Chapter 3: the beginning
1421 Words
The chipped porcelain teacup trembled in Emma's hand, the faint scent of chamomile battling the metallic tang of anxiety. Sunlight slanted across the polished mahogany table, fractured by the intricate lacework of the conservatory's canopy. Jake, the hockey player whose life seemed to exist on a fast-forward loop, was late. Again.
Emma traced the delicate pattern of the antique silverware, her fingers moving with a nervous energy mirroring the fluttering in her chest. He was a whirlwind, a force of nature. Despite the chaos surrounding him, he exuded an undeniable charisma. The lawyer’s letters, court documents, and tense phone calls—none of that was reflected in the Jake she remembered.
She had met him, of all places, at her annual New Year's Eve party. Laughter and clinking glasses had surrounded their encounter. A mutual friend, a boisterous woman named Brenda, had introduced them.
"Jake, this is Emma," Brenda had said, her voice bright. "She's the best matchmaker in town!"
Emma had plastered a polite smile onto her face. Jake had grinned, charm radiating from him. "Nice to meet you, Emma."
Their conversation had been brief and stilted. Emma remembered the awkwardness, the way his dark eyes had searched hers, unsure. Then came the mistletoe. That small, green sprig hung mockingly above them, a symbol of enforced kissing.
The moment had been electric, charged. Almost accidental, the kiss had been breathless and lingering, a brief, stolen moment. But it quickly faded as the music and chatter resumed. A fleeting connection, a fleeting fantasy.
Emma felt a jolt of embarrassment. The memory of his lips brushing against hers lingered uncomfortably. Her professional instincts kicked in immediately. She was a matchmaker. Personal feelings were a luxury she couldn't afford. She had categorized him—filed him away: a desirable client, nothing more.
The awkward meeting had quickly transformed into a business transaction. He had come to her looking for a date, not a lover. Jake had hired her to find a partner, someone to distract him from the constant stress in his life. Snippets had reached her ears about his custody battle from mutual acquaintances.
Now, sitting alone in the conservatory, Emma felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite name. It wasn't just professional detachment; it was a subtle yearning, a whisper of curiosity. She forced herself to pull away from the memory. This was a business meeting—nothing more.
"He's always running late," a voice murmured.
Startled, Emma looked up. Brenda stood at the doorway, a whirlwind of energy, her laughter echoing like cascading water.
"He's probably caught in traffic," Emma said, forcing a smile. "He'll be here."
"Poor Jake. This custody battle is taking a toll," Brenda leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorial. "Think you can find him someone who understands?"
Emma sighed internally. She knew a date could help. "I'm no therapist, Brenda," she said, trying to keep her tone even. "I’m a matchmaker. I find compatible individuals."
Brenda chuckled. "Precisely. I know a woman who seems perfect."
"Perfect," Emma thought. "Like a perfect storm, maybe."
Just then, the bell above the door chimed, a jarring sound in the quiet conservatory. Emma straightened. Jake strode in, a whirlwind of dark hair and controlled energy, eyes focused on the table.
"Emma, sorry I'm late," he said, a hint of apology in his low voice. "Traffic was horrendous."
"No worries, Jake," Emma replied, her voice smooth and controlled. "Let's get started."
They settled into their conversation, hushed tones of professional discussion filling the air. Emma asked about his schedule, hobbies, and thoughts on the future. He talked about hockey, dreams for his son, and the difficulties of the custody battle.
"The good news is, I finally got a reprieve next week," Jake said, a rare flicker of relief crossing his face. "A court-ordered break. I plan to use it to focus on getting things right." His eyes were serious but held something else—a flicker of hope.
"That's good news, Jake," Emma replied. "It'll be helpful to have a clear head."
"And about that date," Jake leaned forward, his voice curious. "What do you recommend?"
Emma paused, her mind racing. A date to help him unwind—a chance to forget the stress. Someone patient and understanding. "What about a weekend getaway?" She suggested.
"A weekend?" Jake asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where?"
Emma smiled, her confidence growing. "To the mountains. There's a charming little lodge near the slopes. It’ll be a quiet retreat. No hockey games, no distractions."
"You can’t be serious," Jake shook his head. "I've got training, Millie, and so much going on."
"Jake," Emma said, her tone firm but calm. "You need a break. Just a couple of days to recharge."
He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "But what about my commitments?"
Emma leaned forward, locking eyes with him. "Commitments can wait. Your well-being is crucial."
Jake sighed, clearly torn. "I don’t know. I feel guilty leaving everything behind."
"Guilt won’t help anyone, especially not you," Emma replied gently. "You've been carrying too much. Just think about it."
"What if I can't find anyone to join me?" he asked, a frown creasing his brow.
"I’ll help,” Emma assured him. “This is my job, remember? We'll find someone fun and engaging, and they’ll give you the break you deserve."
"Okay, but what if they don't mesh well?" Jake pressed, still unconvinced.
Emma smiled, her confidence unwavering. "I’ll do my best to find a perfect match. It’s what I do."
He chuckled softly. "You make it sound easy."
“That’s because it is, in a way,” Emma replied, her tone lightening. “It’s all about chemistry.”
"Chemistry, huh?" Jake raised an eyebrow, the tension easing. "What kind of chemistry do you have in mind?"
"The kind that makes you forget your worries,” she teased, leaning back in her chair.
"I could use a lot of that," Jake admitted, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.
"Then it's settled. A weekend away to recharge, with or without a date."
"With a date," Jake corrected, a reluctant smile breaking across his face. "Just to see how it goes."
"Perfect," Emma said, relief washing over her. "I’ll get started right away."
Brenda peeked back into the room. "Did I hear weekend getaway? I want in!"
Jake laughed, his earlier tension fading. "You want to come with me on a date?"
"Of course not!" Brenda waved her hand dismissively. "I'll help find someone. You need to unwind."
“Thanks, Brenda,” Jake said, still smiling. “I appreciate that.”
"Just focus on enjoying yourself," Emma encouraged. "That's the whole point."
"Are you always this optimistic?" Jake leaned back, clearly intrigued.
"Always," she winked. "It’s part of my charm."
Jake grinned. "I guess that works for you as a matchmaker."
"And you’ll be my exceptional client," Emma added, her tone playful.
"Let’s see if you can pull it off,” Jake said, a challenge in his voice.
"I like a good challenge," Emma replied, meeting his gaze. “Remember, I’m the best in town.”
"Alright, Emma the Matchmaker. I'm counting on you," Jake said, his voice firm.
"You won’t regret it,” she assured him.
"I’m sure I won't," he said, a flicker of hope in his eyes.
The tension shifted, replaced by a sense of possibility. They continued to chat, the weight of the past lifting slightly. With each exchange, Emma felt renewed purpose. This wasn’t just another client—Jake was more. Something stirred within her, a whisper she couldn't ignore.
"Speaking of getting away," Brenda interjected, breaking the moment. "You two should think about what the getaway would entail. Activities, meals—everything."
"Right," Jake nodded, focus shifting. "I’ll need to know what I’m in for."
Emma felt a jolt of excitement. "A mix of adventure and relaxation. Hiking, maybe some spa time."
"Hiking?" Jake groaned, teasing. "Will I survive a venture like that?"
"Relax, athlete," Emma shot back, laughter bubbling between them. "You’re supposed to enjoy it."
"I’ll try." He smirked, eyes brightening.
Brenda chimed in again, "What about food? Gotta have good meals."
Emma grinned. "Absolutely. Farm-to-table restaurants, cosy dinners by the fire."
"Now that sounds tempting," Jake admitted, leaning back with a grin.
Brenda smirked knowingly. "See, it’s not scary—just fun."
"Right,” Jake laughed. “I guess I just needed some convincing."
"That’s what I’m here for," Emma said, her heart racing.
This might turn out to be more than just a business arrangement.
- Writer
