July 20, 2025
Sarah had always considered herself a master matchmaker. Her friends jokingly called her "Cupid's GPS" for her uncanny ability to pair up even the most unlikely couples. So when her best friend, Mark, confided in her about his crush on the new girl at work, Sarah knew it was time to work her magic.
"Don't worry, Mark," she said with a wink. "I'll have you two lovebirds together faster than you can say 'happily ever after.'"
Sarah spent weeks orchestrating chance encounters between Mark and his crush, Emily. She arranged group lunches, after-work drinks, and even a company volunteering event at the local animal shelter. Mark and Emily seemed to hit it off, much to Sarah's delight.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Sarah convinced Mark to ask Emily out on a proper date. She helped him choose the perfect outfit, coached him on conversation topics, and even booked a table at the most romantic restaurant in town.
On the night of the big date, Sarah couldn't contain her excitement. She paced her apartment, checking her phone every few minutes for updates from Mark. When her phone finally buzzed, she nearly dropped it in her haste to read the message.
Mark: Sarah, we need to talk. Can you meet me at the park?
Concerned, Sarah rushed to the park. She found Mark sitting on a bench, looking thoughtful.
"What happened?" she asked, breathless. "Did something go wrong with Emily?"
Mark looked up at her, a strange expression on his face. "Sarah, I've realized something important tonight."
Sarah held her breath, preparing for the worst.
"I've been so focused on Emily," Mark continued, "that I didn't see what was right in front of me all along."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat. Could it be?
Mark stood up and took her hands in his. "Sarah, you're the one I want to be with. You know me better than anyone else, and you've always been there for me. I love you."
Sarah's jaw dropped. She stared at Mark in disbelief, then burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Mark asked, confused.
Wiping tears from her eyes, Sarah replied, "This is why I'm the matchmaker, and you're not! I'm gay, Mark. I thought you knew!"
Mark's eyes widened in shock, then he too began to laugh. They sat on the bench together, giggling like schoolchildren.
"Well," Mark said finally, "I guess Cupid's GPS needs recalibrating."
Sarah nudged him playfully. "Maybe. But hey, at least we learned an important lesson."
"What's that?" Mark asked.
"Sometimes, the perfect match isn't the one you're looking for – it's the friendship you already have."