i had n't played matchmaker since my high school days and that was only because i was the fat , helpful girl who had attractive friends , but before i could ponder that any further , we entered the restaurant to cheers and applause from the waiters and kitchen staff ( no one does birthdays like an italian restaurant ) and the sight of al , matt , tony , and a petite blonde woman ( marda , i 'm guessing ) standing around a chianti-strewn table .