Lunar Love (32)

There’s a glimmer of amusement in Bennett’s eyes as he places the candy into the palm of my hand. “Being here with you is all I need.”





Chapter 9





There’s been a slight change of plans. No big deal. Apparently one of the panelists dropped out, and she’s being replaced. I know you did your research on everyone to ask them specific questions, but you may need to improvise a little,” Alisha says reassuringly. We stand together backstage at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, waiting for the live podcast to start.

“Do you know who it is?” I ask suspiciously. Please don’t let it be Bennett.

“They didn’t say. It’s supposed to be an all-women panel, though,” she says, as though reading my mind. “There will be four of you up there.”

I push down the growing stress about my article that was sent out yesterday. Since it went live, it’s been shared around on social media…a lot. The only reason I know is because Lunar Love has never been tagged so many times before. Good for Lunar Love. Bad for Bennett.

Still dialed in to the same wavelength, Alisha adds, “It’s a good thing you made that article anonymous with CakeGirl. I thought it read a little harsh, but it’s not like ZodiaCupid is playing fair. When I searched through the folders, that’s the only one I found. I should’ve checked with you before I sent it out. I’m so sorry.”

I wince. “You have nothing to be sorry about. It was completely my fault. I should never have put my emotions on paper like that. It was…awful.”

“Hopefully it’ll just disappear in a few days,” Alisha says. “Maybe Bennett won’t even see it. He’s busy, right?”

Not quite. I know he’s already seen it. I had to watch it live in real time as he took in the words. Words that I wrote. Even if they weren’t meant to be put out into the universe, they were. And that’s on me.

I acknowledge her optimism and attempt to refocus on being excited for the afternoon. Today, I get to focus on promoting Lunar Love and all the work we’re doing to help people find love.

“I need to compartmentalize. Right now, all I care about are my talking points.” I sneak a look out into the gilded theater and gawk at its carved columns and intricate plasterwork. Excitement slowly overtakes my anxiety. “I can’t believe we’re here, in this venue. I feel like a rockstar. How did this event attract so many people?”

“It’s about love and dating in Los Angeles,” Alisha says, “and people need guidance.”

“True. How’s my hair?” I ask, running my hand through the strands to fluff my loose waves.

“Waves still intact,” Alisha says. “Close your eyes. Okay, all set, no eyeliner or mascara smudges. I have blotting paper in my purse if you need any.”

I peek out from behind the curtain at the growing crowd.

“I keep getting bombarded with ZodiaCupid sponsored ads,” Alisha says with a sigh directed toward her phone. “That’s what you get for looking at something once. How do I report them?”

“Your expertise is going to be useful when Lunar Love finally goes social,” I say. “Social media is the biggest, most immediate move we can make right now. I’m glad I secured the social media handles for Lunar Love months ago.” Without Auntie knowing, of course, since she dismissed the idea of social media as vain and self-serving.

While I share Pó Po’s and Auntie’s sentiments about online dating, I am pro–social media. Lunar Love may have thrived on word of mouth in Auntie and Pó Po’s time, but now people are moving online. No. They’ve been online. And we need to meet them where they are. I want to lean into the traditional elements of our business, but it’s time people know we exist. We can use digital marketing to bring people back to in-person connections. That’s the goal anyway.

“For sure! It looks like ZodiaCupid is really playing up the animal angle and providing trait fun facts,” Alisha analyzes.

“We need to be different.”

“We can share our favorite quotes about love!” Alisha says.

“And the moon! I can share songs and lyrics from my moon playlist,” I offer.

Alisha side-eyes me. “Wait, do you really have a moon-themed playlist?”

“Of course! Lots of Billie Holiday, Stevie Nicks, and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s the soundtrack to my matchmaking. It also doubles as the perfect background music for baking,” I explain. “What do you think about pushing the hashtag #LoveInTheMoonlight? Our clients can tag us on dates they go on, and we can respond with a first-date moon-themed song or something. I haven’t worked out the exact details.”

“Ooh, love that. Interactive. Doing a hashtag campaign can be a great way for people to learn about us and build community,” she confirms. “Look at us being more modern.” We snicker to each other.

A producer calls out something, and Alisha squeals. “I’ll leave you be. Enjoy the view from the stage. Good luck!” she says.

“Thanks! See you after,” I say, taking a deep inhale to calm my nerves. Alisha winds her way through the growing crowd to Randall, who has secured front-row seats in a show of support. I cross my arms over my stomach to self-soothe. I close my eyes and try to think of something calming when a memory of being curled up next to Bennett at the drive-in interrupts my meditation. A sense of calm washes over me. Guilt shortly follows.