Matchmaker Mayhem

The sun hung high in the sky, casting warm rays across the forest trail as Ava trudged behind a small group of her matchmaking clients. A mix of baking enthusiasts, yoga instructors, and one very reluctant accountant strolled ahead, their chatter filling the crisp morning air. The plan had seemed simple enough: a guided group hike to foster connections in a natural, relaxed setting.

But as Ava adjusted the straps of her too-heavy backpack and swatted at a buzzing mosquito, she was beginning to regret her life choices.

"This is good," she muttered under her breath, glaring at a tree root that nearly tripped her. "Fresh air. Nature. Terrible Wi-Fi."

"Talking to yourself already? That's not a good sign."

Ava groaned as Ryan's voice floated over her shoulder. She didn't need to turn around to know he was grinning. She had half a mind to shove him off the trail, but he was technically here to "supervise," a role Mei had insisted on after hearing about Ava's disastrous attempt at algorithmic matchmaking.

"Why are you here, again?" Ava asked, not bothering to hide her irritation.

"Mei thought you could use some help," Ryan said, effortlessly keeping pace with her despite his far-too-polished hiking boots. "And I couldn't resist the chance to see you struggle."

"How noble," Ava said dryly, wiping sweat from her brow. "Shouldn't you be in an office somewhere, ruining someone's prenup?"

Ryan smirked. "I thought I'd take a break. Besides, this is way more entertaining."

Ahead of them, the group had stopped at a scenic overlook. Ava quickened her pace, eager to focus on her clients instead of Ryan's relentless teasing.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, gesturing to the rolling hills and lush greenery stretching out below. The group murmured in agreement, some snapping photos while others simply took in the view.

"I could get used to this," said Sarah, the yoga instructor, as she stretched her arms above her head. "Nature has such a calming energy."

"It's lovely," Arthur agreed, though he looked more interested in the picnic basket Ava had packed. The poor man had been carrying it since the start of the hike, and his enthusiasm for the sandwiches inside was evident.

"Glad you're enjoying it," Ava said, her tone bright. "This is exactly the kind of environment that fosters genuine connections."

As if on cue, a loud shriek pierced the air. The group turned to see Meredith, the accountant, frozen in place, her eyes wide with panic.

"There's a snake!" she cried, pointing at the ground.

Ava rushed over, her heart pounding. Sure enough, a small garter snake slithered across the trail, oblivious to the chaos it had caused.

"It's harmless," Ava said, trying to keep her voice calm. "It's just a garter snake."

"It's a death noodle!" Meredith snapped, refusing to move.

Ryan appeared beside Ava, crouching to get a better look. "It's tiny. Barely even a noodle. More like a spaghetti strand."

"Not helping," Ava hissed as Meredith's breathing grew more frantic.

"Relax," Ryan said, picking up a stick and gently shooing the snake away. "There. Problem solved."

Meredith exhaled shakily, and the group began to relax until Sarah tripped over her own feet, knocking into Arthur, who dropped the picnic basket. Sandwiches and fruit scattered across the trail like confetti.

"Great," Ava muttered, bending down to collect the mess. "This is going well."

Ryan chuckled, leaning down to help her. "This is exactly why I don't believe in group dates. Too much drama."

"It's not a date," Ava snapped, shoving a squished sandwich back into the basket. "It's a bonding experience."

"Same thing," Ryan said, smirking as he handed her a bruised apple. "Though I have to admit, it's fun watching you try to keep this circus together."

Ava shot him a glare but didn't respond. Instead, she focused on calming the group, who were now exchanging awkward apologies. Once the food was gathered and tempers had settled, they resumed the hike.

---

The next disaster struck an hour later when they reached the zipline.

"This is optional," Ava announced, her voice louder than necessary to cover her own nerves. She wasn't a fan of heights, but Mei had insisted the zipline would "add excitement" to the outing. Ava silently cursed her grandmother's enthusiasm.

"It looks fun," Sarah said, already strapping on a helmet. "Who's going first?"

"I'll do it," Arthur said, though his face had turned a shade paler than usual.

One by one, the group took turns flying across the gorge, their laughter echoing through the trees. By the time it was Ava's turn, only Ryan remained on the platform with her.

"Don't tell me you're scared," he said, his tone teasing.

"I'm not scared," Ava lied, eyeing the zipline with suspicion. "I'm... assessing the situation."

"Uh-huh," Ryan said, clearly unconvinced. "Want me to go first and show you how it's done?"

Ava glared at him. "I don't need your help."

With that, she stepped up to the platform, her hands gripping the harness with more force than necessary. The guide gave her a reassuring nod, and before she could second-guess herself, she was soaring through the air.

The wind rushed past her, and for a brief moment, Ava felt a surprising sense of exhilaration. She could do this. She was in control.

And then the harness jerked, and she stopped halfway across the gorge.

"Oh, come on!" Ava shouted, dangling helplessly in mid-air. Below her, the group burst into laughter, and Ryan's voice carried across the gorge.

"Looking good, Matchmaker!"

Ava groaned, her face burning as the guide scrambled to rescue her. By the time she reached the other side, her confidence was in tatters, and Ryan's smug grin wasn't helping.

"Not a word," she warned, unhooking the harness.

"Who, me?" Ryan said innocently. "I wouldn't dream of it."

---

By the time the group returned to the trailhead, Ava was exhausted, sweaty, and ready to collapse. But as the clients said their goodbyes, she noticed something surprising: they were smiling. Despite the chaos or maybe because of it they had bonded in a way her algorithm never could have predicted.

"Thanks for organizing this," Arthur said, patting her on the shoulder. "It was... memorable."

Ava managed a tired smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

As the group dispersed, Ryan lingered behind, his expression unreadable.

"You did good today," he said, surprising her.

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"

"Don't get used to it," Ryan said, smirking. "But yeah. You've got something going here. Even if it's messy."

Ava couldn't help but laugh. "Coming from you, I'll take that as high praise."

Ryan chuckled, and for a moment, the teasing stopped. "See you around, Matchmaker."

As he walked away, Ava found herself smiling despite her exhaustion. Maybe, just maybe, she was starting to figure this out.