“Sloane, the influencer video needs to go out by tomorrow!” Tessa from the social media section raises her green eyes to me as I pass her desk.
“Sloane, yesterday’s client asked if we can change her soulmate’s profile because he’s not ready for a man with a dog!”
“Breathe,” I tell myself out loud, even though the only thing I'm breathing is the smell of burnt coffee and chronic stress.
I miss Ivy's coffee.
I only ask for five minutes to cross the street and grab a coffee at the Pumpkin Spice Café.
But no.
My fingers tap on my iPhone keyboard at a speed that not even a pianist on caffeine could replicate.
I answer an email, correct a dating bio, approve a promotional reel, and sign a contract… all while my assistant, Lila, desperately tries to keep up with her tablet in hand, and I still haven’t filled my cup. Her dark bob waves slightly but stays in place.
I smile, though only halfway, and pour some coffee. Cold. Obviously.
There are more mugs in my office than fall decorations in Elm Hollow.
Okay, let’s not exaggerate now. It’s late summer, so my favorite little town has already turned into an autumn-themed playground.
The Cupid’s Agency, however, is not particularly Elm Hollow style.
Yes, I was called into a town meeting for this, but I have excellent lawyers as well as great friends who defended me from Cassandra the harpy's accusations.
Ugh, I hate her.
In fact, my company building is a hive of glass and pastel lights. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by an explosion of light: wide windows, glossy cream-colored floors, and a sea of neat desks with laptops, heart-shaped pink headphones, and mugs with sayings like “I match people for a living.”
On the walls, glass panels with real-time charts—not stocks, but compatibility: colored lines crossing, blinking hearts, andmatchmaking software that looks more sophisticated than NASA.
Every workstation is personalized with details that tell you who works there. Empty spaces are filled with plants (the new addition supplied by Penny is a beautiful pothos hanging from a shelf), photos of happy couples with the agency logo, a heart-shaped candy dispenser that plays a melody every time someone closes a contract.
And… yes, also a dispenser for condoms, lubricants, and sex toys. Because love is also passion, creativity, and fun.
In the internal lounge—the “Heartbreak Recovery Corner,” as the staff ironically calls it—there are pastel-colored sofas, a coffee nook with glittery mugs, and wall neon that reads: “Love Is Strategy!”
And I, Sloane Heart, am the proud Creative Director of the magnificent Cupid’s Agency.
Daughter of Katherine Heart, co-director and founder, a living legend, and the most inspiring mother in the world.
“Sloane, we need a quote for the newsletter!”
“Put the usual one. The one about how love is a calculated risk.”
“We used a similar one last week.”
“Perfect, change ‘risk’ to ‘adventure’ and ‘calculated’ to ‘fate-coordinated.’ Does that sound new enough?”
“Enough.”
Anotherplingnotification.
Another urgent email.
Another day of strategic romance.
Sometimes I wonder if Cupid, the real one, hates me a little.
