Matchmaker Christmas

Since I was a kid, I always felt awkward

and uneasy with myself.

Through learning to drive, acne, doing laundry,

going to college,

each was unbearable because I was incomplete.

I hadn't met Linda.

But now that I have her in my life

I don't ever want to let her go.

I am so grateful for you.

I love you.

I love you too.

So cute.

Oh, and we can't forget the reason

that we're all here tonight

and that is our dear friend Maggie.

That's right.

She brought us together.

Thank you, Maggie.

Thank you.

Cheers.

To Maggie.

Maggie.

This is all because of you.

Oh I'm just so happy that it worked out.

You're coming to the wedding, right?

Yeah of course.

Oh, Linda.

We need a picture.

Maggie, can you take it?

Yeah, definitely.

Okay, thank you.

All right, ready?

One, two, three.

Don't tell me, another happy couple.

Yup, went to their engagement party last night.

I wish they could get married in time for Christmas.

I guess it would be a lot to plan but it would be romantic.

Come on, this isn't a victory.

It has to be a lucky guess. Don't say guess, all right?

You don't have this track record by mere guesses.

And yet I don't see your photo up there.

That's because I'm too busy helping other people

fall in love.

Sure.

How do you even know this many people?

I moved around a lot.

Maggie?

Oh, yeah.

So yeah I finished the edit

on the Wilmington Heights manuscript.

Book three?

Uh huh, and Dale's supposed to have

an outline to me for book four

by the end of the month.

Between you and me, I think he's gonna need a break.

Don't we all?

I heard we're about to sign a new author

and I'm leaning towards assigning him to you.

Okay, yeah, fine. I think I could take on one more.

Good, I'll have more details as soon as it's finalized.

Great.

Ugh.

What?

Company Christmas party.

Oh, yeah, when is it?

The 20th.

I hate these.

Really?

I thought everybody looked forward to them.

Trust me, compared to all the other companies

I've worked for, this one is top notch.

On the surface maybe,

but I hate having to get a date.

You don't have to bring a date.

People notice when I don't.

That awkward conversation is they introduce their dates

and look around like hey, where's your date?

Last year, I went with my brother.

It wasn't any better.

I could find you somebody.

A setup?

That's worse.

No, really, it's kind of become a hobby of mine.

I just paired up two friends,

they're getting married.

And then earlier this year was Allie from reception

and then before that was Stewart in the mail room.

And I also paired up a neighbor

with the daughter of the VP of our nonfiction.

Really, Bruce's daughter?

Yeah.

She's super tricky but I totally did it.

Oh, it's not important.

Excuse me, Amanda, hey.

A couple questions for you on the expense report?

Which ones?

Here.

Well, this one.

Dinner to smooth things over with Thea Greensboro.

You know what, go for it.

And this one?

Company Christmas gifts for the fiction authors.

Wait, wait, you want me to pair you up

for the Christmas party?

Yes.

And this one.

And please, whatever you do, make it painless.

Oh yeah.

Yeah yeah, of course.

Oh, that one I don't remember.

Don't you have notes on these, or can't you call?

That's fine, I'll think of something.

Thanks.

Uh oh, what?

You're gonna hate it, you're gonna hate it.

I'm bracing myself.

Amanda wants me to find her a date

for the Christmas party.

Haven't you met your quota for the year?

No, you can't have too much of a good thing.

Yes you can.

Shh.

You think you can find her a soulmate by Christmas?

Maybe.

You wanna bet on it?

No, no, no.

And listen, I don't need your negative vibes

on this one, okay?

Oh, I have no idea what to get mom and dad this year.

Dad says slippers, no books, and good children.

He says that every year, Nicole.

Now when is he gonna realize we're adults?

Never.

Although Andrew and I are hanging on to that for our kids.

Oh yeah, what is it they want?

Sawyer wants board games and Tammy wants

superhero action figures.

Any hints for mom?

She says she wants a massage table.

Oh yeah, well, she'll never use that.

I'm gonna claim that one then.

I don't care if she doesn't use it

as long as I have something from her list.

Great, so you're gonna make me be creative?

Yup, you're good at it.

Right.

Okay so help me brainstorm.

I just gave you a whole bunch of ideas.

No, no, no, I'm not talking about presents.

I'm talking about men.

I'm trying to find a date for my boss

for the Christmas party.

I don't know.

Come on, cough up all the friends that we know.

I'll even consider acquaintances.

Toby.

Toby?

Oh, the dental hygienist from Andrew's office?

Yeah, Andrew thinks he's a good worker.

Hmmm.

Well I guess I was thinking

somebody more distinguished and settled.

You must be kissing up to your boss.

No, it's not that at all.

She's just, she's a really good person, all right?

The boss part, that's not even a factor.

Come on, who do we know?

Oh, Marvin.

He owns a cafe around the corner.

Oh yeah, you love that place.

Yeah.

Do you know him that well?

Oh he is super sweet.

He's divorced but he's a really hard worker.

Do you realize you always fixate

on setting other people up but never yourself?

Well, not since Jaxson.

Hey, don't, no, don't.

Don't say his name, all right?

Oh wait, you know what?

I think I gotta go.

Hey, you wanna go in on something for Dad?

Yes, I do.

Can you just tell me what you end up getting him?

Okay.

Thank you.

See ya.

Oh hey, did you hear?

Hmm?

Christmas book I designed is flying off the shelf,

the e-book too.

And it's all because of your cover design,

it has nothing to do with what the author wrote?

I'm just saying. Uh huh.

I feel a sense of pride here.

Well, that is great.

Oh, Amanda's looking for you.

Probably so you two can plan her romantic future.

Okay.

I think you'll be happy with the editor.