The last and final step is meeting in person for an hour. This happens a couple of weeks before the event and is always in a neutral location picked by me. Awkward at first, it’s a crucial milestone on the journey with the client, making sure everyone’s still onboard with the plan.

Nicole always asks how I’m able to not become romantically involved with the men I talk to. I’ve found it’s easy to disassociate emotionally from them; they aren’t interested in love. I’m not interested in convincing them to find love.

It’s a win-win for everyone.

For six years, my business model has been fool-proof.

For six years, nothing has gone wrong.

I intend to keep it that way, even if I might agree to a multi-day event.

I read JD’s email again.

It’s funny. Kind of awkward, but also endearing. It’s clear he doesn’t ask random people for help often, and it’s… cute. In a weird I-have-no-idea-who-you-are-but-you-made-me-laugh way.

My eyes pinpoint the sentence that made my heart speed up when I read it originally.

Just name the price.

I tap my finger on my chin, pulling up the spreadsheet that outlines my debt history. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, and it became my sole focus when I turned ten years old, determined to do anything to achieve the dream.

Yeah, the debt was worth it because I adore my job, but I had over $100,000 in student loans when I graduated from my final year of law school, a staggering number that still overwhelms me anytime I think about it for too long. Looking at my data, I find that I only owe $3,800 on my loans.

$3,800, and I’ll be financially free.

I take a deep breath, knowing the man on the other side of the screen will never agree to a price that high.

Am I unethical for trying? Probably.

But it’s worth a shot.

Clicking reply, I type out a response, fingers trembling with every press of the keyboard. I didn’t detect any bad vibes from JD’s first message, so I’m going to go with my gut.

I can trust him.

To: JD7683

From: RBCompanions

Subject: Re: New Inquiry

Date: September 1

Hi, JD!

Thank you so much for your message.

I do multi-day events and the cost would be $3,800. In addition to the background check you need to submit, I would also like my private investigator to look into where we’ll be staying, who else will be there, etc. You might not be comfortable sharing this information with me directly, but I hope you understand the need to broach this situation cautiously. As a woman, I’m aware of the many risks involved with my services, especially at a private location.