Page 7 of The Matchmaker's Melody
“And you accuse me of being too involved, but isn’t that exactly what you’re doing now? If Halli and Phil want to hang out together, and if I can facilitate it, what business is it of yours, anyway? They’re grown-ups. No one is forcing them to do anything.”
He let out a huff that was audible over the phone. “Emma, you don’t understand how this could turn out, what sort of influence you have over people.”
“You're talking nonsense. I know exactly what sort of influence I have. It’s my job, Gordon, remember? That’s what I do. I influence. And I’m just trying to make a couple of people happy, so enough with the doom and gloom.”
Her tirade was met with disapproving silence. Well, she had no time for his grumpy nonsense.
“Goodbye, Gordon. And next time, text like a normal person.”
She stabbed the redEnd Callbutton before he could say another word, but glared at the phone for a very long time before finally throwing it onto the table and stalking into her bedroom to prepare for tomorrow’s video.
CHAPTER4
ROB
Emma’s weekwas a busy one, full of social media posts, replies to comments, emails, YouTube videos, TikTok reels, and Instagram eye candy, and almost before she knew it, it was Thursday night again: Choir Night in Canada. Singing with the Eglinton Echoes really was one of the highlights of her week. She’d do it even if it didn’t look so good on her social media.
She chose a perfect outfit—cute but still serious enough—brushed her long blonde hair and ran a tiny dab of hair butter through it (one of the products she had been offered to try out, and hopefully talk about, which she did with enthusiasm), drank some hot lemon tea to prepare her voice, grabbed her music, and arrived at the arts centre exactly on time to walk in twelve minutes early. Image was everything, after all.
She was looking forward to this evening, not just for the music, but also to see how Halli and Phil were getting along. Would he ask her out tonight? Would she be brave enough to make that first move? No, that Emma rather doubted, since Halli really was very shy and uncertain. But Phil was confident enough to make a move. She gave herself a short nod and strode into the room with her head held high.
Ah, yes, and there was Phil. He must have just arrived, since he was settling his jacket over the back of a chair. He must have planned to arrive early enough to talk to Halli before rehearsal began. Excellent.
Speaking of Halli, where was she? Emma scanned the room. Her eyes found Elise, Ashleigh, Kevin… they flickered past Gordon before he could scowl at her… and then, at last, found Halli by the supply room, talking to—
Oh no. Surely not. What was she doing talking to Rob again? Why on earth would she want to talk to a menial tech guy when a real singer (even if he wasn’t particularly fabulous) and up-and-comer was ready to sweep her off her feet? Hadn’t Emma shown her what she could reach for? She would have to do something about this, and soon. Otherwise, Phil would slip through her fingers, and then where would everyone be? After all, Halli and Phil would be the perfect couple. It was absolutely obvious.
She was about to go over and break up their little conversation when a tiny prickle of conscience stopped her. It really wouldn’t be cool to make a scene here, even with only half the choir around. Later, after rehearsal, or perhaps tomorrow, she’d get in touch with Halli—by text and not by phone,Gordon—and explain things. Besides, Randall had just walked in, and she needed to say hello to him. The others should see her conferring with him about musical stuff, as well as just chatting. Image and all that.
She put her bag down, retrieved her music, and took half a step towards the choir director when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
“Hi, Emma.”
Phil. Why wasn’t he talking to Halli? Oh, of course. She was chatting to Rob. He must be feeling a bit confused. Poor guy.
“Hello.” She turned to face him, not prepared for the smug grin on his face.
“I enjoyed our outing last weekend,” he began. “It was really thoughtful of you to take Halli around to see a bit of the city. I must admit, I’ve lived here all my life, and I’ve never really explored it. We do that, don’t we? When we travel, we head straight for the big sites and important areas, but when we live in a place, we never think of it. Do you know I’ve never been up the CN tower?”
He looked at her meaningfully. What could—?
Aha!
“We should absolutely do that, then.” she replied. “I don’t know what Halli’s school workload is like, but if she’s got time, let’s make another day of it.”
Phil’s eyes lit up. “An excellent idea. You always have excellent ideas. Perhaps you and I…” he shrugged.
“Yes, we should definitely suggest this to Halli later. Perhaps at break? I see Randall calling me over. Probably he wants my thoughts on that passage in the slow movement. Later.” She gave him a flash of a smile and gathered up her music.
She certainly did not look anywhere near the piano, where Gordon was glaring at her with the sourest expression she’d ever seen on his face.
* * *
Despite Emma’s intentions,the next attempt to get Halli and Phil together was delayed. The following week was Thanksgiving, the long weekend in early October, when families gathered to eat too much, go apple picking, catch up with old friends, and generally enjoy a Monday not being at work.
Whatever Halli and Phil’s plans might be, Emma’s calendar was booked.
As happened every year, the entire extended families of the Massey-Knight business partnership were gathering at the cottage on Lake Simcoe for their traditional Thanksgiving get-together. Her sister, Isobel, and Gordon’s brother, Jon, would be there, part of the gradual transfer of power to the next generation, and it was one of those Command Performances, as Gordon grumbled, when their presence was expected.
