Page 68 of The Matchmaker

Tabitha spots me at the edge of the door and brightens.

“Nura!” She gestures for me to come inside. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale.” Her shimmering gown flows like liquid. “This is a gorgeous venue. I’m so happy for you both.”

“Thank you for helping me find my Timothy.”

“It’s a pleasure to match people as perfect for each other as you are.”

“Just a heads-up, there are at least five more people here who are probably going to tackle you and beg you to take them on,” she says. “Sorry in advance?”

I laugh and give her a hug. I give her space to get ready and prepare for her big day. Back outside in the main grassy event space, I glance in Azar’s direction. He’s still on the call, off in the distance by the artistically rendered tractor. I pull out my phone to check messages—then I click Zayna’s profile. I look at the newest photo, which is not a selfie. Instead, it’s a leather suitcase on a bed with striped sheets. Inside, I glimpse folded jeans and a floral makeup bag. The caption:Checking out Helen Resort and Spa with a special someone this weekend.

A special someone.My chest constricts.

“Sorry about that.” Azar approaches me.

“Everything okay?” I ask.

“Yeah.” His expression is strained. “Shall we get to our seats? Looks like they’re getting ready to begin.”

“Azar. Who was on the phone?”

“Oh, that was Zayna.” He shrugs but doesn’t offer more.

I fold my arms and look at him until he gives in.

“It’s nothing. We’re going to Helen tomorrow to do some hiking and check out that waterfall. She got off her shift early, so she rang me to see…”

She called like a girlfriend does. To see if he was home. If she can come over to his place so they can head out in the morning together. For the romantic weekend getaway she was so excited about that she had to post it online for the world to see.

The warmth and lightness inside of me flickers off. This is why he was of two minds about coming to this wedding. He knew he had another obligation. He’s here out of pity. I’m a nagging kid sister who needs looking after.

“Does she know you’re here? With me?”

“It’s no big deal.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

He sticks his hands in his pockets. Doesn’t reply.

“If she didn’t like me before, she’s going to hate me now.”

“She’ll come around.”

She’ll come around.Not a denial. Shedoeshate me.

“And if she doesn’t come around? Then what?” I ask. “Things are serious between the two of you. If she doesn’t approve of us, what happens next?”

“What do you mean?” Azar’s eyes flash. “You and me. We’re friends, right? But I need more. And I finally found someone I connect with. Zayna…she’s great. At the end of the day, you and I will always be friends, but there’s more to life. At least, for me there is, but I guess you wouldn’t understand that not everyone is like you, obsessed with work to the point where I have to come along to weddings to spend any reliable time with you. Not everyone is happy to be alone for the rest of their life.”

I can’t breathe. It’s like I’ve been slapped. He knows how important my job is to me. I thought he understood. And happy to be alone? How can he not see that I had found someone too—but that someone wasn’t interested in me? Violins play Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” I shakily glance at the crowd settling in. I need to find my seat. I’m here to work. I need to get my game face on. But how?

“Wait,” he says. “That came out wrong. I—”

“I think it came out exactly right.” The music picks up in volume. “I have to go.”

“Nur. Listen—”

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