The Matchmaker
Prologue

Dr. Eve Russell walked up the three flights of stairs to get to her third floor apartment, after another hard day at her office, she wanted nothing more than to soak her entire body into a leisurely hot bubble bath followed by a night in front of the tube, cramming her brain with mindless drivel until she fell asleep.

These days that was the only safe way for her to get some rest without turning to sleeping pills or alcohol. As she fumbled with her keys, Miss Charlotte, her elderly next-door neighbor stuck her head out the door.

“Good evening Eve.” She greeted.

Eve turned around and greeted her with a weary smile. “Good evening Miss Charlotte.”

“Another busy day at the hospital I see.” She said tapping on her wristwatch.

“I’m afraid so.” Eve mumbled, turning back to her keys.

“Eve it’s not good for a young, beautiful woman as yourself to work herself to death.” Miss Charlotte advised her. “What you need is a nice young man to spend your time with.”

“If you only knew.” Eve chuckled painfully. “Well Miss Charlotte I tell you what, if you can find me a nice young man then I might consider it.” She said aloud, humoring the old dear.

“Come over for coffee on your day off and we will discuss it.” Miss Charlotte said seriously. “I’ll have several pictures of eligible bachelors you can look at.”

“Okay Miss Charlotte it’s a plan.” She grinned as she finally got her door opened. “Bye.”

Eve quickly stepped into her apartment and closed the door behind her before Miss Charlotte can say another word.

Miss Charlotte waited until Eve closed her door before she stuck her head back into her own apartment. She felt that it was her duty as Eve’s self-appointed mother to look after her and part of that duty was making sure Eve find love.

~*~*~*~

Julian Crane looked at the pile of reports on his desk and sighed, he was not in the mood to read over another report, in fact he wasn’t in the mood for much of anything since Eve walked out of his life.

“Don’t try to find me Julian.” Eve warned him. “I will only runaway again.”

“But Eve…darling everything will be alright…I’ll protect you.” He vowed. “I’ll take the blame for everything…”

“NO!” Eve cried. “It’s no use…TC will hate me for the rest of my life…regardless of what you say…and my girls…God…they think that I’m some kind of whore…I can’t stand the way they look at me…I can’t take it!”

She was sobbing so hard her whole body shook…

He pulled her in his arms and held her for one last time… he knew he couldn’t force her to stay against her will…no matter how many promises he made her.

“I will always love you my darling Eve.” He whispered…

He lifted her chin to meet his and covered her face with hot kisses before kissing her passionately on the lips.

“I will always love you too, my Julian.” She whispered back, matching him kiss for kiss for kiss…

And then she was gone…

“Mr. Crane…Mr. Crane.” His assistant said over the intercom, shaking him out of his thoughts.

“Yes Henry?”

“Your son Fox Crane is here to see you sir.”

“Send him on in.” Julian straighten his tie and glanced at the door as his son walked in.

“Hello father.” Fox greeted, sitting down in the nearest chair. Julian noticed he looked kind of nervous.

“What do I owe this great pleasure to?” Julian asked.

Fox never stepped foot inside of Crane Industries unless he wanted something…

“I…uh…um…I’m not coming to you for myself…” He began.

Julian looked at him skeptically.

“Hey I know you have your doubts…” Fox chuckled nervously, “But this…this time I’m on the up and up.”

“What do you want Fox?”

“Well…father, I’d asked Whitney Russell to marry me and…and she accept.”

Julian was shocked; he thought Fox had given up Whitney – for her sake.

“What about Theresa? I thought you two were close.”

“I can’t help it father, I love Whitney just as much as you love her mother.”

“And look where it had gotten me.” Julian said. “I’d ruined the poor woman’s life…the Crane…”

“ golly the Crane’s curse!” Fox interjected. “I’m not like you father, I am going to marry the woman I truly love…listen I didn’t come here to argue.” Fox replied claming himself down. “I came here to ask for your help…for Whitney.”

“What does Whitney need my help for?”

“Finding her mother.” Fox replied. “She wants Eve here for the wedding.”

At that moment all the air rushed out of Julian’s lungs…