Page 35 of Pucking Your Best Friend

Maddie’s heart clenched.

Was he serious? Or was he acting? She couldn’t tell the difference anymore!

Matt inhaled deeply, ran a hand through his hair, and added, “You know, it’s easy to find something casual. Dating is fun, no question. But lately, it’s not enough for me.”

Maddie’s fingers slid into Eggsy’s plumage as his words fired into her stomach like bullets.

“But, as a public figure, I find it rather difficult to distinguish the women who are just after my money from those who are serious — and who’d be able to cope with my lifestyle. I needhelp with that." He shrugged. “Besides, I’m so tired of swiping screens that treat people like merchandise for sale. That’s why I prefer to do it in person rather than online. Love is an intimate thing, isn’t it? Besides, Maddie can tell at a glance whether someone is compatible or not. Whether someone is right for someone or not.” He nodded in her direction and smiled. “No app or those huge dating agencies can do that. They don’t personally look after each of their clients. Apart from that, Match Me! has an incredible questionnaire that goes beyond the superficial stuff. You can truly see how important it is to them to find exactly the right person. So, maybe my dream woman will be standing right in front of me in a few weeks. Who knows!” He smiled, nodding confidently...and Maddie felt dizzy.

What was he saying? Was he acting or…or did he honestly want a serious relationship?

That couldn’t be. Matt wasn’t up for anything serious. He didn’t want to marry and have children. That was the reason why she…why she…

The blood whooshed loudly in her head and she clenched her hands — but she had forgotten that she was still carrying a chicken in her arms.

Eggsy cackled loudly and angrily. The chicken suddenly started flapping her wings before pecking at Maddie’s arm with her beak. Startled, Maddie let go of her…and she flew straight toward Matt and into the picture.

Matt and the reporter staggered back in shock. Eggsy’s wing grazed Matt's injured eye and knocked the microphone out of the reporter’s hand.OhhandAghwent the crowd as they moved back.

“Oh my God!” Maddie shouted and jumped forward. “Are you okay? Sorry!” She quickly fished the microphone off the ground and pressed it into the reporter’s hand before inspecting Matt’s swollen eye.

“Um, we’re still live,” the cameraman murmured.

The journalist immediately put on a smile. “Speak of the devil!” he said loudly. “This is Madison James, one of the two owners of Match Me!. The woman with the magic touch for love. Was that your chicken?” He winked at her. Matt grinned broadly and her head tried to disguise itself as a traffic light.

Oh, God. Live. They were live. “Um, yes,” she said in a squeaky voice. “This is Eggsy. Basically…our mascot. I’m so sorry, she doesn’t like being told what to do and what not to do. She’s a lot like Matt in that respect.”

Matt snorted and the reporter and some in the crowd chuckled loudly.

“Well, he did take your advice and sign up with you!” the ESPN guy said.

“He’s stubborn, but he’s also smart,” she said and cleared her throat.

More laughter.

“But is he right? Is it true that you have an eye for what fits and doesn’t fit on a human level? And is your questionnaire truly that good?”

“Um, I…yes,” she stammered, her face still red-hot, uncertain how to answer when she felt light pressure above her waist. Matt’s hand rested reassuringly on the small of her back. She inhaled deeply and tried to smile. She was not alone. “I designed it together with my sister, who is a distinguished couples’ therapist. It can determine exactly how compatible you are in terms of values and beliefs about life. I think that’s incredibly important when it comes to serious relationships.”

“So, it’s better to come by in person rather than using your website?”

“Our website is good and oftentimes, it will probably be sufficient to look for a partner. It doesn’t matter if you’re heterosexual or LGBTQ+, by the way. Everyone has a right tolove! However, if you’re a public figure and have the same problems as Matt, it can be easier if I get a personal idea of your expectations and requirements for a relationship. And...well, as you can see, we have a chicken in the office,” she finally added weakly. “So, it’s definitely worth it to stop by.”

The journalist smiled broadly and looked back at the camera. “You heard it! Match Me! is for everyone. So come by or sign up on their website. There’s currently a twenty-five percent discount if you enter discount codeMatt!”

That was Hailey’s idea. And, judging by the generalahs, a good one.

“So, Mr. Payne, good luck with your endeavor. We’re all excited.” Then, the camera went off.

Exhausted and relieved, Maddie collapsed. “My goodness, I had no idea what I was asking of you,” she whispered to Matt, who merely chuckled softly.

“That was great, guys!” the reporter announced enthusiastically. “Man, that chicken, fantastic! Was that planned?” He looked at Maddie curiously.

“No. That was just luck.” Or sheer stupidity.

The ESPN guy laughed boisterously. “Great accident. People love it when things go wrong during live interviews. So, thanks for everything! Good luck to you.” As soon as he and the cameraman had packed up, people started pushing forward. Wait, actually, the women were swarming Matt.

Maddie was shoved aside as they all told him how great they thought it was that he wanted to find the right one this way. They slipped him phone numbers, touched his biceps, sighed, and told him how wonderful he was…

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