But even more so, what if they really could find me the perfect husband? Someone who would love me and care about me, and let me love and care about them. Someone to grow old with. Is it possible, with the help of some kind of love coach, that I could meet—and actually marry—a guy who's perfect for me?
And, hopefully, who I'm perfect for?
Is that even possible?
Kat stands there with a smile as I mull this all around in my head. "I see you thinking about it, Asia. And yeah, it’s a pretty wild idea, huh?"
"Okay, a little…but scary too. Marrying a stranger? Do you have any idea how awkward that would be?"
She grabs on to my arm excitedly. "But what if it's like this amazing love-at-first-sight moment? What could possibly be cooler?"
Shaking my head wildly, I fold up the dress so I can get back to it later when she's gone. "No. It's unnatural and dangerous."
"Arranged marriages used to be very popular."
"Used to be being the important part of that sentence."
Crossing her arms, she taps her foot against my chipped tile floor. "Asia, I want you to think about this. I talked to Dr. Hollister about you and she thinks you would be perfect, but she would love to meet you for a preliminary interview. She said you're the exact kind of woman she wanted for this."
Geez. What the heck does that mean? "Um? What kind of woman am I?"
"One who is supersweet, intelligent, pretty, normal, but just cannot meet the right guy. The only issue is your financial status. They need to be sure the applicants aren't in it just for the money."
I glare at her, annoyed with her incessant digs at my unfortunate lifestyle. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born into a great family that doesn't abandon you at seventeen with no money or place to live. The fact that I'm not dead, working a pole, or turning tricks is something I'm actually proud of.
"Well, I apologize for having to live on ramen noodles, Kat, but it is what it is. I can't hide it. And if they are so worried about people getting involved in the experiment just for the fifty G's, why are they even offering it?
She shrugs and lays the piece of paper with her notes on my wobbly kitchen table. "Compensation, I guess."
"Marrying a great person should be compensation enough."
"Well, there ya go. You're perfect for this, just as I knew you would be."
I throw an infinity scarf at her that I made from the fabric she was just saying she loved. "I made this for you earlier. Please don't make me choke you with it," I tease.
She squeals over it and hugs me. "You're the bestest friend ever! I love you!"
* * *