Dominic clears his throat nervously but follows us away from the group. When we’re far enough out of earshot, Saint stops. “Why haven’t you asked out Sienna?”
“Why? What? How did you—what?” Dominic sputters, glancing back at his friends as the tips of his ears turn pink. I look back, too, finding Sienna watching Dominic with a look of longing in her eyes.
“I could see it clear as day at the parade, and even more so when I approached just now. You have feelings for her, and I think she reciprocates them,” Saint explains.
Dominic shakes his head. “She doesnothave feelings for me. I made a move once, when we first met four years ago. She told me she thought we’d be better off as friends.”
Saint hums, taking in the information.
“Have you tried again?” I ask.
“Why would I try again when her rejection was crystal clear the first time?”
“Sometimes we don’t see what’s right in front of us until later. Maybe she wasn’t interested at first, or maybe she was scared, but feelings change. Four years is plenty of time for her to change her mind. Maybe she just doesn’t know how to communicate it,” I offer with a shrug.
“I don’t know,” Dominic hedges. “Our group is pretty tight-knit. If we got together and it didn’t work out?—”
“Don’t dwell on the negative ‘what-ifs.’ It will only set you back and keep you from finding happiness. Think of the positives. What if she’s your soulmate? What if you work out, and it’s better than you ever imagined? What if you’re wasting time being afraid when you could be with her?” Saint cuts in. “Take it from me, life is too short to not take chances. Don’t let a great love pass you by because of fear.”
Something tells me we’re going off the path, and Saint isn’t talking solely about Dominic anymore.
Dominic tips his head back and blows out a long breath before he gives Saint a resigned nod. “Okay, you’re right. I’ll take another chance, but I… I don’t know how to approach this.”
“Leave it to me. As long as you’re on board, you let me do what I do best: play Cupid.”
Saint and Dominic shake hands before we make our way back to his group. Sienna is practically vibrating with questions. “Well? Did you get a match?” she asks Dominic.
“He’s working on it,” Dominic says.
Sienna’s bright smile falters just slightly. “Oh, that’s great, Dom. I’m so happy for you.”
“Don’t worry, Sienna. I think I found the person for you, too. Will you be at the dance tonight?” Sienna nods at Saint. “Great. I’ll find you. Emily, I have someone in mind for you as well, if you’re up for it?”
“Hell yeah! Thank you. I can’t wait.”
“It’s my pleasure. We’ll catch you all later. I have more matchmaking to do.” Saint grabs my hand and leads me away from the group towards a stand selling Cupid’s Cove merchandise. I might have to buy myself a sweatshirt to commemorate my time here.
“Do you really have someone in mind for Emily?”
“Of course I do. I’d never give someone false hope.”
A few hours,two of the best tacos I’ve ever had, and one sugar cookie later, I’m even more in awe of Saint. He’s so at home here. So easy going and truly in his element as Cupid.
He dragged me out of the cold and into the café ten minutes ago so I could meet up with Stella and Ruby to get ready for tonight. I’m nervous to see what options Stella has for me to wear. I’ve never gotten dressed up or been to a dance, and although I’ve spent time with Ruby and Stella already, it was in the crowd of the parade. One-on-one time is different. What if they don’t like me?
Saint and I are sitting in the office when Ruby bursts in mumbling under her breath, panic on her face. She startles when she sees us. “Oh, I didn’t realize you two were in here. How did the festival go? How many matches have you made?”
“I’ve introduced one couple so far since neither of them wanted to go to the dance. The other two will meet later. Well, technically one of the couples has already met, but they haven’t crossed over into romantic territory, yet. They will, though. They just need to realize, sometimes, the person you’re meant to be with has been in front of you all along.”
Ruby’s face twists with disgust. “Thank fuck it’s not like that for everyone.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Oh, look at the time,” Ruby deflects, looking at her wrist as if there’s a watch on it. “Stella is waiting for us at her place. Come on, Mikey.”
Saint huffs out a laugh but doesn't seem keen to press Ruby any further about her statement. “I’ll meet you at the dance, sweetheart.”
“I’ll see you soon.” I stand and turn to walk out the door when Saint calls my name. I turn back, and he points to his lips.
