Matchmaking by Appointment

Arranged Courtship by the Clock

So, listen. I have to tell you about one mad day I had it starts with me, sat at my desk at work, completely lost in paperwork. Honestly, there was a mountain of stuff: invoices, contracts, reports. I was sorting them into colour-coded folders, scribbling in my notebook, double-checking numbers. The office was dead quiet, except for the odd muffled conversation next door and someone bashing away at a keyboard. Sunlight sneaked through the blinds, striping my desk with those neat lines of light.

Then, out of nowhere, my phone blared to life. I actually jumped; totally snapped me out of it. Looked at the screen: Mum. I frowned because my mum normally calls later, after her shifts over, and it was only three oclock. Not normal at all something must be up.

Anyway, I answered and my mums voice comes through, all trembly and anxious, Ella, love, could you get here quickly? Its really important! That tone I havent heard it in ages. Straight away, I shot upright in my chair, shoved the paperwork aside like it had suddenly become irrelevant.

Whats wrong? I tried to sound calm, but my stomach was in knots. Are you okay?

Im fine! she said, a bit too fast. Really. But I need to talk to you. Its urgent.

Now, part of me wanted to march back to my teetering pile of documents the day wasnt over and my boss, Mr Watkins, likes things done properly. But you know when your mum uses the urgent voice, thats it you dont argue.

Alright, I said, checking the clock, Ill be there in an hour.

If you could be quicker, that would be best, she whispered, all mysterious, There are people waiting.

People waiting? Now I was suspicious. Hundreds of scenarios zipped through my mind family drama, work disaster, some awkward misunderstanding. But if Mum says urgent, you go.

I chucked all the papers in a folder, slipped my phone and purse into my bag, pulled on my blazer, and popped into Mr Watkinss office. Thankfully he was lovely about it and told me to go. Booked the Uber, double-checked with Mum if she needed anything, but she just repeated, Just come, love.

I caught myself almost running to the car, heart thumping. Couldnt help imagining the worst. The ride was forty minutes exactly you know what London traffics like at three. The usual city scenes flew past the window: grey blocks of flats, bright corner shops, little bits of green from parks. I didnt register any of it, just kept checking my phone, trying to figure out what on earth was going on.

I started guessing: had Mum fallen out with someone at work? Got bad news from Auntie Liz? Maybe something with a cousin? Nothing quite fit.

Finally, pulled up outside our old terraced house in Southfields. Paid the driver nearly a tenner, as usual and hurried inside. Didnt even have time to get my key in before Mum flung open the door and all but dragged me in.

At last! Come in, quick,” she said. Straight away, the smell hit me her homemade scones, the special ones with vanilla she only does if its someones birthday or a little celebration. Odd though; her panicky tone didnt fit the bunting-and-cake sort of day.

So I kicked off my shoes and followed her to the lounge, which, hand on heart, stopped me in my tracks. The table was set, all white tablecloth and polished teacups. And sitting there was Ben. Yes, Ben Auntie Lizs son, who Ive known since we were kids, and who used to trip over his own feet at every school sports day. He smiled, awkward as ever, tugged at his collar like it was strangling him.

Auntie Liz was beaming like it was the Royal Wedding. For a sec, I was lost for words.

Hi, Ella, Ben managed, standing up with a nervous little wave. Been a while.

I was not in the mood for formalities. Sure has. Mum, why am I here?

Mum didnt even clock how cold I sounded. She fussed with a napkin and finally said, Liz and I were talking You two grew up together, youre both settled now She shot me a look.

I just stared back. And?

Auntie Liz jumped in, Bens doing ever so well, new job, got his own flat. Hes a catch, Ella, honestly.

Mum said, We just thought maybe youd like to catch up. Get to know each other a bit better.

You know that bubbling frustration? I had it right then this wasnt the first time Mum had tried to set me up. I clenched my fists, swallowed, tried to stay calm.

Mum, I said, I appreciate you worrying about me and all, but Ill make my own decisions on who I date, thanks.

Ben went red as a tomato, clearly wishing the ground would swallow him up. Look, Ella, maybe dont be so hasty? It wouldnt hurt to chat a bit. We got on quite well back in school, didnt we?

I just looked him straight in the eye. No offence, Ben, but you never were my type, and nothings changed. We can be friends, sure, but dont expect more.

Poor bloke looked down, fiddling with his shirt like it was too tight.

I mean it, he said quietly, Im genuinely hoping we might work out.

I tried to be gentle. Ben, youre a nice guy. But thats not enoughyou cant force feelings because our mums want it.

I felt the last of my tension slip away. Mum really had outdone herself this time.

“I think Im going to go,” I said, grabbing my bag. Sorry, Mum, but this just isnt fair on any of us. Best to be straight.

She tried to stop meElla, wait, lets just talk it through!but I shook my head.

Not now, Mum. Maybe lets discuss this when youre ready to listen instead of launching surprise matchmaking sessions. And please dont do anything like this againI worried all the way here.

And out I went, leaving before she could say anything else. Outside, it was actually fresh, still smelling of rain, and I could breathe again. Seriously, why is she so obsessed with pairing me off? Hasnt she realised yet that forced setups always end in disaster? I know what I want, and Id rather be single than settle for someone whos not even sure of himself.

Still fuming, I cut through the little park on my way back to the tube. The usual sights: kids running around, mums chatting over prams, pensioners soaking up the last of the sun. I dodged puddles, not caring if the odd raindrop hit my jacket.

Suddenly, Mum called again.

Why did you leave, Ella? she said, more aggrieved than angry. We were meant to talk.

Mum, you cant just expect me to go along with marrying Ben just because you and Auntie Liz have been mates since uni! Thats a bit much.

She bristled. No one said marriage! Just have a decent chat. Hes polite, decent, doesnt drink too much. A good lad!

Im sure hes lovely, I said, sitting on a damp bench. But that doesnt make him right for me.

Then who is? Now she sounded totally worn out, the kind of voice that ends long arguments. Youve been single for years. I dont know what youre waiting for.

Im not waiting, I answered, watching a child float a paper boat in a puddle. I just dont want to grab the first guy who comes along because other people think thats the done thing. If I do meet someone, I want it to be my choice, not yours and Auntie Lizs plan.

Thats your choice then, to overwork and eat ready meals in front of the telly? Mum replied, and honestly, it stung a bit. I just want you to be happy, Ella.

I am, I said, properly meaning it. I like my job, I like my life. Stop worrying, will you?

There was a pause, just gentle breathing at her end. Then much softer, Alright. Sorry for pushing. Im just scared youll end up alone when were all gone.

God, thats such a mum thing to say. I get it, Mum. I know its from the right place. But promise meno more matchmaking surprises, please.

She almost laughed. I promise. But if ever you meet someone who really matters, will you tell me first?

Course I will, I said as I stood up. Right, Id better get going. Love you.

Love you too, darling. Take care.

I slipped my phone away and looked up at the sky. The clouds were starting to break with sunlight peeking through, and the world felt just a bit lighter. Laughter from a group of girls drifted down the path, a man jogged past with his ginger dog panting beside him, and the café across the road was busy with people just chatting, drinking their lattes. I just sat back and thought: you know what, lifes too short to live by someone elses idea of how things should unfold.

I buried myself in work for the next few days. We had a huge rollout at work and the agency was mental I was pulling ten-hour days, burning through endless cups of tea and cheese and pickle sandwiches. By the time I got home, I could barely keep my eyes open.

But no matter how shattered I was, that talk with Mum, Bens embarrassment, the hope in Auntie Lizs eyes I kept replaying it all like a daytime soap. No regrets, but there was that little pang shame we had to go through all that just to get the message across.

Friday rolls round, and Im ploughing through emails when my colleague Jack messages: Birthday drinks tonight, at Brick & Barrel! Loads going, good crowd, promise youll enjoy it, Ella.

I hesitated. Didnt really feel like dragging myself out, but then again, I realised I hadnt gone out in ages. Probably time to give it a go. Ill be there, I typed back before I could change my mind.

The Brick & Barrel is this quirky little café on the edge of Wandsworth bare bricks, fairy lights, big armchairs by the window. When I got there, the place was buzzing already the air mixed with the smell of coffee and someones fancy vegan cake, with a jazz playlist humming softly in the background.

Jack was at the bar, all grins, waving wildly the second he spotted me. You made it! he said, giving me a big hug. Thought youd bail.

Needed to get out, really, I laughed. Happy Birthday!

After a bit of work gossip, he nudged me over to a big table by the window and whispered, Go on, theyre a great bunch over there.

I took a glass of orange juice from a passing waiter, and slid into a chair. Nice lot: someone was telling a story that had everyone roaring with laughter. I settled in, starting to unwind at last.

Thats when Daniel appeared, out of nowhere, with the most genuine, open smile. Hi, you must be Ella? Im Daniel, I work in accounts with Chloe.

Nice to meet you! I grinned, surprisingly at ease.

He nodded. Saw you at the planning meeting last fortnight, right? You head up the Westhall project?

I do, I nodded, curious how he knew. Its not like everyone in the office keeps track.

Helped out with your numbers actually. Did the budget forecast for Jan-March, he said, and suddenly we were chatting like old friends.

Turns out Daniel was sharp, funny, and paid actual attention when I talked. No talk about living with his mum or shy glances. Just easy, relaxed conversation, peppered with these clever little comments that caught me off guard and made me laugh, properly, not out of politeness.

It started to get loud someones birthday playlist kicked off next door and Daniel suggested stepping outside for some air. I said yes pretty quickly.

We stood out under the fairy lights, city noise muted in the background. Cool air, proper fresh, stars just visible if you looked carefully.

So, what do you do outside work? he asked, leaning on the little fence.

I read, go for walks, sometimes catch a film. Nothing very wild, I admitted, actually feeling relaxed for the first time in ages. You?

I love travelling, he said, lighting up. Did a road trip down the west coast last year. Coastline, tiny pubs, proper English breakfasts every morning. Felt like an old-school adventure, you know?

I laughed, Alright, Im jealous. I hardly get away, always chained to my desk.

Well sort that out. Next time I go, youre coming, he teased, and for once, I didnt mind. It didnt sound like a line he was just being warm, open, hopeful.

We kept talking. About anything and everything music, books, the South Downs, favourite holiday disasters. Before I knew it, the time had flown by.

Back at home later, my phone went off Mum on the screen, again. Only this time, there was no panic.

Busy day, love? she asked, cautious but softer now.

Been out, I said, curling up on the sofa with a leftover bun. Went to birthday drinks, actually met someone nice.

There was a beat of surprise. Did you? Tell me!

I had to laugh shell never change. Yeah, proper good company. Not the type who runs to his mum for everything, Ill tell you that much.

She laughed back, and the old tension was gone. I am glad, darling. Means all that worrying might just have been for nothing?

I was quiet for a second, wanting to get it right. Not for nothing, Mum. You worry because you care, and Im grateful for it. But you can trust me too, alright? I really am happy. Maybe theres more out there for me than either of us expected.

Another pause, but this time it was a happy one. Deal. Love you, Ella.

Love you too.

I ended the call and just stared out at the London lights, stretching as far as you could see, all warmth and promise. Somewhere, people were laughing, heading home, walking dogs, living their own stories. My own life messy, unplanned, but full of possibility felt like it was finally ticking along in the right way.

Thats it, really. Things arent perfect all the time, but I reckon Im doing alright and if someone tells you happiness only comes if you marry your mums best friends son, remember me and politely pass the scones instead.