My Match
"Did you know that you can actually die from a broken heart?"
Samantha stared at her phone in disbelief while drinking her coffee. She looked up at me just in time to catch the ridiculous glance I threw her way.
"–according to a study." She shrugged.
"Stop following that stupid page, Sam. None of their facts are legit."
"This one could be. Either way, smart of them to drop it right before valentine's day. They're promoting their new dating app."
I stopped at my task of icing cupcakes to blink at her. "They mention broken hearts and encourage people to date at the same time? That's some twisted advertising strategy, to be honest."
She sighed. "Come on, Maddie. Not all relationships end in a broken heart. Take me and Leo for example. We met through a dating app two years ago and look where we are now. Happily married," she sang the last two words.
I couldn't help but smile. Sam and Leo were second on my list of 'Reasons to not give up on love,' the first being my parents.
"So I was thinking," she grinned, "why don't I sign you up for this app?"
"What? No way."
"Why not? You should totally give it a shot. After all, who knows who you'll find there?"
"What if I find a creep?"
She groaned. "Let's be optimistic for once. Imagine finding a cute guy, going out with him, and he turns out to be the love of your life. You'll thank me later."
I shook my head. "I believe in true love, Sam, which is quite rare these days. And I think those who find it are the luckiest people in the world. Like you and Leo. Like my parents. I don't wanna go out with a stranger and try forcing my feelings. That's just not me."
She smiled. "I understand."
"Maddie," my mom's voice cut in. "Are the cupcakes ready?"
"Yes. Out in a second," I quickly iced the last one before carrying the huge tray out to the display counter. There weren't many customers at the moment, but we were expecting the morning rush soon.
Me and my family owned a small café in town. Earlier, it used to be just a take away ran by my parents, but two years ago, when I turned 26 and was tired of my corporate job, I quit and spent most of my savings upgrading this place to a café restaurant.
"I'm late for work." Sam followed me outside, looking down at her watch. "See you later, Maddie."
"See you, Sam."
The bell hung over the café door chimed, signalling a new customer. While my mom went into the kitchen, I stood behind the counter to take orders.
"Hi! Good morning. Welcome to–" I stopped abruptly when my eyes lifted to the man standing in front of me.
His brown eyes widened for a second, the situation clearly as unexpected for him as it was for me. Rendered completely speechless, I found myself staring at his face long enough to be deemed creepy. Was that really him?
His face had matured from the last time I'd seen him owing to the stubble and his well-defined jaw, beating the former childlike innocence. The brown of his eyes was deeper, darker–if that was even possible. His hair, usually a mess, was now neatly styled back.
Lastly, I noticed his rigid and composed posture, nothing like the joyful, peppy one from five years ago.
He looked so different. So good. And so...estranged.
"Scott, hi," I blurted out. Hi? Seriously, Maddie?
His eyes greeted me with a spark of recognition, followed by the corners of his lips pulling up into a smile, causing a dimple to form on his cheek. The only quality he still carried that I was familiar with. "Maddie."
God! Why did it feel so good to see him again? After I told myself that I didn't need him anymore and got over him?
Five years ago, I hated him when he broke us up for med school, but later realized that I wouldn't have forgiven myself if he'd chosen me over his career.
Though I still blamed him for breaking up instead of trying long-distance relationship, I eventually accepted that he was never coming back and decided to move on. And I believed that I had, until now.
"It's been so long. How are you?" he asked.
"Good." I smiled. "You?"
"Good." He nodded. "I love what you guys have done with this place."
"Thanks."
Behind him, I spotted Sam witnessing our encounter with big, excited eyes.
"Oh my God," she mouthed.
Following my gaze, Scott almost turned around, but I suddenly asked, "So what can I get you?"
"Right. The order." He looked down at the display counter. "I'll have one of these."
He pointed towards the lemon lavender cupcakes, directing a suggestive smile at me, probably recalling how crazy we both were about those. We were always in the kitchen after school whenever my mom was baking, waiting to grab a few from the fresh batch.
"Lemon lavender cupcake coming right up," I announced.
"Actually, make that two."
"Okay. Two cupcakes."
"And two black coffees, please."
"Two cupcakes and two black coffees," I habitually repeated the order and asked, "to-go?"
"No, I'll stay." He smiled.
I nodded and started preparing his order, expecting him to go take a seat, but he stood there. I secretly hoped for a new customer right then.
Feeling his eyes on me, I hesitantly looked up, but he was looking at the wall menu behind me. He returned my gaze with a smile and went back to reading the menu.
"So, you finally quit your job?" He knew how much I hated it.
"Yeah. Good riddance."
"And what's being here like? Are you happy? Contented?"
I nodded.
"Good." There was a pause and I couldn't tell if he was out of words or just wondering how to phrase them. He tapped his fingers against the counter before speaking again, "what about others? Are you still friends with anyone from college?"
"Just Sam."
"Was that her a few minutes ago?"
"Yes."
Remembering about her, I looked past Scott but Sam wasn't there anymore.
"How's she doing?"
"Really well. She's got a nice job and got married a year ago."
"Married? Really?"
"Yeah. Her husband Leo is a very nice guy."
"That's amazing."
Once his food was ready, I placed it on our small café themed tray for him to take to his seat, wondering if he was expecting company to order two of every item or just really hungry.
"Maddie," he called.
"Hm?"
"Um, I was wondering if you wanted..." He paused once I looked up, scratched the back of his neck and finally exhaled. "...if you could pass me an extra tissue, please."
"Sure." I grabbed a few from the counter and neatly placed them on the tray beside his food. "Enjoy."
"Thanks," He walked to a corner booth and, once settled, pulled out his phone but didn't start eating, and I deduced that he was waiting for someone to show up.
I had no idea why my heart still ached at the thought.
A few more customers came in as distraction and I got busy preparing their orders. After a while, I couldn't help but check up on Scott again: he'd finally eaten one of the cupcakes and was now drinking his coffee. Maybe he got...stood up?
As if sensing my eyes on him, he looked up. Caught off guard, I blinked and offered him a smile before walking towards him. "Can I get you something else?"
"No, thank you. Just the check. And can I get these to-go?" He pointed towards the extra cupcake and coffee.
"Sure," I took his tray back, packed his food, and almost retraced my steps but discovered that he'd followed me to the counter.
"The cupcakes were just like I remembered. Thank you." He extended his card to pay.
"Actually," I pushed his card back to him. "I got this. Call it a treat from an old friend."
"Oh!" He gave me one of his best smiles. "Thank you, Maddie."
"No problem."
"Scott, is that you?" My mom came out of the kitchen.
"Mrs. Allen," he greeted.
"Oh my God! It's been years, kid. When did you come back?"
"Last night."
"Really good to see you. Come have dinner with us sometime. For how long are you in town?"
"For good." He smiled, cutting a glance at me.
Oh...wow!
"I worked in the city for one year after med school before transferring back here to stay close to family."
"That's nice. Welcome back to town, Dr. Perez."
Why did my heart skip a beat at that?
"Thanks." He smiled at that addressing and looked at me while saying, "gotta go. See you."
"See you, Scott."
Mom wiggled her brows at me the moment he was gone.
"Not now," I went into the kitchen.
At 7 p.m., Samantha was back. Before she could even utter a word, I took a bathroom break and came back five minutes later to find her waiting with that unfading excitement.
"So, your ex is back."
"Hm."
"Not just any ex. The ex. The one that got away."
I groaned. It was going to be a long evening.
*****
Finally back home, I headed straight for my room with the bowl of spaghetti my brother had heated for himself, hence hearing him whine on the way up. I was scrolling on Instagram while eating dinner when my phone buzzed with a notification.
You've got a match
First, I was confused at the app I didn't remember installing on my phone. Then, my eyes grew wide upon realizing it was a dating app.
I clicked on the notification to find a match with... Scott?
How? When? Why?
A small scream escaped my mouth, and I clamped my hand over it, recalling how I'd left my phone with Samantha in the evening. Damn! Why did she have to know my password?
I'm dead.
I panic dialed Samantha.
"How could you, Sam?" I spat the moment she picked up.
She laughed. "Sorry, Madz. Someone had to play cupid. And I think it was meant to be because Scott's was the first profile that appeared the moment I registered you. So naturally, I swiped right."
I buried my face in my pillow. "I've got a match. This is insane."
"You've got–what? Maddie, what more does it take for you to realize that he's still into you?"
I sat there with my mouth open, having no idea why I hadn't been able to register until now that Scott must have liked my profile back in order for us to be a match.
Oh boy!
*****
The next morning, Scott was at the café again.
I was making coffee when he'd walked in with a bright smile, and I just wanted to hide behind the counter.
"Good morning," he greeted.
"Morning." I smiled back. "What can I get you?"
"A black coffee, please."
I started preparing it, and just like yesterday, instead of taking a seat, he stood by the counter waiting and looking around. "You guys didn't decorate?"
"For what?"
"It's valentine's day."
"Oh! We don't do that here. May ruin the vibe for some people. You see, not everyone is all happy and has a date."
He remained silent.
"To-go?" I asked once his coffee was ready.
"Yes." He extended a dollar bill, and I returned his change along with his coffee.
"So–" He tapped his fingers against the counter. "–you got any plans tonight?"
"W-what?"
"Evening, I mean. You got any plans this evening?"
I could only shake my head.
"Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"
"Dinner," I repeated, blinking.
"Yes. Dinner. Just old friends catching up."
Friends
"Oh...kay. Friends it is—I mean, dinner it is."
He stifled a smile. "I'll pick you up at 7."
"Great."
"See you tonight." He turned around and was out of the café in a second.
I looked around at the people calmly sipping their coffees. Imagine their shock if I'd suddenly screamed out of my overwhelming excitement.
I called Sam.
*****
Since I did not want Scott to think I'd put in a lot of effort, I'd chosen a simple blue halter neck mid-thigh dress and matching pair of sandals. Without styling my hair, I simply washed and let them down.
For makeup, I'd applied some concealer and mascara.
At exactly 7 p.m., the doorbell rang. Since no one was home, I rushed downstairs to get it.
Scott stood at the porch in a black button-down shirt with its sleeves rolled to his elbows, matched with a pair of denim.
His hair was neatly styled back, and when he stepped closer, I could breathe his alluring scent.
"You look beautiful," he muttered.
"Thank you. You look good too."
"Let's go?" He asked, and I quickly locked the house before following him to his car.
"Where are we going?" I asked once he'd started driving.
"I don't know, Maddie. You take charge. You know all the good places around here."
"Okay. What food do you feel like having?"
"Anything. Just pick somewhere quiet and less crowded."
"It's valentine's day, Scott. We'd be lucky to squeeze into a small booth."
He thought for a second, then stopped the car, made a u-turn and started retracing the path we'd come from.
"So we're canceling, I guess?" I asked.
"No, Maddie, we're not." He chuckled and drove until we reached a drive-thru. Though the lane was packed, it was better than the long restaurant queues.
He turned the radio on, filling the car with soft music as a comfortable silence took over. I relaxed back in my seat as we got the food and drove away.
A wave of emotion hit me when the car stopped next, in front of a lake, which used to be our spot. I didn't realize when Scott got out and opened my door.
"Thanks," I stepped out, eyeing the dock and the clear, calm water ahead, reminiscing about old times.
I hadn't visited it in the last five years because I knew I couldn't come back without missing him.
I cleared my throat. "Not planning to kill me, are you?"
Without responding, he got the food from the car with a smile playing on his lips.
"Way to be creepy, Scott."
He chuckled. "Come on."
We walked over to the dock. The sound of our shoes against the wood made a creaking noise, and both of us looked down at it weirdly.
While I just let it go, Scott shook his head. "Nope. Back to land."
"What?"
"If this thing breaks, we'll fall in the water. It's cold and you're wearing a dress."
"It's not gonna break."
"Not taking that chance, Maddie."
I shivered when he involuntarily took my hand and almost dragged me back until he realized it and let go, blinking at me. "I'm sorry. But we should go back."
I nodded and followed him back. He started setting the food on the hood of his car.
"Come to think of it; we should've done this at my place. I could've cooked you something amazing," he spoke.
"You can cook now?" I raised a brow.
"Yeah. Living alone has its perks."
"Right, but please go ahead and tell me how many times your kitchen caught fire before you could finally make a decent toast."
He narrowed his eyes playfully. "I was never that terrible."
"Please." I rolled my eyes. "You couldn't even mix the ingredients in a bowl without spilling half of them on the counter."
"Fine. Say what you want now, but once you taste the amazing food I cook you next time, you'll be taking all your words back."
"Next time?" The words slipped out of my mouth.
He went still for a moment as his hands stopped arranging the items and I watched as a serene little smile formed on his lips. His eyes met mine. And ever so calmly, he took a step towards me.
My breathing picked up as he slowly closed the distance between us until he was an inch away.
"May I?" he asked.
I didn't even know what he was asking permission for, but I nodded. I sucked in a breath when his hands grabbed my waist, and he hoisted me on the hood of the car next to the food.
Oh!
"There can be a next time, a time after next and way more if you want, Maddie. I'm right here."
My heart skipped a beat and I almost stopped breathing with the way his eyes scrutinized my face. Moments passed and we were locked into each other. Not moving, not blinking and maybe not breathing either. It was...nostalgic and beautiful.
Then, he stepped back and perched himself on the other side of the hood, which I noticed wasn't even that high. I could've easily got on by myself.
He'd neatly set the food between us and I noticed he'd remembered my favorite smoothie flavour. We started eating our burgers and fries in silence, staring at the water and the reflection of moon on it.
Once the food between us was gone, he shifted closer to me, and I found my cheeks heating up.
"It's so good to be back here," he muttered.
"Yeah." I smiled and rubbed my arms for warmth. It was a cold night.
Scott suddenly got off the hood, and I felt my heart drop. Was that it?
But a slow song started playing in the car and I turned my head to find him carrying back a blanket in his hand.
"Somebody came prepared." I narrowed my eyes playfully.
"I did plan to bring you here after dinner." His smile was soft and charming, just like I remembered.
He got back next to me and held the blanket up. "Do you mind sharing? I'm kinda cold too."
"Of course not."
We wrapped the blanket around ourselves, and I resisted the urge to lean into him for warmth as we gazed at the beautiful lake ahead.
"God! I've missed this," he whispered. "I've missed this town. This lake. The people," he paused to look at me. "I've missed you, Maddie."
My heart fluttered at his words.
"Five years ago, when I left, I thought someday I would move on and eventually stop missing you so much. But I never did. I never stopped..." He trailed off, his jaw clenching.
"I never stopped loving you, Madison."
My eyes widened for a moment. Taking in a shaky breath, I dropped my side of the blanket and got off the hood for some space to clear my head.
"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so blunt." I heard him follow me off the hood, but he kept his distance. "Maddie–"
"Scott, I'm really proud of what you've become," I turned to him. "And honestly, it's okay to give up something in order to get something else, but five years ago, you broke my heart."
He exhaled audibly.
"I'm sorry, Maddie. I was an idiot. And I shouldn't even put that in the past tense because I'm still one seeing that I have the audacity to ask you this."
I swallowed when he took a discreet step and slowly reached for my hands. When I didn't object, he brought them together to his chest and looked me straight in the eye.
"I know this is too much to ask for, but can you give us another chance?"
My insides turned in delight at the feel of his heart beating rapidly under my palms.
"I still love you, Scott." I never stopped.
His eyes lit up with hope.
"But I can't have my heart broken again."
And just like that, the spark in his eyes died and was replaced by hurt as he reluctantly let go of my hands.
"I love you, Maddie. And I've realized that you're the only woman for me. You're my match." He smiled softly.
"But if you think that I'm gonna break your heart again, then I don't deserve another chance. You're right. I had no right to break your heart back then, and I have no right asking for it back, now. I'd rather go the rest of my life without seeing you than hurting you, even for a second, again."
His words broke and fixed something inside me at the same time. I turned around so he couldn't see the shift in my resolve. I wanted to be mad at him but I knew there was no point trying.
"You really mean that?" I whispered.
"Yes," he said in all honesty.
I remained silent and stared at the water for the next few moments. So did Scott, I presumed.
"Maddie," he called softly. "Maybe I shouldn't have brought this up today. I just got back. It's probably too much. I'm sorry. If you wanna go home now, I'll drive you—"
Without letting him finish, I turned around, raised myself up on my tiptoes and kissed him. He was taken aback at first, but he responded immediately. The kiss reminded me of all our previous sweet kisses, and in that moment, I couldn't believe I hadn't done that in five years.
His touch was still so familiar.
His lips still worked perfectly with mine. He was the same Scott I once loved. He was back. He'd come back to me.
"You annoyingly perfect person," I breathed, opening my eyes to see the surprise on his face.
"What?" He blinked, holding back his smile like he wanted to be sure first.
"I'm going to give us another chance because I'm a hopeless romantic, and I still love you, and it's not like you cheated on me. You just followed your dream, but don't, for a second, consider yourself forgiven just yet. You're gonna have to do a lot to make up for everything."
"I'm all in." He grinned.
"And you won't break my heart again."
"I wouldn't dare," he whispered softly.
"Okay." I nodded.
"Thank you, Maddie." He gratefully took my hand and kissed it, making my cheeks heat up.
"Now." He fished his phone out of his pocket and flashed his screen at me. "You wanna talk about this?"
It was the dating app showing our match.
"Like you said, you're my match." I shrugged.
"But do you wanna talk about who made the first move–the first swipe?"
"Not today." I shook my head with a chuckle.
The End
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