“Great, you made her cry. We’re out of here,” Death says, and Love shakes her head.
“They’re happy tears. Have fun tonight, and I’ll see you in Cupidale in a few days to finalize the party.”
“Thanks, Love.”
“Can we please go now?” Death complains. Love rolls her eyes, but grabs her petulant boyfriend’s arm as they portal to their apartment.
I’m not sure why I didn’t tell Love about the pocket watch Cupio gave me. Something about it felt private, like I just want to keep it our little secret. I pay for the clothing, and leave it back at my place before portalling right to the Head Cupid’s private residence.
As soon as I pop in, there’s a blood-curdling scream, which then makes me scream. So then I’m standing in the foyer of a lavish pink house, as I stare at a curvy cupid with a pile of wild pink hair pinned to the top of her head.
She holds the broom, pointing it at me.
“I’ll call the Head Cupid right now and he’ll… uh… mess you up real good,” she says, wielding the cleaning device like a weapon.
“He invited me here,” I say, which she clearly doesn’t believe at first.
“Cupio never has visitors,” she says sadly. “Well, except for me, but that’s because he pays me to clean his house.”
I tilt my head at her. “There are cupid housekeepers?”
She clicks her tongue. “Well, no. Not really. See what had happened was I got a little drunk and might have made a man fall in love with a plastic blow up whale. Head Cupid isn’t one for hefty punishments and I really like organizing things. You should have seen this place a hundred years ago. A disaster,” she breathes out.
“So, you clean his house for fun?” I question and the strange cupid just smiles at me.
“I also bring him snacks now and then. I just feel so bad for him.”
“Do you have a crush on him?”
The cupid scoffs. “Ugh, no. Definitely not my type.” Her eyes go wide. “Wait, I didn’t mean it like that. I just like my men a little edgier, you know? Cupio is the sweetest.”
“He is,” I say, smiling at her current spiral. “I’m Gloom,” I say, holding out my hand. The cupid finally realizes she’s still holding the broom and drops it to the floor.
“Candy,” she says, her grip firm as we shake hands.
“Do you know when Cupio and Ladybird will be here?”
“Oh, my stars. He finally is bringing Ladybird over?” Her hands clutch her chest the same way that Love does. These cupids sure are something when it comes to matchmaking.
“I’m hoping Cupio, Ladybird, and myself might have a connection.”
“One of my best love matches was a throuple. This is amazing. He likely won’t be home for another hour, but if you’d like, I could help you cook something before they even get home.”
“You’d do that? Even though we just met and I scared the shit out of you?”
“Of course. Cupio deserves happiness, so does Ladybird, so if I can help and don’t, what kind of cupid would that make me?” she asks.
I smirk, loving how helpful cupids usually are.
“A real shitty one.”
She smiles and shakes her head. “Come on, let me show you the kitchen.”
I follow the short cupid to the kitchen where she whips about, pulling ingredients out one by one and bossing me around as she shows me how to cook her boss’s favorite dish.
An hour and a half later, Candy and I have made what I would consider the most delicious lasagna, accompanied by a breathing bottle of wine, garlic bread, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
The front door opens, and Candy startles.
