The first chapter of The Soulmate Equation introduces protagonist Jessica Davis (Jess) as she navigates a first date with a businessman named Travis. With the date going poorly, Jess marvels in the bathroom that “twenty-six percent of women believed in true love” (2)—a number that once seemed low to her, but now seems exceptionally high. The next day, Jess sits with her best friend Felicity Chen (Fizzy) at Twiggs, her regular coffee shop. As a freelance statistician, she often works at Twiggs throughout the day as Fizzy writes her romance novels.

Fizzy is determined to find Jess another date, despite the latter’s protests that dating is difficult with a seven-year-old daughter (Juno) in tow. Jess explains that she finds it exhausting trying to appeal to men and wants to give up the search until Juno is 18. As Fizzy protests, Jess is temporarily distracted by the appearance of “Americano”—a man who comes in every morning and never looks at anyone as he purchases his drink. Fizzy accuses Jess of having a crush on him, but the latter replies that she’s simply intrigued. Overhearing their conversation, Daniel, a barista, tells them that the man is launching a matchmaking company.