*CUPID'S MATCH BOOK 3* FIRST DRAFT
For the third time, follow Lila into a world of cupids, arrows, betrayal, and love, in the Watty award winning series with over 50 million reads online.
CUPID'S MATCH is published and in stores now!
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I walk through the open plan office space of the Cupids Matchmaking Service. My body feels numb. The chatter around me is muffled, the movement a distorted blur. I feel like I'm wading through rising water.
Did me and Cupid just break up? Did I almost pierce myself with the black arrow? Is Venus really back? Can Valentine be trusted?
It's not until I step into the bright lights of the reception that I realize that Cal is striding by my side - eyes fixed ahead - oblivious to the fact I haven't even noticed he's there.
"Um...hi?" I say.
He snaps his head toward me. He's changed into jeans and a gray turtleneck - and his hair is a little ruffled, like he's just showered and towel dried it.
"Hi."
We reach the glass door. "Going somewhere?"
"Yes. You?"
I roll my eyes as he opens the doors, tinkling the bel. I follow him onto the sidewalk, stopping outside the boutique like front. "Well, yes. Obviously. I meant where are you going?"
He stops too. "Oh. Just grabbing a bite to eat."
I wait for him to ask me what I'm up to. In standard Cal fashion, he doesn't.
"I'm going to the Love Shack to meet Charlie, in case you're wondering. She said she was with some cupids from another branch."
His eyebrows furrow. "Another branch?"
"Yeh."
A flicker of confusion crosses his face. "Crystal never mentioned anything."
"Oh..."
He nods sharply. "I could get food there. I'll come with you."
There's a somewhat awkward silence. It's not that I don't want him to come along. It's just I don't really want to talk about the whole Cupid situation right now. Not to him. And I especially don't want him to find out that I almost pierced myself with an arrow.
But then I suppose the alternative would be me, alone and feeling sorry for myself in the car.
"I...uh...OK." I pause. "Want a ride?"
He looks at me, narrowing his eyes as the sunlight beats down on us. "From you?!"
"Yes, from me! I got a car for my birthday and I'm heading there now." He says nothing - just stares at me. "No need to look so appalled by the idea."
He pauses. Then shrugs rigidly. "OK."
"Come on then..."
I lead him to the parking lot.
***
As I drive down the freeway, Cal sits tensely in the passenger seat - eyes alert, body rigid. He doesn't speak and silence hangs heavily around us - permeated only by his sharp intakes of breath every time I change lanes.
