“He’s such an asshat. I hope he’s enjoying his time on a planet where love is nearly impossible to come by. I’d pay towatch him actually have to work for once in his life,” she jokes, and I smile.
“He made it seem so easy.” I sigh as Doe adds some glitter to my cheekbones.
“What, being a bastard?”
I laugh and shake my head. “No, being a cupid.”
“It takes a while to get used to things. You’re brand new, you can’t expect to learn to fly—literally—and be making love matches in your first month.”
“That’s actually exactly what I was hoping I’d be able to do.”
“Hmm.”
“What?” I ask Doe. Both of us look over at the couch where Amore and Love are cackling loudly. Doe just smiles at her girlfriend and her best friend. What is it like to be that secure? I hardly had feelings for Eros and I went into a jealous rage. It’s weird observing what a healthy relationship looks like from the outside.
“I wonder if maybe in your mortal life you hadn’t experienced love before. It’s hard enough learning to be a cupid, let alone one who has never experienced true love.”
“I think you might be right,” I tell her as she voices some of my own internal thoughts.
“Maybe if you got a taste of what it’s like to really love someone, it would be easier for you to spread the feeling itself?”
“I’m not sure where I’d—” Doe pinches the patch of my skin above my elbow. “Ouch. I’m not coming back here if you all just keep abusing me.”
“No more negative talk. Anyone would be lucky to have you. I mean, look at you,” she says, directing my attention to the mirror.
For the first time since I can remember, I feel beautiful. Doe didn’t do much, besides pull my hair out of my face andadd some glitter, eyeliner, and lashes. But I feel… well, I feel beautiful.
“Thank you, Doe.”
“It was easy. So will being able to find someone who will love you. Stick with us and we’ll help you find your person,” she promises.
I smile at her and wonder if my luck is finally turning around.
“When?”
“You’re standing on my robes,” Death says, pointing to the ground.
I don’t move my booted foot, and he sighs like I’m the one being difficult, yet he’s the one who isn’t holding up his end of the bargain.
“Love says that the cupid she has in mind isn’t ready yet.”
“What does that even mean?”
Death sighs like I’m annoying the absolute shit out of him. There’s been a large accident, and multiple reapers are on duty to collect the poor souls that need to go to their final resting place.
“Her job is making love matches, Mors.”
“Well, some job she’s been doing. It’s been weeks, Death. The deal was I fix your problem because you were being a fucking idiot and you would set me up with a cupid of my own. Without me, your dumbass could have very well lost Love forever.”
“I’m sure the cupid she chose for you is going to love hearing you talk about her like she’s a Pokémon card.”
I roll my eyes, and the bastard’s lip twitches.
“You’d think you would have more patience after all these years,” he drawls.
“The only reason you’re not a grumpy asshole anymore is because you have Love.”
He sighs, ignoring me as he takes the hand of an older gentleman and discusses what’s currently happening. He’s quick as he takes him to his final resting place before he pops back right in front of me.
