Page 52 of Okay, Cupid

“It’s coffee, and I’m not even that tired—” She pauses when another yawn comes.

I just look at her.

“I’m not tired.” She takes the coffee, downing almost all of it in a single swig now that it’s cooled. “There. Pleased?”

“Very.”

“When I’m up at three in the morning I’m going to call you.”

“Headed home?” Huy asks, coming by to take my empty cup.

“Yeah, it’s late,” Alice says. “Dad’s been texting me.”

“Oh, well … tell him I said hello.”

“Sure.”

“Do you want any donuts? I’m about to toss out all the extras.”

“Umm …” Alice seems to think for a moment. “I mean, I did promise Jude I’d buy them some.” As if she wasn’t the one desperate to have the donuts, like she’s trying to play it cool in front of Huy.

“Come on.” Huy nods to the counter. “Both of you. We’ve got too much left over.”

Alice and I both stand at the front counter with our bags as we wait for Huy to split a dozen donuts between us.

“I tried to add a little variety,” he says. Then he looks at Alice. “And extra blueberry for you, ’cause I know that’s your favorite.”

“Oh … thanks.”

I swear I can see her blushing.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

“Am I going to see you at hội chợ?” Huy asks.

“Yeah, I think so.”

“We’ve missed you,” he says calmly. But I can read between the lines. He means I missed you. “I mean, my parents. They’ve missed your cooking.”

This is the moment that you’re looking for as a Cupid, when the emotions are running just a little too wild and the two people you’re watching take the reins, leading themselves along.

“Are you coming to hội chợ, Jude?” Huy asks me.

Now why is the focus on me again?

“I don’t know. Am I invited?”

“Yes, this is officially your invitation,” Huy tells me.

“Good food, dancing, music, fireworks,” Alice tells me. “It’ll be fun. Neve’s coming too.”

“Okay.” I nod. “When is it?”

“Few weeks,” Huy says, folding the lids of the donut boxes down and sliding them over to us. “I can send you the details. We rent out the same strip as the farmers’ market.”

“I’ll be there.” Then I think for a moment. “Are you going to the Valentine’s dance?”

“Probably not.” Huy smiles. “I bet I’ll be working. Unless someone invites me. Then maybe I could be persuaded.”