“Well, you would have been disappointed. I smiled and clapped along with everyone else.”
“What a good friend you are.”
It was said with such sarcasm Emma couldn’t help rolling her eyes at him. “Taylor and I have always chosen to disagree onGrease. I think it’s the worst movie ever made. She will eternally love it. End of story.”
It was the perfect response to cut him off at the knees. Besides, George hated the movie as much as she did.
“So,” she said, trying her best to be casual. “I think I might get a little more serious with my matchmaking, now that I know how good I am at it.”
“Ha!” George slapped the seat next to him. “Who haveyoumatched up?”
“Taylor and West for one. He could barely talk to her when he came over to the house that first time. And then the silence would draw out and he’d get up and leave. Once I knew Taylor liked him back, I made sure to keep the conversation going, to find reasons for them to have to spend time together. I’m pretty sure the first time they kissed, it was while they were running errands for me.”
“That is the worst recommendation speech I’ve ever heard, Emma. They already liked each other. How is that matchmaking?”
“Sometimes romance needs a little nudge. Oh, wow. I should write that down.”
“It’s a good tagline, but that’s a terrible business idea for you.”
Emma waved him off. “I already have a job. Helping the fashion-challenged is my passion and always will be. Matchmaking would just be a hobby to bring happiness to theromantically-challenged.” She’d done it again. “Bringing happiness to the romantically-challenged,” she repeated. “Oh, I am killing it tonight. Write that one down for me too. I should have gone into advertising.”
George laughed. “Now that you have some great one-liners for ad copy you’ll never use, can we get back to what makes you think you’re qualified to match people up?”
“It’s not just Taylor and West, you know. The whole reason we’re stuck with each other is because I made my sister go out with your brother six years ago. She planned to cancel their date and stay home to study that night. But Imadeher go out with him because they were perfect for each other, even if she couldn’t see it yet. And now they’re happily married with two adorable children and one more on the way. What better success story is there than that?”
“Emma, I say this with no offense intended. I can’t think of anyone less qualified to be a matchmaker. You’ve never been in love.”
“And you have?” She narrowed her eyes at him in the rearview mirror.
George gave her one of his long, disapproving stares. He was very good at them. “No, but I’m not trying to be a matchmaker.”
“Like I said, I’m not turning this into a business. Heaven knows I’m busy enough as it is. I’m just saying, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m not going to turn a blind eye. The world needs me.”
George dropped his head in his hands, and Emma took the opportunity to giddily grin before returning to a face of serious determination. She’d succeeded in driving him completely mad, and all it took was two minutes and a wild idea.
And who knew? Maybe she’d actually get the chance to make another couple outrageously happy.
Chapter 2♥Bribery and Bingo
Bingo was in full swing at the retirement center. George sat next to another George, sixty years his senior, and took a bingo card from the stack.
“How’re you feeling, George? Any side effects with the new medication?”
“None at all. I don’t feel so nauseous after I eat now.” The older George gave him a scrutinizing look. “Shouldn’t you be on your lunch break, young man?”
“I am. I ate my sandwich on the way over.” He pointed to B11, which his older friend had failed to cover. “Sorry, I’m distracting you.”
“It’s all right. They’re giving out yoga balls as prizes again. I’ll have to go in for hip replacement surgery if I try out one of those.”
Actually, thatwassort of a strange prize to give out to people with balance issues. He’d have to talk to the bingo lady.
Specializing in aging care began as a smart career move, but turned into a passion for him, as hard as it was to treat people in the last stages of their life. This retirement community was pioneering something new, keeping a primary care physician on site, and he was happy to be a part of it.
George glanced around, looking for his twelve-thirty appointment. Loraine had a history of not showing up, but they really needed to keep on top of her insulin management. She hated doctors, though George was doing his best to change that.
One thing Loraine never missed, however, was Monday Bingo. He spotted her at the table behind him, studying her bingo card like it might hold the keys to eternal youth.
He slid into the seat next to her before someone else took it. Loraine didn’t look up from her card, but he didn’t miss the scowl that crossed her face.
