Hearts & Arrows Read online

  “Wait, so, why didn’t the first arrow work on Ian? Will you use the other two on him as well?” Shawn moves from wiping down the bar to helping another customer. Whenever I’m here with him he moves around and manages to keep up the conversation with the people at the bar. The couple he’s helping now, well, they’re what I’ve always wanted.

  The man is looking down at the women with love in his eyes and he hasn’t taken them off of her once—well, except to let Shawn know what he wants to drink. Then he’s back in the conversation with the woman. I sigh looking at them as Shawn comes around again.

  “You do know that you don’t have to pay a man to shoot an arrow to get someone to look at you like that.” His voice sends a small shiver down my spine.

  “I know, but I have to find the man first. Speaking of which, I have two more arrows to use. And the next guy can’t even like me! So, do you know of anyone who you’d think would be a good match for me?” I ask Shawn, watching as his brows turn down in thought.

  “Why can’t he like you?” He asks me.

  “Because, I told you before, if the guy likes me even a little bit and the arrow strikes him, then he won’t know who I am, and will forget me completely. Which is what happened with my coworker Ian, and now work is super awkward. We have to work together, but he doesn’t know who I am at all,” I say exacerbated. I’m not picky. I just want someone who will listen to me.

  “Right. And you want me to find you a guy? Because that worked out so well last time.” He chuckles at the memory of last time, and a shiver crawls up my spine—and not the good kind of shiver.

  Last time, he’d set me with Cass’ brother, who also has the personality of a dead fish. If I’d thought Cass was bad, it was nothing like her brother. Trying to get that man to hold a conversation with me was like pulling teeth.

  After that, I’d told Shawn he was never hooking me up with anyone again. And yet, here we are.

  “I need someone who doesn’t even like or know me or it will turn out like the first arrow. Help me, please,” I beg, putting my hands up in a pleading gesture.

  “I may know a guy. But as a friendly reminder, I was banned from hooking you up.” He teases as he gets the drinks ready for the cute couple at the end of the bar. He serves them, and turns toward them. His shirt ripples against his body with each movement. He may be skinny, but he definitely has definition to him. And that ass...I really shouldn’t be checking out my friend. I shake my head, attempting to clear thoughts of Shawn as a romantic interest.

  “So, how does this Cupid know he has the right guy?” Shawn asks, bracing himself on the counter again.

  “Oh, that is the coolest part ever! Wait. Am I allowed to tell you that?” I question it, trying to recall if Cupid had laid out any rules. Oh well, what could he do? Keep an arrow?

  “Anyway, I don’t recall if I can’t say, but I will. This is nuts, but just believe me, okay?” I watch as Shawn nods his head I’m surprised he still hasn’t told me off for this fool's errand.

  As I tell him my crazy tale part of me wonders if it really happened, and I lived it. I scoop up the last of the fries in ketchup and shove them in my mouth. Shawn takes my plate and places it into a bin behind the bar.

  “Interesting.” That’s all he says as he walks away again, going to a table and jotting their order. He comes around the bar and fills my drink back up, then gets their drinks ready. The bar picks up with people, the evening drawing in a crowd. I better head out before a guy sees me sitting alone and tries to strike up a conversation.

  “This Cupid sounds kind of magical. To be honest, I don’t buy a second of it. But, you aren’t crazy,” he points at me as I attempt to defend myself. “If you need a name, try Walter Anderson.” Now that I have a new dating prospect, I stand to give him a goodbye hug. I have faith in Shawn’s suggestion. Cass’s brother was at least good looking, so it’s not like Shawn would hook me up with an ugly man, right? I wave it off as I ponder this new guy’s name. Walter. I stop my thoughts right there as a small giggle escapes my lips.

  Shawn looks down at me. “What’s so funny, Sleeping Beauty?”

  “When Walter and I make passionate love, I should call him Disney.” I giggle again at my funny joke, and hope this man has a sense of humor. Shawn’s arms tighten around me as he forces a chuckle. Hmm, I thought it was funny. Whatever.

  “Until next time, dear. Have fun with your Cupid, and let me know if you need anything else.” I squeeze him once more, and head outside as I wonder if Cupid is at his office now.

  CHAPTER THREE

  L ast night, I’d decided to head home after the bar and go to Cupid’s place first thing in the morning. And now here I am, ready to nock back arrow number two. “Walter Anderson. Yup, I know the guy,” Cupid tells me regarding my next victim. His hair is now a neon green and placed into a man-bun on top of his head. Tattoos are lined up and down his muscled arms.

  “Good, because I don’t. My friend Shawn knows him and gave me his name.” I shrug at the relatively good looking man on the screen. Why hadn’t Shawn ever introduced us before? Then again, had he introduced us and the arrow struck then, I would possibly be in the same situation as arrow number one? Shaking my head at my thoughts, I look back up at the screen and take in the tall man who’s standing next to Shawn. They aren’t at the bar, but at some clothing shop. Never knew guys went shopping with each other. I thought that was a girl thing.

  “Wait, is this going to show me when they try stuff on in the dressing room?” I ask, my voice filled with hope.

  “Nope. I’ll keep their privacy private.” He glares at me from over his shoulder.

  Bummer.

  Cupid smiles at me while I keep my eyes fixated on Walter Anderson. He’s a redhead and sports a small beard. I watch the screen as Shawn heads to the dressing room to try on the stuff he’s holding in his arms. He shops? He really should invest in more underwear.

  My eyes catch on Walter and his brown eyes, and he kinda has me intrigued. I wonder why Shawn picked him for me. And why we hadn’t met yet.

  “You want him, sweetheart?” Cupid calls to me as I keep assessing this Walter guy.

  “Sure, why not?” Sometimes Shawn has good taste, I mean it can’t hurt right?

  I watch as Cupid pulls his golden arrow back and it shoots forward hitting Walter in the heart. His eyes glow with something along the lines of love. Or at least what the guy from the bar looked like when he was staring at his date.

  Maybe this time I’m on the right path.

  I HEAD DIRECTLY to the clothing store and walk inside looking around for the love of my life. At least, he could be the love of my life if Cupid has anything to do with it. Butterflies flutter in my tummy as I search for the two guys. I spot Shawn across the room and nod at him as I catch his eye.

  He walks over and smiles at me. “Fancy seeing you here, Sleeping Beauty.”

  “Not that fancy. Cupid and all,” I tell him as he starts to laugh at me.

  “Oh, right. He shows you stuff on those big TV screens. So, I guess you came here looking for Walt?” He arches a brow, and I try not to check him out in his button-down shirt with the sleeves cuffed up to his elbows. He’s rocking a different look than his normal black bartending t-shirt. His shirt sleeves rolled up like that has my mind wanting things it shouldn’t.

  “I sure did, and he hit him with an arrow.” I declare matter-of-fact.

  “Interesting. I’ll have to see how this plays out. So, he shoots him with an arrow and then what?” His tone not fully mocking me, but close to it, I just know it.

  “Well, I don’t know. I walked up to Ian at work and he had no idea who I was. He acted so weirdly that I ran back to my desk as quickly as possible. So, this time, I don’t know.” I shrug my shoulders and fidget with uncertainty.

  “Did you really run? Or just quickly walk away?” He mocks as he stands in front of me.

  I respond, slapping his forearm. “Quickly walk. I can’t run in heels and dress slacks.
Plus, we both know I don’t run, ever. Like, if zombies are coming I’ll just let them attack me and save the rest of you. You’re welcome.” I smile prettily at him, placing my hand under my chin making it the platform for my smile.

  “Oh, girl, you are something else. Well, you’re in luck because Walt just so happens to be with me, you can meet him now.” He tells me as if I didn’t know that. Duh, why else would I be in the men’s section?

  “That’s why I’m here. This time, I’m ready for his rejection. Granted he doesn’t know me, so how can he reject me, right?” I question my own logic as Walter comes out of the dressing room in the same denim button-up shirt and slacks that I’d seen him in earlier. Our eyes lock.

  I chew nervously on my bottom lip and hope for the best as he swaggers his way up to me and scans me from head to toe. Today, I’d put on my red lipstick and hoped that maybe, just maybe, I might find the man that’ll sweep me off of my feet. I even wore a long, flowing dress paired with a brown belt and cute brown wedge boots to give me a little height. My curly hair is set free and a bit wild because even I can’t tame those tendrils. I’ve tried.

  “Hi, I’m Walter.” He puts his hand out to shake mine. This is a better sign than the first one.

  “Hello,” I say sweetly. “I’m Layla.” I place my hand in his and he leads it up to his lips to kiss at the knuckles. Quickly, I look at Shawn and he winks and walks away to the checkout counter leaving the two of us alone.

  I can’t help but smile at the sweet gesture while my heart flutters a little. This guy may be the real deal, and I’ve known him all of five seconds. My mind reminds me of that fact, and I tell her to shhh. She does not get to ruin this for me. Arrow be damned.

  “What are you doing tonight?” He asks me. I know I have nothing planned.

  “I don’t know. What am I doing tonight?” I ask him cheekily, not able to contain my playful side.

  “How about I take you out to dinner. Perhaps we can take a walk around downtown?” He asks me still not letting go of my hand.

  “Sounds like a great plan. Want to pick me up?” He agrees and we exchange numbers. Looks like Cupid got it right this time—or Shawn did.

  I DIDN’T THINK I’d find myself back at Shawn’s bar so soon. This whole Cupid thing has me so confused.

  “Walter doesn’t know I’m here and don’t you dare tell him!” I plead to Shawn as I sit on my favorite bar stool. He pours me a shot. Shaking my head, I push it away.

  “None of that tonight. Nope. I need a clear head to figure out what to do.”

  “What happened? Tell your best buddy Shawn all the details because I thought it was a match made in heaven. Walter certainly told me it was.” He picks up the shot and shoots it back, and then discards the glass. Getting a clean cup, he fills it up with ice and vanilla Coke. I pause and stare at him until he sighs and then puts a straw in the glass for me. I know, I’m killing the sea turtles, but I’m sorry germs.

  “What happened?” He probes again. I lock eyes with him for a second before glancing around the bar to make sure that Walter isn’t near. I really don’t want to hurt his feelings.

  “Shawn, the guy won’t leave me alone. Like, at all. My phone won’t stop going off—after our FIRST date.” I’m almost yelling at him. “He said he loves me. Shawn, I’m like at Defcon one here. I need a date for my Valentine’s Day work party, but I can’t take Walter. I’m afraid if I see him one more time he’ll ask me to marry him. I can’t marry him! I don’t know him!” At this Shawn loses it. He’s in hysterics laughing at me. I can’t believe him.

  I smack my palm against my forehead sighing dramatically. “Dude, this so isn’t the time to laugh. Help me get out of it! Like, what do I do?” My eyes wide. This only makes him laugh harder at me. Full body guffawing with him bending over. I grab the side of the bar and almost pull myself over the thing to get his attention.

  “Stop. Stop right now. You're drawing attention!” I scream at him, snapping my fingers in his face, desperate to get him to be quiet. If Walter finds me in here I’m done. I don’t know what to do. Our first date was spectacular. Him declaring his love for me was a small mood killer, but I brushed it off thinking it was a mistake. Then he’d sent flowers the next day. After that, non-stop texting and calls, asking me how I’m doing, when would he get to see me next. It got to the point of me turning my phone off. I can’t handle anymore.

  “Shawn, my phone is off right now, and I’m scared to turn it back on. He won’t leave me alone! Help me. Please.” The look I give him is pleading and my hands are up at him in a prayer as I sit back onto the bar stool.

  “Layla, you sweet women. Isn’t this want you wanted? A man who would dote on you, always check up on you, and the whole romantic works?” He questions.

  “Maybe. But not like this. I just want someone to love me for me. Is that too much to ask for?” I push the question back to him.

  “Well, maybe you need to change your definition of love because you’ve never once told me that. You’ve always wanted what everyone else had. You’ve never acknowledged what it is that you really want. Someone, to love you for you? Do you even love yourself, Layla?” His hands are splayed on the counter boxing me in again, and for once I don’t feel caged in when he does this.

  “I...” I pause and really think on his question. Do I love myself? I can’t help but question everything that I am with his one small question. Small as it is, it feels larger than life.

  “Layla, you don’t need to question the world or yourself. Just love the beautiful women you are. Embrace yourself like you do your curls. The right guy will come when he comes. In fact, he very well may be right under your nose.” He lifts my face up and smiles at me with a slight look of pity in his eyes as he walks away to another group of people. I watch him serve drinks for those around the bar for a few minutes as an idea strikes.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  I take a deep breath and walk into Cupids office for what I hope is the last time. Hoping he’ll go for what I propose and that everything will work out.

  “Layla, I figured you would be back. But no man in tow?” His voice goes up in a question and his brows are confused as to why I’m empty handed.

  “Yeah, about that.” I notice that his hair is now cut short. He showcases a square cut jaw, making him seem more Hollywood hunk than the biker dude I’m used to. This is the same guy, right?

  “I’ll let you in on a secret, sweetheart. You aren’t crazy. I can change my appearance at will. God-powers and all that jazz.” He winks as he comes around from the desk that has also changed from being small to something more business like. It fits his size better than the dainty one from last time.

  “Now, you know all sales are final, right? Once I’ve shot an arrow I can’t call it back.”

  My shoulders drop a little, but I still have the third arrow.

  “I know, but I have a proposition for you. Would you be able to use the last arrow I’ve got to undo the one sent to Walter? Can you do that? We both know that we don’t really love each other. In fact, I think I’ve learned a valuable lesson here.”

  “And what lesson did you learn, Layla?”

  “That love can’t be forced. That it has to be earned. That love takes time to develop between two people—or in my case, between me, myself, and I.” I rock back on my toes, swallowing a hard truth for myself. Shawn was right. I have to love myself first before I can love anyone else.

  “Hmm.” He studies me as he mulls things over. His business suit changes from gray to blue. Perhaps this is all just a dream. A week-long dream from hell. Maybe heaven if I learned what I truly think I have.

  “Follow me.” He commands. I do as he says, slightly out of desperation, but mostly because he told me to.

  “You sure you want to hit Walter again?” He asks, his back still turned away from me. We walk into the TV room, only this time one screen is on the wall.

  “Yes, but not with a love arrow. The poor guy is already so full of love for me th
at I can’t take anymore.” He holds his hand up for me to be quiet.

  “As I was asking, are you sure that you want me to hit him with an arrow that will undo the love he has for you? It’s real love—just at a more accelerated rate than what you may be used to. Had you met organically he would have fallen in love with you. Eventually.” He states matter of fact as he stands where his control panel used to be, but it isn’t there anymore. His bow and arrow appear in his hands. This time the arrow is gray and dull—not the shiny gold that it had been the last two times.

  “Yes, I’m sure. I don’t need to think this over.” My voice is firm and my mind is made up. Walter deserves someone who will love him for him—not because of an arrow, organic or not.

  “I can’t undo it once it’s done. And this will count as your final arrow.” He tells me matter-of-fact.

  “Yes, I know. And I’m sure.” I nod decidedly, letting him know that I’m completely certain. Time for all of this to end. I’m tired of the crazy train that I’ve been on. In all honesty, I need a little time to myself. Valentine’s Day party be damned.

  He nocks the arrow, pulls it back, and shoots it at a desperate looking Walter. I wouldn’t doubt he’s been worried about me not answering my phone. At least he’s safe in his apartment and not out on the streets looking for me. He suddenly goes from looking worried to looking weirded out. I watch as he shakes his head back and forth and rubs his chest. It’s almost as if the sparkle he’d had when I saw him for the first time is back again. He doesn’t look so desperate or sleep deprived anymore. Did he even sleep in the three days that I’ve known him?

  I hold my hand out for Cupid to shake it. He looks down at it.

  “Before I shake your hand, you sure you don’t want to purchase any more arrows? Maybe use one on yourself? Let you fall in love with yourself?” His question gives me pause, but I shake my head. I don’t need his kind of love. I have my own, organic love using his word from a few minutes ago.