Matchmaking by the Clock
Emily sat at her desk, lost in the usual rhythm of her work. In front of her was a hefty pile of papersreports, invoices, receiptsthat she carefully sorted into folders, checking figures and scribbling notes in her organiser. The office was quiet, save for the muted voices from the next room and the soft tapping of someones keyboard next door. Stripes of sunlight crept through the blinds, cutting neat patterns across her desktop.
Suddenly, her phone rang sharply, making Emily start. She glanced at the screen: Mum. Emily frowned in confusionher mother always called in the evening, after getting home from work. Yet, it was only three oclock; what could possibly demand such urgency?
She took a breath and answered.
Emily, darling, can you come over as soon as you can? Her mums voice was tense and slightly shakya tone Emily recognised instantly. Its very important!
Emilys stomach twisted with worry. She straightened in her chair, pushing papers aside as if they had become obstacles.
Whats wrong? Emily tried to keep her voice steady, although a hint of anxiety crept in. Are you feeling alright?
No, Im fine, her mother hurried to reassure her, as if wanting to sweep away such dangerous thoughts. But we do need to talk. Its urgent.
Emily hesitated, glancing at her scattered paperwork. The workday was far from over and she still had plenty to do. But her mothers tone left no room for protest.
Alright, she sighed, quickly eyeing the clock on the wall. Ill be there in an hour.
Please dont dawdle, her mum whispered, her voice suddenly strained. Weve got guests waiting.
The phrase guests waiting hung in the air, thick with unsaid meaning. Emilys brow furrowed as she tried to imagine what could possibly be going on. A hundred possibilities ran through her head, from a serious situation to something completely mundane or misunderstood. But her mothers insistence made it clear: this couldnt wait.
Swiftly, she tidied away her papers, slotted them into a folder, grabbed her bag and jacket, and poked her head into her managers office to explain. He was reasonable, so he let her go without much fuss. As Emily left his office, she opened her ride-sharing app, keyed in her mums address, and confirmed the trip. While waiting, she called her mother again to check if she needed to bring anything. Just come, her mother replied briefly.
Once outside, Emily realised she was almost running. Questions raced through her mind, but she resisted the urge to overthink. The car arrived within five minutes. She climbed into the back, gave the address, and watched the time, mentally urging the driver onwards.
The journey took precisely forty minutesshe watched the time tick by on her phone. Outside the window, the usual British city scenes flashed by: rows of Victorian terraces, the familiar facades of shops, leafy corners of pocket parks. But Emily barely registered any of it. She was completely occupied, mentally sifting through possibilities.
Maybe Mum was having trouble at work? Shed mentioned a nerve-wracking project recently, tight deadlines and troublesome colleagues. Or maybe something had happened to Aunt Linda? Theyd been mates for years, always the first to know each others news. Or it could be news about some distant family member? Emily tried, in vain, to come up with a convincing reasonbut nothing felt quite right.
At last, the car pulled up to her childhood home. Emily paid the fare, hopped out, and hurried up the stairs. Shed barely fished out her key when the front door flung open.
Finally! Her mum practically swept her inside, still clutching her hand. Come in quickly, now.
The familiar, inviting scent of freshly baked sconesher mums signature recipe for special occasionswafted through the hallway. Emily paused, breathing it in. That smell usually meant something joyful: a birthday, a celebration, good news. But todays rushed atmosphere and her mums anxious voice didnt fit the tone at all.
With growing unease, Emily slipped off her shoes and went through to the sitting room.
Mum, whats going on? she asked, walking towards the lounge.
And stopped in her tracks. Sitting at the round table, neatly dressed and clearly trying too hard to look at ease, was Tomthe same Tom shed known since they were both six years old, the son of her mothers oldest friend. Shed always found him awkward and indecisiveforever dropping things and tripping over his words. Now, he shot her a sheepish smile, adjusting his collar as if hed rather be anywhere else.
Next to him, Aunt Linda beamed as if she were at a wedding. Her face radiated such genuine happiness that for a heartbeat, Emily was thrown off.
Hi, Emily, Tom got up, attempting to look more confident than he felt. Its been a while.
You could say thatand I could have gone a while longer, Emily shot back, arms folded. She tried to hide her surprise behind indifference. Mum, why did you haul me out of work?
Her mother ignored the tension in her voice. Fiddling nervously with the tablecloth, then the napkins, then smoothing the cloth again, she finally spoke.
Darling, Linda and I have been thinking You two have known each other since children. Now youre both grown, independent
And? Emily stared pointedly at her mother, making no effort to conceal her confusion. Whats this got to do with me? Mum, I dropped everything at work for what?
Aunt Linda jumped in quickly:
Toms done so well, love. Great job, a nice flat everything in place, just as it should be.
We just wanted you two to have a chat, her mother added softly, finally looking at her but avoiding her gaze. Get to know each other, properly.
Emilys irritation flared. Not again. Another attempt to orchestrate her love lifeto pair her off with a nice young man, as if she couldnt make her own choices. She clenched her fists, fighting for calm, but her voice wavered.
Mum, she drew a slow, deep breath, I know you care about my happiness. But you dont get to decide who I spend time with. Thats mine to choose.
Toms cheeks flushed as he shifted awkwardly.
Emily, I mean, no need to be harsh. Weve not even had a proper conversation Lets at least try to catch up? We used to get along okay. Youre a lovely girl. And, er, I think Im alright too
What is there to say? She looked him straight in the eye. I never fancied you. That hasnt changed. I cant pretend there could be anything between us except friendship.
Tom dropped his gaze, tugging at his collar as though it was choking him.
But we could at least give it a chance, he mumbled. I mean, I genuinely want something real. I do.
Emily closed her eyes, pulling herself together. She didnt want to sound cruel, but she wasnt about to string him along.
Tom, she tried to soften her words, youre a good blokereliable, kind, sorted. But that doesnt mean we belong together. Feelings dont just appear because other people want them to.
Gradually, the tension that had knotted inside her since the phone call began to dissolve. Oh, Mum, what a scheme this was!
I think Id best go, Emily collected her bag, sliding the strap over her shoulder. Sorry, Mum, but its better to be honest. I cant pretend Im interested.
Emily! Her mother reached to hold her by the sleeve, stopping short. Please, can we talk? We honestly meant well.
No, Emily shook her head, gentle but firm. Lets talk some other time, when youre ready to listen rather than perform. I need to get back to workand please, stop springing these surprises on me. I was worried sick.
Emily stepped out into the fresh air before her mother could say another word. The door closed quietly behind her, and she found herself on the cool, clean, rain-washed street. She took a deep breath and with it felt the last of the anxiety ease.
Why couldnt her mother leave her be? Why this endless matchmaking? Did she not understand it would never work? Emily had always known what she wanted out of lifeincluding the kind of partner she dreamed of. She had no interest in someone so lacking in confidence, even if he was nice enough and had a decent job. Wasnt there more to happiness than career prospects? A man should know his own mindhe shouldnt be so wishy-washy he needs his mum to speak for him!
Still simmering, Emily cut through the park shed loved as a child. Life went on all aroundchildren running along the paths, mums with buggies sharing gossip, older couples basking on benches Emily skirted round puddles and let the raindrops fall unnoticed on her shoulders.
Her phone vibrated. Mum appeared on the screen. For a moment Emily hesitated, then answered.
Emily, why did you walk out? Her mums tone was hurt, not angrylike someone left alone in the middle of a vital conversation. We were meant to talk.
Mum, Im not going to date someone just because you and Aunt Linda have been best friends for twenty years, Emily said levelly, strolling on. Thats too serious to base on other peoples wishes.
Its not like Im saying you must marry him! her mother protested, voice climbing. Just spend some time together! Hes decent, educated, has a good job, doesnt drink too much. Hes a good lad
He is, Emily nodded, even though her mum couldnt see. But it doesnt mean hes right for me, does it?
So who is right, then? her mother sounded tired, as though theyd been here too often before. Youve been single for three yearsnever out on dates, hardly going out. What are you waiting for?
Im not waiting, Emily stopped at a wooden bench, sitting down. I just dont want to date for the sake of it. Im open to meeting people, but let it be my choicenot some project for you and Aunt Linda.
Your choice seems to be work, work, work, dinners in front of the telly, your life tied to the office, her mum said, sadness in her voice. Em, I just want you to be happy.
I am happy, Emily said quietly, watching a boy float a makeshift boat in a puddle. Just in my own way. I love my job, I like my life as it is. I dont need to find any old bloke for the sake of it.
The line was silent for a moment; then came her mums voice, softer this time:
Alright. Im sorry for pushing you. I just worry about you. I worry youll be lonely when were older.
I know, Emily said gently. And I love that you care. But can we skip the surprise set-ups? Do you know what a panic you caused?
I promise, her mum repliedand Emily could sense her mums smile. But if you do meet someone you really fancy, youll tell me, wont you?
Of course. Emily rose, swinging her bag onto her shoulder. Promise. Now, got to dash. Lots to do. Love you.
Love you too, darling. Take care.
She tucked away her phone and looked up at the sky. The clouds were drifting apart like velvet curtains, revealing blue behind them. Sunlight glowed at the edges, throwing golden dapples onto rooftops. Laughter from a pair of girls floated across the pavement, arms linked, shopping bags swinging. A runner passed by, ginger spaniel bounding by his side.
Emily breathed in deeply, feeling lighter with every breath. Life was bustling all aroundkids shrieked on the swings, couples chatted over coffee across the street, the city just lived. It occurred to Emily how many paths open up for everyone each day, how many new faces and fresh chances lie just around the corner. Why force your life into somebody elses expectations of how things ought to be?
For the next several days, Emily made a conscious effort not to dwell on the awkward episode with her mum. Her work at the agency was a whirlwindher team were prepping for a major launch, and the pace became relentless. She was first in each morning, last out at night, sorting paperwork, cross-checking budgets, and negotiating with clients. Breaks meant strong tea, a sandwich at her desk, then diving back into the fray. Exhausted by evening, shed collapse into bed, barely awake enough to wash her face.
But at night, when the flat was still and streetlights cast shadows through the window, her mind replayed that day. She saw her mums disappointed face, Toms awkwardness, Aunt Lindas eager hope. Emily didnt feel guiltyshe knew shed been rightbut still, a twinge of bitterness lingered. She wished her mum hadnt misunderstood her so completely, or that it hadnt taken such blunt honesty to make the point.
On Friday, as she sorted another round of work emails, Emily saw one from a colleague inviting her to his birthday. Itll be fun, the email said. Come, meet some new facesgreat company, good music! For a moment, she hesitated. After a tough week, the sofa and a cup of tea seemed appealing. Then again, she hadnt been out socially in ages, and the solitude was getting tiresome.
Why not? Emily typed back. Ill be there.
The party was at a cosy café on the edge of the city, with exposed brick, rustic wooden tables, and soft sofas by the windows. When Emily arrived, the room was already busy. The air was scented with strong coffee, pastries, and the faintest whiff of someones perfume. Jazz trickled from the speakers and people mingled, chatting and laughing.
She quickly spotted the birthday boy at the bar, waving energetically at friends. When he saw her, he grinned and hurried over.
Ah, you made it! he said, pulling her into a hug. Thought youd bail.
I needed the break, Emily grinned back. Happy birthday, by the way!
After a few words about work, he pointed her to a window seat where some mates were already chatting. Sit with themlovely crowd. Ill join you in a bit.
With a glass of juice in hand, Emily made her way over. Jokes were already being told, and by the time she sat down, laughter erupted again. She introduced herself, and felt the tightness in her shoulders begin to ease.
Hi, said a friendly voice beside her. She turned to see a young man with kind eyes and an open smile. You must be Emily? Im DanielI work with Laura.
Thats right, Emily smiled, slightly curious. Nice to meet you.
I saw you at the planning meeting for the GlobalTech launch, Daniel sat down beside her. Youre heading up that project, arent you?
She was surprised at his memorymost people from other departments barely knew each other.
Thats me, she replied. How about you?
Im on the analytics teamI did the numbers for your contract.
Their conversation flowed from there, surprisingly easy and funny. Daniel not only knew his stuff but was genuinely interestinghe listened as much as he talked, asked thoughtful questions, and tossed out little jokes that had Emily laughing more than she had all week.
As the café got busier and noisier, Daniel leaned in. Shall we step outside? Bit loud in here for talking.
Emily agreed. Outside was cool and peacefulthe distant hum of the city, stars twinkling above. They leaned against the brick wall, watching the occasional car pass.
What do you do for fun? Daniel asked, folding his arms comfortably.
I like reading, long walks, Emily shrugged, searching for a more exciting answer. A film now and then. How about you?
I love travelling, his eyes lit up. Went to Cornwall last yearabsolutely stunning. Coastal path, fresh air, incredible pasties
Emily smiled. Tell me more!
Daniel launched into a story about wild surf beaches, cliff walks with sea breezes, clotted cream teas at tiny cafés, stories he somehow made vivid and funny.
What about you? he asked, after catching his breath. Where do you like to escape to?
The seaside, always, Emily replied, remembering distant holidays. The sound of the waves, the smell of salt. Sadly, I dont get away much with work, but Id go every summer if I could.
That needs fixing, he winked, without a hint of pressure. Maybe next year, we could go together?
Emily paused, surprised by his straightforwardnessthen gave a genuine laugh.
Thats direct, Ill give you that!
Just honest, Daniel grinned, meeting her gaze naturally. I really like talking with you. Id love to see you again.
She studied him for a moment. There was no heavy-handed charm or awkwardness, just warmth and openness. It felt good.
Lets see where it goes, she agreed, smiling. But no rush, alright?
Whatever you say, he said, his smile saying everything. How about coffee tomorrow? No big deal. Just a chat.
Sounds lovely, Emilys heart lifted. Id like that.
When Emily arrived home, barely had her shoes come off before the phone rang again. Mum flashed on the screen. She answered almost without thinking.
Emily, love! How are you? her mum asked, voice hesitant as if treading carefully.
Great, Emily replied, dropping onto the sofa, happiness still colouring her words. Just got back from a birthday do. Met someone, actually.
Really? her mums surprise was unmistakable, though laced with nerves. Whats he like? Tell me everything!
Hes nice, Emily chuckled, imagining Daniels expression if he could hear this. Smart, funny, and he doesnt run to his mum when things get tricky.
Her mum laughed, the tension broken.
Im glad, she replied. So I neednt have worried so much after all?
Emily paused, thinking. She wanted her mum to finally understand.
No, you werent wrong to worry. You care, and that means a lot. But you can relax now. I really do know my own mind, I promise.
Alright then, her mum said, with a hint of a smile. Love you.
Love you too, Emily replied warmly.
She put her phone down and looked out at the city lightsamber, gold and pearl, flickering in the distance, weaving patterns shed seen a hundred times. Distant cars streaked through the night. Sounds of the evening drifted faintly uplaughter, stray snippets of conversation, soft music from a distant pub.
Emily inhaled deeply, feeling peace settle inside. The evening, her mums acceptance, meeting Danielall of it seemed to fold together into something unexpectedly wonderful. She didnt know what tomorrow would bring, but for the first time in a long while, she was simply content with things just as they were: letting life unfold at its own pace.
Outside, the city glimmered, steady and unhurried, as Emily sat, watching its gentle rhythm, and understoodreal happiness is found in living your life on your own terms, one honest step at a time.
