The CEO's Matchmaking Game

Chapter 2

Sam’s POV

“Ok, so why is Mr. Bucksburn crazy and what do we have to apply for?” I ask Liah as I place the empty bowl on the table.

“Oh, so you were listening, sort of” Liah chuckled. “It's better to call him Jacob, I don’t think Bucksburn is his real last name.” Liah looked at me, noting the confused look on my face before continuing. “I thought that would get your attention. Last night, the CEO of Blackstock and Associates, you know the billionaire Mr. Blackstock, held a press conference announcing a matchmaking game to find a wife for himself and his 2 brothers. And get this s**t, Jacob Bucksburn is Jacob f*****g Blackstock. Unless of course they are twin brothers and the same first name but different last names” she said as she swiped her phone’s screen. I just looked at her stunned, slowly shaking my head no in disbelief. “I’m not making this s**t up. Here’s the press conference. He was there in person. See it for yourself. Bonus, it also has all the details on how to apply, which we are totally doing” she added while starting the video.

I was speechless after watching the video. It was the same Jacob that had met twice. Same appearance, same voice and same mannerisms. Why does he have two identities, and which one is real? I thought he had seemed honest and nice both times I had met him. But there was no way he could be honest if he had 2 identities.

“So, what do you think?” Liah asked, taking our bowls out to the kitchen.

“It’s definitely him.” I responded in a daze. “This doesn’t make any sense” I continued.

“What doesn’t? He explained everything clearly. Let’s apply. I really want to, but I can’t do this without you” Liah replied.

“It doesn’t make any sense” I repeated, lost in thought.

“I’m sorry Sam. You must have had a really shitty shift last night. You must be too tired to focus on anything. OK I’ll just explain the key points. Basically, Jacob and his two younger brothers are having no luck in meeting the right women for them, so they...” Liah trailed off as I interrupted her by raising my hand and shaking my head slowly.

“No, it's alright Liah, you don’t have to repeat it. He’s just 2 years older than us and his brothers are even younger. Why the rush to find someone that special someone. Maybe they just...” I stop midsentence as something occurs to me. I look at Liah. “You said we need to apply; you were talking about this. No way, not happening. I don’t have time; we have a mortgage to pay. How...when...classes...” I start stammering. Liah steps towards me, smiling brightly as she grabs my hand and pulls me to the sofa, and I sit down.

“Have some fun. Your life is and has always been about work, studying and family. You don’t really have a social circle, I’m pretty sure you’re still a virgin as you’ve never dated anyone.” I feel my cheeks heat up and I look down. “The contestants will get to stay in one of their properties. We are welcome to continue to work, provided we can commit to 10 hours per week for the contest. Or they will match our salary if we can get the time off work. Plus, the winners get to spend a year living one of the 3 brothers and walks away with 2 million dollars if it doesn’t work out. It's a paid vacation from work with all the time you need to complete your classes. Sam, I know these are your last 2 classes before your residency begins. Have some fun, meet some people, enjoy life a little before you become a workaholic doctor. I see it as a no risk, win-win situation.” Liah finishes with a flourish of her hands, as if she was saying Taadaa!

I don’t know what to say. This is way out of my comfort zone. She does have some valid points. I can’t just keep avoiding things that make me anxious. And it might be nice to meet some new people. Suddenly Jacob’s very attractive face pops into my mind. His strong jawline, with his masculine nose, emerald green eyes and perfectly styled short blond hair with that playful smile that makes me melt every time I see it. Wait, where did that thought come from? I look at Liah and nod me head, “Ok send me the application and questionnaire. We can fill them out together AFTER I get some sleep. Don’t forget Liam’s coming over for dinner tonight, so please make sure you awake and ready when he gets here this time.” I say while standing up and turning to leave. Liah jumps up, yelling with excitement “Yayy! Thank you! This is going to be so much fun. I didn’t even have to beg.”

“Don’t get too excited yet Liah, they will probably get thousands of applicants. I don’t either one of us, let alone both will be selected. Maybe you’ll get lucky.” I stand and head to bed, swallowing my pill and setting the alarm before getting comfortable. Just before falling asleep, it occurs to me, that if I am selected for that wife finding game, it will be the 3rd time fate will have put Jacob and I together. I fall 6 taking it off and on since I was 11. I started taking it after my psychologist referred me to a psychiatrist after I started having frequent flashbacks waking me from sleep. They were terrifying. She prescribed prazosin before bed. It worked so well. I still dream, but never have a flashback nightmare after taking it. I usually have a drink of water and move slowly when I get up, to prevent falling. I was astonished when I first learned it was a blood pressure medication, but somehow, they discovered it was excellent at preventing flashback nightmares. I don’t need it every night. I can usually tell if I’ll need it, based on how I’m feeling at bedtime.