Heavenly Matchmaking: Meant To Be

By Kelly Lopushansky

Juliette stomped down the street on her way to work one morning, didn't see the oncoming bus, and found herself in Limbo. Since then, with all the time in the world on her hands, she accepted a job with the Heavenly Matchmaking's Meant To Be division where using knowledge that earth-bound mortals would never have, she helps couples find true love at just the right time. It’s not as easy as it sounds, rules abound, there’s that pesky unrequited love she left behind that she just can’t forget, her new boss she can’t ever seem to please, and the worry about an eventual hearing to determine whether she moves on or goes back to Earth to try all over again. Who knew that death could be so much work?

Chase Danvers wasn’t in Seattle at an exclusive art auction as a buyer for his University, he was there as a consultant to the FBI. His first time solo, Chase is at loose ends and attends a gallery opening where he meets art consultant, Kate Littlefield. Chase is certain Kate’s the one until he uncovers fraud at the auction and her connection to the perpetrators.

Kate Littlefield assumed that attending an art auction with her clients would be just another job before she found herself talking to a very charming art history professor, Chase Danvers. She takes a chance on him but finds herself heart-broken, held at gun point by her employers, and even taken into FBI custody.

It’s up to novice Juliette to help Chase and Kate untangle the mess before it’s too late so they really will find themselves Meant To Be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kelly Lopushansky
• Release date: Aug 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370893577

Kelly Lopushansky

Kelly lives in Colorado with her very patient husband, two amazing children, and one darling, shelter-rescue cat named Roo. In addition to writing, she works full-time in the telecommunications industry, enjoys reading, knitting, crocheting, and computer programming. She’s a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Her favorite work experiences always include her other passion: teaching. Whether it's in a formal classroom setting or just answering questions one-on-one, Kelly loves to share with others.Blog: http://kellylopushansky.blogspot.comTwitter: @KlopusNow

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Heavenly Matchmaking: Meant To Be

By Kelly Lopushansky

Copyright 2016 Kelly Lopushansky

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Artwork By: SelfPubBookCovers.com/mad-moth

Dedication

For My Husband – I could never do this without your support.

Table of Contents

Heavenly MatchMaking: Meant To Be

Preview of Upcoming Release: Truce or Consequences

About The Author

Connect with Kelly Lopushansky

Chapter One

Look out! The bus!

Juliette looked up at the bright light. She felt as though she lay on her back on something soft, but the light that appeared in her eyes could have just as easily been in front of her, rather than above her as she didn’t quite have the sensation that she was be pulled down toward the something soft. But her feet didn’t seem to be standing on anything, so the idea she was on her back rather than against a wall made more sense.

Where am I? How did I get here? As she lay there, she realized she couldn’t hear anything. It was silent. She blinked at the light again.

Excellent, a feminine voice said. You’re already conscious.

Juliette turned her head to the right toward the voice and saw the most beautiful woman she had ever seen in real life. Long, curly blond hair cascading down her shoulders. Amazing blue eyes, over a perfect nose and mouth. Nice high cheek bones. Juliette felt even dowdier than usual.

Hello, the woman looked at a clipboard and looked back at Juliette. I’m Cassandra, your case worker. It’s nice to meet you. Let’s get started.

Juliette looked back at the bright light. She listened again, but heard no sounds. Odd.

I like to start with the easy part of the paperwork, Cassandra said. Shall we begin? Name.

Juliette opened her mouth and found that her voice was gone. Cassandra placed a hand on Juliette’s shoulder. Take a deep breath first.

Juliette puzzled a moment and realized that she didn’t seem to be breathing. Oh, Lord. What’s happened to me? She forcibly took in a breath and everything felt better. Why? She managed to say.

Cassandra had apparently returned to her clipboard. Name, please.

Juliette... She stopped. What’s my last name? She looked back toward the light. Why can’t I remember my last name?

Age, Cassandra asked.

Um, thirty-three, I think, Juliette answered.

Marital status?

Juliette looked back at Cassandra. Single.

Divorced, widowed, or never married?

Never married. Where am I? Juliette asked. Is this a hospital? What happened to me?

Cassandra smiled at her and then looked back at her clipboard. We’ll get into that in a few minutes. Let’s start with what you remember. Cassandra looked back at Juliette, no longer smiling. What is the last thing you remember?

Juliette looked back at the light, trying to remember anything. Cassandra spoke again, telling her to start with anything she remembered. Finally, Juliette remembered the phone call. I was getting dressed for work when Todd called to cancel our plans for the night. He had a date. I finished getting ready for work and… She paused. There was more. She was sure of it.

Her umbrella. It looked like rain, so I took my umbrella and started walking to work. I was mad at Todd and a little sad too. I remember someone knocking me to the side as I walked and I…I was rude back to him. I continued on my way to the corner where I usually get my coffee, but I didn’t get any. Then…then…little red tennis shoes? Juliette trailed off. I don’t remember anything after that.

That’s consistent, Cassandra said. The bus driver said you never even looked toward the bus when you pushed the girl out of the way.

Bus? A girl? Juliette asked, looking at Cassandra. Was I in an accident?

Yes, Cassandra nodded. I’m afraid so.

Juliette wiggled her fingers and then her toes. It couldn’t have been too serious. I think I’m okay.

Cassandra smiled again. Of course you are. Everything is going to be just fine.

So this is all precautionary, Juliette said, looking further around the room for the first time. It didn’t seem to have anything in it, apart from the gurney or bed or whatever she was lying on and the chair Cassandra sat in. It was actually a little hard to see the walls. Everything was so white.

Precautionary? No. This is standard procedure. Cassandra said. You seem to have transitioned well, so I’ll go ahead and tell you what you want to know. But first, let’s sit you up.

Juliette struggled a little, but managed to sit up. She felt weak, but not dizzy. She also had the presence of mind to look down at herself and see what she was wearing. Apart from her missing shoes and socks, she looked as she remembered, still wearing the cords, long-sleeve shirt, and ski vest she had on that morning. Okay. What happened? Where am I?

I’m sorry. You were in an accident and you died. But as you can see, that wasn’t the end. You’re not gone.

Excuse me, Juliette said. Did you just say I died?

Yes. The bus hit you and you died. And now, you're here.

Is this Heaven? Juliette looked around. The place was still a little undefined in her eyes. With all the white, she couldn't imagine it was Hell.

Well, no. Cassandra smiled tightly. She flipped the page on her clipboard. You see, your death came ahead of schedule. Before you can go any further, you have to have a hearing.

Juliette swung her legs over the edge of the gurney, bed, whatever and looked down at her feet, wiggling her toes. I don't feel dead.

It's an illusion, dear, because you're here. It's sort of like a hangover from the physical world. Cassandra stood and patted Juliette on the shoulder.

Where is here then? Juliette asked.

I think you'd call it Limbo. It's the in-between.

Juliette convinced herself to stand up. Despite the odd visual sensation that there wasn't any floor, she was able to stand, belying the idea that it wasn't real. Someone is playing a trick on me. She moved her foot and let the sensations of a cool, smooth Marble? floor convince her.

She decided to play along with gag. Okay. So what am I supposed to do?

Well, I'll get you to the hearing, when your turn comes up. Until then, you'll be here, Cassandra said.

And what happens at the hearing?

Cassandra grabbed Juliette's arm as she took a step, which was helpful as Juliette wavered a little. Her left knee seemed a bit weak. The judges will decide if you should go on or go back. If you go back, you start a new life from the beginning.

Juliette took another step, more cautiously this time. She felt normal that time. But then a memory flashed in her mind. Wait a minute. That sounds like that movie. With Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep. He dies and has a trial to determine if he needs to go back.

Cassandra shrugged. Sorry. I'm not very familiar with your cultural time period. She looked at the clipboard again.

Even as she saw Cassandra look down, Juliette had a flash of face. Todd. Then her mother and father. Friends she hadn’t seen in a long time. Hold on. I’m dead? What about my family. My friends… Does Todd know? Does he care? Of course he cares, but...

I know this will seem a little cruel to hear, but their lives continue without you. They’ll mourn as they need, then they’ll move on.

Juliette thought her legs would go again. Todd is going on without me. Even if they were never going to be more than friends, she’d counted on them always being friends. What will he do on Doctor Who and Chinese night? Will someone else be eating my eggrolls? Her stomach dropped at the thought. Will he meet someone who loves what he loves? Will he fall in love?

Maybe, it’s best I’m not there to see that.

So, I’ll get you settled and you can wait, Cassandra said, interrupting Juliette’s panic and self-pity attack.

Wait, Juliette parroted. For how long?

Cassandra smiled, time is relative. Here it’s only a perception of time, like your body, it’s an illusion. There really isn’t any. The real question is how you want experience this existence. Cassandra began to walk and Juliette followed along.

What are my choices? Can I see what’s happening with Todd?

Cassandra shrugged again. There’s just about everything you can think of. You can enjoy most any method of diversion you’ve ever imagined. For the intellectual, there’s a library. For the more entertainment minded, there are shows. You can swim in a pool or the ocean. You can ride horses. You can have your whole body made over.

A whole body makeover?

Cassandra shrugged again. You don’t actually have a body right now. As I said, it’s an illusion. A very good illusion, but an illusion, just the same. You can make changes to anything. Hair, eyes, nose, lips, hips, all of you…or just parts.

That sounds painful, Juliette said, remembering a movie she’d seen where a character had had a face lift and they actually showed her looking puffy and bruised and in pain.

Not at all, Cassandra replied, and then appeared to flush a little.

You’ve done it?

Cassandra nodded. You could say that.

Juliette sighed. No wonder you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Realizing how insulting she’d just been, she immediately followed with, But, I bet you started out beautiful and just enhanced it.

That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me a long while. Cassandra squeezed Juliette’s supposedly-not-really-there arm. Thank you. I know we’ll get on just marvelously.

As they continued through the white, Juliette looked around. It seemed the same everywhere. Where are we going?

We’re heading out of the entry area. Nothing much can happen here. Once we’re past this camouflage, we can get you oriented.

Camouflage?

Cassandra nodded. Every now and then, people transition before their time, and it isn’t too late. They get sent back to their bodies. The entry area is all they see. It keeps things simpler. Wouldn’t want them all going back and reporting seeing this. She motioned ahead and Juliette saw glass doors. Through the glass she could see more color than see could ever remember seeing. Reminds me of ‘What Dreams May Come’, sort of.

Is that another cultural reference? Cassandra asked.

Juliette sighed and headed for the doors. It would be nice to be thinking of references that Cassandra would understand. Outside she could see more than just the colors. The sky appeared as blue as the ocean. To the right, a forest where the greens of the leaves were as richly green as the sky was blue, like a Technicolor enhanced summer. Before her stretched a road made of individual bricks, not gold of course, but of a sandy color.

Further down the road the trees seemed to morph into the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall. As Juliette took her first step on the road, she wondered if further down the road was winter. She squinted into the trees and thought she could see animals, rabbits perhaps, running through the trees just a little back from the edge of the tree line. As she and Cassandra continued, she looked closer and then for the first time could hear something. It wasn’t like the wind she was often used to, or she thought she remembered being used to, it was a breeze, but it rustled the trees slightly anyway.

She glanced to her left and stopped in her tracks. The left side of the road was a city, or something like it. In the areas she could see, there were trees interspersed between the buildings and grassy lawns. Although that landscaping suited her mind, the place was a combination of…everywhere. And everywhen. To her immediate left a building that looked like the Parthenon sat next to a modern, to her anyway, building of at least ten stories. Behind that she thought she saw an iron building, it reminded her of the Eiffel tower, but it was shaped like a rectangular solid, not a sloped tower. A gothic Cathedral. Small huts. A step pyramid. Futuristic buildings? Ancient buildings? Buildings she could imagine in her world and few that seemed like they’d never fit in.

Desperate for an anchor, she looked back to her right at the woods. She could almost see the deer herds and scampering mice, hear the owls hooting at night… Further on toward the trees of autumn was a less dense area, probably better for riding horses, if you liked, or had ever tried, that kind of thing.

But still she was drawn back to the city and this time accepted it rather than trying to make it suitable to her previous experience. This time, as one building blended into another, one culture into another, it seemed so…natural. So fitting. Even pleasing. The colors, however, were so intense, Juliette wondered if she’d ever get used to it. Which brought to mind the same question. How long am I here, again?

Cassandra frowned. Is that really your big focus right now? Most people ask questions about this place. About the people in it.

Juliette took another look around. For the first time she could see people walking around, or more likely, she noticed them for the first time. They were odd to look at. They were like the buildings, dressed from different places and different times, but for all the incongruity, they didn’t clash. They were people, even if they dressed differently.

Covertly glancing at Cassandra, Juliette tried to see what Cassandra wore. A well-fitted black dress. Although it set off her face and showed a remarkable figure, Juliette couldn’t help but think that it was all wrong for her. With the classical beauty, Cassandra should be in classical Greek costume. Her hair should be wrapped in gold cord and flowers.

A sharp pain in her chest accompanied the panic which accompanied the thought, ‘What am I wearing again?’

Juliette glanced down at herself and saw the clothes she’d seen in the entry room. It was not reassuring…it was…disappointing.

We can change your clothes, Cassandra said, patting Juliette’s arm.

How did you know what I was thinking? Juliette asked, startled.

Cassandra just looked at her for a moment or two. Then she laughed. I didn’t read your mind. It was obvious. A very kind smile crossed her face. It’s okay. You’ll settle in. I promise.

Juliette looked around again. I guess I’ll take your word for it. Where do I sleep? How do I get a place to live?

Cassandra started walking again. You don’t need to sleep anymore. Or to eat. That body isn’t physically real.

It feels real.

Of course, but it’s an illusion. A projection from your mind.

But… if I don’t have a body, how do I have a brain?

Laughing, Cassandra said, Not your brain, your mind. Or your consciousness, if you prefer. The illusion is generated by your expectations.

Juliette blinked a few times. Then how can we touch? I mean, you held my arm when I tried to stand, and I started to fall. If it isn’t real, why would I fall?

That’s in your mind, too. You project what’s inside to the outside. And your mind gave you the sensation that you were going to fall.

So how did you catch me?

I don’t have all the answers, but I can tell you what others have told me. I wanted to help you and you wanted my help. We created the sensation of touch in our minds. That’s where we always experienced it in life.

For an illusion, the headache Juliette thought she was feeling coming on seemed awfully real. Assuming I believe any of this, what am I supposed to do with myself? Where do I go at night?

There isn’t exactly a night and day here in the same sense as on Earth. But, if you really want a place, I can arrange that.

How do I pay for it?

Cassandra stifled a laugh. There isn’t any money here. You don’t have to pay for anything.

Juliette liked the sound of it on the outside, but it sounded like a trick. Nothing is free.

How about we start with some recreation? You can relax. Cassandra said. I like the pool in this direction.

With no other thoughts, Juliette nodded. Sure. But, I’ll need a bathing suit.

Cassandra nodded. You’re right, shopping first.

It looked like a salon out of an old movie. The kind of place where models came into the room wearing the collection and you made any selections you liked. But it wasn’t quite like that, Juliette found out. On the contrary, after what she’d guess was a few minutes wait, she was called back to a private room where she was placed in front of a mirror and images formed in the mirror overtop her image. Different hair, different clothes, different eyes…the woman helping her talked her through manipulating the image with her own ideas.

It was amusing for a short time, playing with the image before her. Seeing herself as she could have been. She’d always thought that blue eyes would have made all the difference on her, but it only looked strange. She tried combinations including different colors and lengths of hair, different sizes for her bust, and even changing her nose and lips. After a time though, it palled. Juliette switched back to her own body and played with clothes instead. She settled on a deep blue dress. It was modest with a scoop neckline that didn’t scoop too much and it covered her below her knees. She indulged herself in a simple necklace and earrings, and kept her shoes simple too, with only a one inch heel. She was pleased, but it wasn’t quite enough. At the last moment, she decided to change her hair. It wasn’t dramatic, it was simply the style. She shortened her hair to her shoulder, and gave it a little more shape.

Cassandra met her in the hallway, nodding with approval. So you decided not to change much.

I guess I like me as me, Juliette said, blushing.

That’s a good thing, Cassandra said. Now, if you practice, you’ll be able to change your clothes at will. It makes most people more comfortable to be able to dress for their current situation. As you mentioned, if you want to swim, you’ll probably want a bathing suit, for example. But as you may have observed, there are people from many different cultural periods here and what they see as appropriate for swimming may not match what you see as appropriate. It’s important to be accepting of those differences. Especially if you want to enjoy your recreation in the presence of others.

Juliette nodded. Is that how everyone fills their days?

Many. Most, Cassandra answered. Of course. There are alternatives.

Oh? Juliette asked as Cassandra began to walk again.

Cassandra smiled a little absently. In fact, I was originally planning to talk to you about an alternative once you’ve had a little time to acclimate. But, I think it will serve you better to get started right away.

Juliette just managed to keep up as Cassandra began to take longer strides. What is the alternative?

Work.

Work? Juliette stopped. She looked around her at all the buildings and people. What kind of work?

Cassandra smiled again and indicated Juliette’s new clothes. While you were playing, I lined up a job for you. The judges look very fondly on folks who make themselves useful. At least that’s what we’re all lead to believe. Your opinion on your fate will have more weight with them the more useful you’ve been.

Job? What sort of job? Juliette looked around again. It certainly wouldn’t be litter patrol, the place was spotless. A disturbing thought occurred. I don’t get on well animals, especially with horses.

Horses, Cassandra said, are not a part of this job. Usually, at any rate. She took off again. Come on. The sooner you start the better. It’s just down here. Cassandra began to lead the way along the road into the eclectic city and Juliette noticed that none of the people around them were walking at a pace like theirs. Everyone else seemed to be strolling to their destination.

Listening to a passing pair, Juliette realized for the first time that all she’d heard since her arrival was English. Does everyone her speak English?

No, said Cassandra with infinite patience. You just hear English. For example, I speak Greek. You hear English, I hear you in Greek. It helps that neither of us is really speaking, since these bodies aren’t real, and it’s more of a thought transference.

I feel like I’m talking, Juliette said.

It’s a very good illusion, Cassandra said.

Back on the previous topic, Juliette asked again, What is this job? This time was less patience.

Cassandra looked over her shoulder. Don’t worry. I used to work this job. It’s a good job. Fun. She turned her gaze forward again.

Juliette muttered, Then why don’t you have this job now?

Cassandra laughed. Because I wanted to do something else, of course. But, this will be great. Cassandra swept her arm forward toward a building they were approaching. Its architecture could only be called shifting. Every time Juliette blinked she saw it slightly different, sometimes it looked Classical Greek, sometimes it looked Modern, sometimes Russian, sometimes Asian, and more. She couldn’t even identify some of them. She finally turned her head away. Ugh.

Cassandra stopped then. Oh, sorry. I forgot how tough time vision is when you’re new.

Ah, said Juliette, blinking rapidly looking towards the forest, which suddenly seemed far more appealing. Time vision, of course.

Cassandra touched Juliette’s arm. Let me help you. This building has some rather unique properties. That’s why you see it shifting. I’ll help you stabilize it. Pick a time period and stare.

I don’t want to look at it again, Juliette said.

Just stare and it’ll settle into the period you pick.

Juliette turned back toward the building as saw it shifting and closed her eyes.

I know it’s disorienting. Just stare at it and pick a time period, Cassandra said. Her voice was calm and experienced and Juliette hoped that it wasn’t just her voice that carried that off.

Juliette sighed and looked at the building. In her head, her supposedly-just-an-illusion head, she repeated to herself over and over, ‘just be still.’

Cassandra took a small step backwards. I’ve never seen it do that before.

Juliette smiled a little lop-sided and tilted her head. I like it.

The building was now an interesting combination of an Ancient Greek and a Modern building with lots of glass. It’s sort of like a high class bank, Juliette said. But funky. The pillars had that distinctly classical look, while being made of a shiny coppery colored metal, and behind it were windows and steel and cement. The triangle at the top, probably the feature that would normally have screamed ‘Ancient Greek’ the most, wasn’t a traditional scene carved in marble, it too was of a metal, this time much like platinum.

Juliette looked at the name on the building. To her perception, it was clearly in a different language, a different alphabet. And yet she could read it. That was the queerest thing that had happened so far. What is Heavenly Matchmaking?

Cassandra smiled. You’ll love it. And she dashed up the sidewalk and the three steps and was nearly into the building, through the rotating door, before Juliette made up her mind to follow.

I’m not so sure. Juliette mumbled.

Inside the building Juliette was a little more prepared for the crazy shifting. This time she stared it down and watched it settle into the same interesting mix that it had outside, though not as metal biased. The furniture looked like what she’d imagine inside an Ancient Greek household, based on a few museum visits and some documentaries on the History Channel, but yet sort of modernized, at least in materials. In the end, the building was still more modern than not.

The lobby was spacious, with a view up to the third floor. The safety railings were all glass with metal bars. The steps almost seemed to float in the pattern for walking one floor to another. As much as she liked it, it seemed a little out of place. It was the first incongruity she’d seen, though she supposed it didn’t make much difference.

Cassandra led the way, first under the balcony and back toward the left, into a long hallway with three doors on either side. Above each door was a sign that stuck out like those colored flaps at the doctor’s office listing what Juliette assumed was the department name. Not that that answered any questions. The door that Cassandra opened, the first on the left, had a sign above it that said M.T.B. Department.

This was where reality seemed to fade a bit a further. Although the hallway had indeed been plenty long, the room on the other side of the door seemed a great deal bigger than that hallway could have accommodated, let alone one third of it. And yet it seemed so unnecessarily large, as the room was mostly empty. Only three things occupied the space, a desk on the far right, which sat in front of a window with light streaming in, which shouldn’t be there as that wall should be touching the next room over, and a counter in the middle toward the back of the room, rather like a library counter, and the bookcases behind it. The bookcases were also a bit like the doctor’s office, setup with small partitions, which in turn where full of file folders turned sideways. The walls appeared to be wood, but not wood paneling, rather like a study in a large house. Except the walls didn’t fit in a large well-appointed house either. The walls were bare.

Cassandra walked right up to the counter and leaned an elbow on it, like one might see a person do at a bar. She looked back at Juliette, who as yet hadn’t crossed the threshold, and waved her forward. It’s a great many steps to the counter, Juliette thought. This room is huge. She began the long walk, perhaps because the room was so large, feeling very small.

But this is silly, Juliette told herself again. No one but Cassandra was watching her. Immediately she began to look around the room again, in the corners, her mind desperate for the ease that only ensuring no security cameras were trained on her could provide. She couldn’t identify any in the corners. There were no pictures to hide a camera either. That left the one possibility for cameras, but it was a big one, the bookcase. Who cares? She swallowed despite the attempt at nonchalance.

She stopped next to Cassandra. Are we expected?

Oh, yes, Cassandra started, and then stopped when the sound of footsteps began to emit from behind the bookcases. Peter! She smiled and held out her hands as a giant of a man walked out from behind the bookcases, reminding Juliette of a picture of the giant Goliath.

Juliette managed to reassess the man as he walked to the counter, looked at Cassandra’s out-stretched hands, frowned slightly and leaned over to shake one. He had short blond hair, cut precisely, she could tell. He wore a white tunic shirt and Juliette had glimpsed black pants as he’d entered the room. Even in the loose tunic top, his muscled body was obvious. If it weren’t for the frown he wore, he might be attractive. Maybe. Hello, Cassandra, he said, his deep rich bass filling the room, almost echoing.

Oh, Peter, Cassandra said. You’d think you held it against me that we’re not dating anymore.

Peter’s focus on Cassandra deepened. Thanks for reminding me. Always a pleasure to see you. You know the way out.

Oh, my, thought Juliette, that’s a wonderful voice. It did something inside her. Something both warm and cold at the same time.

Peter, Cassandra sighed. I’d like to introduce you to your new agent, she swept her hands toward Juliette to highlight her. This is Juliette.

On the spot, Juliette didn’t know what to say. When Peter turned his attention to her, he looked at her with such intensity that she felt herself shrink an inch and her tongue felt like it weighed a 100 pounds and a foot thick. Hi, Juliette squeaked out.

No, said Peter. He refocused on Cassandra. Absolutely not.

Chapter Two

Now, Peter, Cassandra said. You know that you need someone for her C.T.P. And I guarantee that she’ll be wonderful.

Not even looking back at Juliette, Peter replied again. Have you read her biography? She has almost no relationship experience.

She doesn’t need relationship experience. The job is to help people connect, not to connect herself.

Peter frowned deeper, which Juliette wouldn’t have thought possible. Have you looked at her? She isn’t dressed like an M.T.B. agent.

Clothes can be changed, Cassandra answered.

Peter looked at Juliette for a moment. Still very intense, he looked directly into her eyes. After what couldn’t have been more than a few seconds, he looked back at Cassandra. No. She’s a mouse.

Hey, Juliette said, louder this time. What do you mean? I’m not a mouse.

Peter’s attention returned to Juliette, as did Cassandra’s. Though the frown didn’t really leave his face, his eyebrows raised. Aren’t you?

No. I’d like some specific reasons you don’t want me. Non-superficial ones, if you please.

Based on all my experience here and the short biography I’ve read of you, you can’t do the job. I can’t be much more specific than that, Peter said.

Humph, Juliette said. That’s weak.

I beg your pardon, Peter said, seeming to stretch himself even taller as he leaned slightly over the counter. It was at that point that Juliette realized just how much taller than her he was. Tall and broad. Her fight or flight instinct kicked in. To her surprise, it was fight that won the day.

I can do anything, Juliette said, thinking, when it comes to work, that is.

Oh, can you? Peter said through taut lips. From what I’ve read you’ve left an unrequited love behind. One that you never told how you felt over a period of six and a half years! If that isn’t a mouse, I don’t know what one is.

Juliette could feel the thoughts in her head swirling around, but she couldn’t quite think them. Maybe she was dizzy? Her heart had definitely stopped beating. But it wasn’t real anyway. Her eyes seemed to defocus a little. Then her heart seemed to start beating again and each beat was a stab within her chest. If I wasn’t dead already, that would have done it. She noticed the feeling of sweat breaking out across her forehead. Over six years of hope with nothing to show.

Out of the corner of her eye, despite the foggy look, she thought she could make out Cassandra smack Peter’s arm. Then she was holding onto Juliette and saying, You’re perfect for this job. I promise. It’s not about what you’ve done in your past, it’s about what you’re capable of doing now. Then she lowered her voice. Peter doesn’t know anywhere near everything about you. His opinion is both biased and unimportant.

Peter crossed his arms. What about my opinion is biased?

Juliette was finally able to focus again and was disappointed to see that Peter’s face hadn’t improved, it had darkened even more. Thunder personified.

Cassandra looked at Peter and shook her head. I’m not going to do to you what you just did to Juliette. The brief synopsis of her life that you’ve read doesn’t begin to clue you in to who she is, let’s just say that you read it through your own eyes. I’ve read about her and I see infinite possibilities and promise. And when it comes to our capacity to help others, she has all anyone could ever have.

Well, then, we’ll just have to see her prove that. He looked back at Juliette. That is, if you still want the job. He leaned backward and without looking away from Juliette’s face he reached under the counter and produced a file folder. Here’s your first case. We’ll call it a trial.

Juliette glanced at Cassandra and then at the file folder. The folder had two names on it, a date, and a little orange light on it. Juliette saw Cassandra nodding at her, so she picked up the folder.

Peter continued to stare her down. Don’t let your C.T.P. get in the way. Then he sniffed and looked back at Cassandra. I don’t suppose you’ll be willing to clean up her mess?

Cassandra rolled her eyes. Honestly, Peter. Could you make a worse impression if you tried? When Juliette does an amazing job, you’re going to feel terrible for acting like this and you’ll be stuck humbling yourself asking her to stay.

Peter sighed, That’ll happen, and turned around.

Come on Juliette, let’s get you your equipment.

Equipment? Juliette asked as she looked at the folder. She tried to touch the orange light and found that it was impossible. It was there, she could see it, but as she ran a finger over the folder, she couldn’t feel it.

Juliette looked at Peter’s broad back and assumed it was a dismissal, and with Cassandra waving her over as she headed toward the door, she decided it was time to exit.

Outside the room, Cassandra smiled gently at Juliette as she closed the door. Don’t let him get to you. He’s just, well, he’s just Peter.

Juliette felt like sagging into the wall, but she fought the urge. Is he my boss?

Well, yes, in a way said Cassandra, taking Juliette’s arm and propelling her along the hallway. But he just hands out the assignments. It’s not like you have to get along with him. Not really.

Feeling the furniture whizzing passed her, Juliette stopped. But if he gives me my assignments, then he determines how nice or awful my workload is.

Only sort of. You only work in your own C.T.P. He needed someone in your C.T.P. and right now you’re it. There isn’t anyone else he can choose over you. So he’s really just handing it out.

Oh, Juliette said. "That’s good." She threw her arms up in the air.

Relax, you’ll be wonderful. Let’s get you outfitted.

What is C.T.P.? Juliette asked, exhausted and overwhelmed.

Cultural Time Period. You’ll only work cases that are in a place and time that you can move about in with a minimal amount of acclimation.

Fantastic, Juliette mumbled.

Upstairs and through a door marked supplies, Juliette found herself seated in a very uncomfortable chair while another woman, whose name Juliette has missed, load Juliette’s arms with everything she was supposed to need. A smart phone, that’s from your C.T.P. right?

Um…

It’s loaded with the manual. It also has apps, whatever those are. Here’s your umbrella. Here is your bag, notice it’s the perfect size to hold your folders. The woman didn’t smile. You can change the color of the bag, if that matters to you. And you’re set.

That’s it? Juliette asked, looking at the woman and then at Cassandra. That’s everything I need?

Cassandra nodded. I guess so. Let me show you around the building. And tell you a little more about the job.

Isn’t there an orientation? Juliette asked, knowing that there wasn’t a positive answer before she asked.

Shaking her head, Cassandra led Juliette back downstairs and down a new hallway that had E.B. in giant letters on a sign that hung down from the ceiling. This hallway didn’t have any doors heading off to the sides. Just two sets of double doors at the end. This is the E.B., Earth-bound, hallway. Take the doors on the right and you’ll be returned to Earth at the appropriate time and place for whatever file folder you’re carrying with you. It’s a really nice system. You don’t even have to think about the details, the door and the folder do all the work.

I just walk through the doors and I’m on Earth again? Are you kidding? Juliette was beginning to suspect that this was all a dream, again. She shook her head in disbelief. Look, this isn’t exactly funny anymore. I just want to go home. Or get a drink. Or something.

Cassandra’s smiling attitude dropped for a moment. This is serious, Juliette. You can’t go home. From here it’s either go on or go back in a new life. If you want a chance at going on, then you’re going to have to take this seriously and do this job well.

Do I even know for certain that I want to go on? Maybe I should be going back. Why are you so certain this is the right job for me? I’m still not entirely sure I know what the job is, so-

The job, Cassandra interrupted Juliette’s little oncoming break down, "is to help people. Help people find the person they were meant to be with. That’s the division, M.T.B., Meant To Be. Any couple who needs help to make that happen gets an agent in