the book is not abused, stolen, or used for evil purposes. It is purely an altruistic book.

  “There’s nothing stopping you from using it on your friends,” Andrea said.

  Ella frowned at her.

  “I’m serious. Pauline, do you have a photo of Roan here?”

  Pauline glanced at everyone, hope and a bit of moisture in her eyes. “I have one on my phone. But…I don’t know if I’d like to see…I wasn’t planning on marrying him or anything.”

  “Aren’t you curious?” Andrea asked. “I mean, the chemistry’s there.”

  Ella squirmed. Andrea probably wanted to prove to Pauline how badly she barrelled down the wrong pathway. Not really the right way to do it.

  “I don’t know. I mean, I haven’t even decided to take ownership. It’s a big respons—“

  “I’ll take ownership!” Carol raised her hand like an eager kid in class. “If you don’t want to.”

  Ella bit her lip. “I didn’t say I don’t want to. I just need to read more—see everything it entails. It means I can never use it for myself. Quite a choice to make—to never make use of its powers.”

  “Not never.” Pauline smiled. “You could pass it on to one of us.”

  “Read on.” Andrea sat up straight. All the snacks and drinks were forgotten. Every gaze fixed on her.

  “We don’t even know if this is some practical joke. I mean, what proof do we have that it works?” Ella said.

  Carol held up one of the green books. “These are proof. Each of these stories has a date. They’re not fiction—they’re real-life romances.”

  She snatched the book from Carol and paged through it, then gasped. It couldn’t be! Hands trembling, she scanned through more stories while her friends leafed through the books on their laps. Ella could swear she soared up into the air in a hot air balloon, floating on clouds. She entered into another plane, taking the winds and currents of change, of excitement, and of new opportunity. This inheritance felt to her much more valuable than any amount of money. Now, she had a purpose in her life—she could change other people’s lives for good. She could heal broken hearts.

  You may use The Album to make money. Although this is not recommended, in some ways, it draws people and makes your service more legitimate. For that reason, you may use it to provide income. Your motive should not be to become wealthy, but the magic has no wish to stifle you and leave you destitute. The magic shows its gratefulness by prospering you. The Album also knows which persons can be trusted to administer its magic soundly. That is why it has been sent to you. Do not take your privilege lightly!

  If you choose not to assume ownership, you will in no way be harmed or discredited for your decision for it is a choice which cannot be entered into lightly. It may change your life forever.

  “How?” Ella pressed the letter against her chest. “In a good way or a bad way?”

  “It must be a good way.” Carol stood up, her eyes bright. “It has to be.”

  Ella laughed. “You just want me to assume ownership so you can make use of the powers.”

  “Well, we have to test it,” Andrea said, all seriousness and determination.

  “I haven’t finished reading.”

  “Do you always read the manual after you buy an appliance?” Andrea asked.

  “No, but this is different. When magic comes into play, you have to be careful.”

  “How would you know?” Andrea didn’t give up.

  “I—”

  Pauline stood up and created a barrier between Andrea and Ella. “I think that’s the very reason why Ella has been entrusted with The Album. The magic knows she’s a careful person.”

  “Whew, is she a careful person.” Andrea rolled her eyes. “Too careful.”

  Ella held up h
er hand in defence.

  “Is this about my job again?” She groaned. “Okay, I’ll make a deal with you. If I use The Album, will you promise to never bug me about my job ever again? I like my job, and although I’ve been in a junior position for years, quite frankly, I don’t want to move up any rungs of the ladder. I’m quite content to do this the rest of my life if I need to.”

  Not really, but it will shut them up.

  “Because it’s safe,” Carol said with more patience than Andrea.

  “Yeah, it’s safe. Is there anything wrong with safe?”

  “Well, that’s not safe?” Andrea said, pointing at The Album.

  Ella looked down at the letter in her hand. She continued to read.

  The Album will make your life richer and better than you ever imagined. But you cannot be afraid to use its powers. If you hold back, the world will miss out and many lives won’t be touched.

  “Sounds pretty safe to me.”

  Carol laughed. “Don’t you see it, ladies? This is Ella’s destiny. This album is the job she’s been called to. The receptionist job has just been a holding tank, a waiting period for her to receive the book in her hands. Don’t fight her, Andrea.”

  “I wasn’t fighting her. I just didn’t expect her to even try—”

  Ella puffed out her chest and placed the letter down. A sudden need to prove her friend wrong rose up within her. “I believe I have all the courage that’s needed to use this thing for its true purpose. I shall assume ownership right away.”

  “Wait.” Pauline shuddered. “What if you want to make use of its powers? You can never do so.”

  “I can. I’ll just have to hand it on to someone else.”

  “But what if you want both? What if you want answers for your future and also The Album’s powers?”

  “I’ll manage. I’m sure I won’t reach the point where I can’t decide between the two. I mean, I’ve managed all this time without love in my life.” Her body froze for a moment as she realised what she had to give up to use The Album. Her own need for love versus her need for something worthwhile to do every day. The opportunity presented to her may never come again. Love could wait.

  “But you’ve never found anyone, have you?” Carol asked, a soft question in her sea-green eyes.

  “Nope, I haven’t. I’m not even looking anymore. I’ve always hated seeing you guys…” Tears flooded her eyes. “I hate seeing you getting hurt. I despise those jerks who have broken your hearts and made you cautious and cynical and single. I want to see you find the right partners, settle down, and be happy.” She took Pauline’s and Andrea’s hands. “I love you so much. I can’t believe I’m privileged enough to be entrusted with a tool to help you. And to help the world. I can’t back down on this opportunity. The dreams I’ve had for years to read men, to be able to find the right ones for my friends, well, now they can come to fruition. I’m not going to pass this by. Even if it’s a hoax, I have to at least try.”

  They all looked at her, their eyes holding love and gratefulness and their mouths rendered speechless.

  “Pauline, email me a pic of Roan. I’ll print it out. I have a photo of you somewhere. Are you ready?” Ella caressed the top of her hand to calm her. “You want to know, don’t you?”

  Pauline nodded, her eyes wide and moist, her face pale.

  Carol hugged her and then Andrea. Pauline sat with her phone while the others chatted wildly and paged through the romance story books. Making use of their distraction, Ella signed the back of The Album according to the last few instructions in the letter. She studied the five other signatures, wondering who they’d been—the people who’d assumed ownership before her. Her great-uncle hadn’t been one of them, as far as she could tell.

  “There, I’ve done it,” she said and sat down at the computer to print out the photo of Roan.

  “We’ve decided something.” Andrea touched Ella’s shoulder. “All three of us.”

  “What?” She must have missed their discussion while signing The Album.

  “We’re all going to assume ownership.”

  “Huh? You can’t do that.”

  “Well, sweetie, we’re going to join you in your quest.” Carol’s eyes still remained surprisingly optimistic. “This is going to go viral, we know it. You’ll become popular overnight. You’ll need our help.”

  What had happened to her friend? Could it be the magic?

  “But…no…I really wanted to find the right men for you.”

  “Don’t you see?” Pauline said. “If we make use of the powers, we can never take over ownership of The Album should you ever wish to pass it on.”

  “Why not? It didn’t say that, did it?”

  “It’s just about implied. Anyway, we don’t want to use it. We want to help it be used by you to reach the world.”

  Ella shook her head. “I’ve just assumed ownership so I can help you guys find the right men and now you’re backing out. Are you being chicken? You don’t trust it?”

  Andrea turned the swivel chair so Ella faced her three friends head-on. “That’s not it. We want to give of ourselves for you. You’re our friend. We love you and we care for you. We know this is bigger than you alone. That’s why we were meant to be here tonight when you opened the box. The Album wants us all to run your business.”

  Business. Did she say a business?

  “We thought I’d do the accounts,” Carol spoke firmly. “My bookkeeping knowledge will come in handy.”

  “And I’ll do the marketing,” Andrea said.

  Ella gave a shaky smile. That sure would suit her bold and persistent friend.

  “And I can do the admin,” Pauline added. “You know, design a logo for you, set up appointments, maintain a website. I mean, you’re not resigning your job, are you?”

  “What? Not based on some supposed magic. But if we don’t test it on Pauline now, how will we know if it actually works? Pauline, what about Roan?”

  Pauline’s lips quivered and she blinked furiously, obviously to hold back the tears. “I know the answer, El. I don’t even need The Album. Our relationship was doomed from the start. I’m going to break it off when I get home tonight.”

  Carol and Andrea cheered and high-fived her. “Way to go, Girl.”

  Ella hugged her friend. “I’m sorry, Paulie. I know you cared for him.”

  “Too much,” Pauline whispered into her ear. “I loved him. Still do. But it’s over.”

  Ella squeezed her hand, wishing she’d never been through the heartache Roan had caused.

  “We’ll chat soon.” She winked at her friend to indicate a private time together. Then she turned to face her mates. “Are you sure, girls?”

  “Yes,” they said in unison.

  “Never been so sure about anything in our lives before,” Andrea said, raising her eyebrows and gazing at her friends for agreement. They nodded emphatically.

  “Well, I’m so touched.” Ella stood up. “I can’t believe you’d give up an opportunity to find the love of your lives for me. And running a business… Well, it’s a good idea to get things rolling.”

  “We’re the Famous Four,” Carol said. “We’ve stuck with one another through some of the most difficult years of our lives. No man has ever done that. Except for our dads, maybe. And Ross for Ella.”

  “Girl power,” Pauline said.

  “Girl power.” They jumped up and slammed their hands together above their heads like they used to as teenagers. Their signature gesture.

  “Well, then, what photos should we use to test it?” Ella sat back down on the computer. “Shall I just take some random pics off the Internet?”

  “You could do. Maybe some celebrities. Check out if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie will always be the model couple.” Andrea laughed.

  “Or what about George Clooney and his new wife? How long will they last?” Pauline stood next to Ella.

  “No, I don’t want to know the outcome of those. I like the suspense of not knowing. What are tabloids f
or, anyway?” Ella sat with her hands poised over the keyboard. This felt wrong, playing with the magic.

  “You’ll just have to place an ad in the paper and start your business in faith that the magic works. Let’s not play around with random couples. Probably doesn’t want us to,” Carol stated.

  “That’s what I felt,” Ella said. “I just know we can’t make a game of this. We have to take it seriously.”

  “But you can’t open a business on ‘I hope so.’” Andrea propped her hands on her hips.

  “Gut feel. It’s pretty strong.” Ella shrugged.

  “Well, it must be.” Her persistent friend backed down. “I can see the fire and certainty in your eyes—something I’ve never seen before.”

  “Hey, let’s try it,” Pauline said. “Put my and Roan’s picture in The Album so we can see. I plan to break up with him, but seeing as I’m the only non-single in the room, I’m willing to be the first guinea pig.”

  “You’re sure?” Carol squeezed her elbow. “If it shows your relationship is successful, then will you still carry on? I mean, how do we know for sure this album tells the truth? Besides the romance novels.”

  “I want to watch the magic. I mean, Ella, don’t you want something to base your new business on besides your matchmaking skills?”

  Ella laughed. “Those alone would be disastrous. But yes, I do think it’s wise to make sure it works first before we take a plunge and start advertising. Imagine what Ross would think if I did this on a hunch.”

  Andrea picked up The Album. “I can think of a couple of guys I’d like to try with. But what about our agreement to remain detached as business partners?”

  “Look, I don’t feel ready for a full-on business yet. Maybe we can set up the structure in case things take off.” Ella sighed. “Pauline’s right. We need to be careful. This could cause problems if we play with people’s lives.”

  “Well, we’re here for you if things do start to happen, but I do think we should set up anyway,” Carol said.

  “Hey.” Pauline held up her hand. “My whole reason for being guinea pig was to eliminate this arguing back and forth. Whether The Album thinks Roan and I are suited, I’m going to break it up tonight.”

  “You sure?” Ella didn’t think Pauline’s heart should be strung up by false hope any longer.

  “Absolutely.” She winked. “Besides, I want to be the first to see the magic.”

  “We’ll all see it,” Andrea said.