Page 14 of The Art of Professing Love

“I don’t think that’s one of your best ideas,” I said reluctantly.”

“What do you mean?”

“He was pretty firm about not wanting to see me again. Of course, there was that one moment – no, we both agreed that wasn’t what we wanted.”

“What are you talking about, Sylvan?” My cousin sighed. “Please explain yourself better.”

“He’s not interested in dating me anymore,” I said. “That’s all there is to it, and trying to fix an unfixable rift won’t work.”

“Well, all right. At least come in sometime soon and update your matchmaking application so I can find you another match.”

“I will. I’ll stop by tomorrow, I promise.”

I was a man of my word, and the following day after picking a bouquet to bring to the library to brighten it up, I headed over to see my cousin about a mate.

As soon as I walked in, something felt off. But my cousin was behind the front counter helping someone check out, the table in the back where the first dates were held was unoccupied, and a handful of people and monsters were scattered about reading all manner of books.

“Get me a vase, will you?” I asked my cousin after the other person at the counter was gone. “I brought these for your desk.”

“Why, thank you.” They beamed as they admired the colorful flowers. “I’ll be back with one in a moment.” They returned with a slim crystal vase and a plain brown folder with papers tucked inside it. “I took the liberty of going over your application myself earlier, and I just need you to confirm that everything is still correct. It won’t take but a minute, and then you’re free to go.”

I took the folder from them and flipped it open, scanning the documents briskly. I let myself relax a little, as it was obvious that nothing strange was afoot. I almost felt bad for suspecting my cousin of going behind my back to arrange something.

“Everything looks good.” I looked up at them, smiling, and closed the folder back up.

Before I could get out another word, the bell on the library door jingled and I instinctively turned around to glance at the stranger.

“I’m here. Now, what was it that you wanted me to – Sylvan?”

I stood stock-still, mouth hanging open, for the better part of a minute. This man was no stranger.

“Irving,” was all I managed to get out before we both looked back at my cousin, Irving’s eyes shooting daggers into them. “Well,” I said after a few more painful seconds, “speak up, cousin. You have quite a bit of explaining to do.”

12

IRVING

Istruggled to keep my composure in front of the innocent bystanders who were doing what they should have been doing in a library: reading. Internally, I was seething with rage, but the last thing I wanted to do was create a scene.

“Yes,” I said, concurring with Sylvan, “explain yourself.”

“I – well –“ the Librarian stammered. “Truth be told, I forgot Sylvan was coming in today when I called you.”

“So the error with my account is real? You can show it to me so we can correct it and I’ll be on my merry way?”

Sylvan shot confused glances back and forth between me and his cousin, trying his best to keep up with the conversation that was rapidly devolving.

“Yes,” the Librarian replied sheepishly. “Of course.”

“You didn’t act like you forgot I was coming when I walked in,” Sylvan finally spoke up. “I knew something was off when I arrived. I could sense it in the air.”

I looked at Sylvan, a mix of admiration and utter confusion filling me. “You have some sort of sixth sense?”

Sylvan smiled proudly. “I’m a fae, remember? We have certain…special characteristics.”

I shook my head at him, turning my attention back to the Librarian. “So this was all a ploy to get the two of us together?”

“Er, yes, I suppose there’s no denying it now. Well, there is a mistake with the name on your account, but I could have fixed it over the phone. I called you here to meet with Sylvan when he arrived, but I see now that I have made an error. Sylvan, why don’t you run along? I shall call you later if I have any more questions about your application.”

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