“We’re in the process of launching our new product,” I say. “Which at the moment we are calling ImperfectMatch, since both parties are imperfect, as all humans are, but also implies that when they fit together, they can become something greater than they are alone. We’ve found that the biggest problem with most dating apps is judgment based on superficiality. The dating profile does not accurately reflect how humans connect in the world. Most people wouldn’t meet someone in person and ask them to list a personal résumé for evaluation. Instead, you spend time with someone and see how they treat people, what their sense of humor is like and what their interests are. These things are more important to building a deep connection,” I say.

“So the app works like this—when you set up your account, you’re given fifty questions psychologists have found to be predictors of compatibility. You then answer questions about what you like to do in your spare time. When a potential match is found for you in the system, you’ll get an alert asking you when in the next week you are free to do a certain activity, whether that’s going for a hike, visiting an art museum, attending a talk at a nearby university, or trying a new tapas place. Once both parties have compared availability, you’ll be told a time and place to meet. But you won’t know who you’re meeting, or see a picture of them, so you can’t internet stalk and prejudge each other. When you arrive at the location, you’ll be instructed to meet at a certain point, and when both parties’ GPS indicates they’re in the same place, you’ll be informed who you are meeting, and that you are a match. After that, the relationship is in the hands of the people who have met. Maybe you just spend an afternoon doing something you enjoy with someone you have some values in common with and then part ways, or maybe you hit it off, and something really special begins.”

Nancy asks a few questions about the new app, when are we launching again, how much do we expect to grow, how does it feel to have the support of Professor Thomas. And then she gets this glimmer in her eye and says, “Now I have to ask the question that I know viewers will be wondering, given the tech blog rumor mill, and that is about you and Sara.” She looks at me. “You are rapidly becoming the young power couple of the tech world, and you’re designing an app for dating. I think what everyone wants to know is, how did you two get together?”

Sara and I look at each other. Warmth spreads through my chest. Her cheeks turn rosy.

“I’m not sure we have time for that,” Yaz says with a smile. “It’s a very long story.”