Page 23 of Cupid's Shot

“You’re the manager. You don’t have to ask me.” He chuckles. “Why do you need the night off?”

“Sarah—”

He interrupts, saying, “Approved,” with a knowing laugh.

“Approved?”

“Emily would kill me if I prevented Sarah from finding out who her secret admirer is.”

“How do you know about that?”

“She made a comment to me yesterday, and it clicked—since you are the one that comped the shots and a custom cocktail for their table.”

“Thanks, man. I know Friday is going to be busy.”

“Obviously, you have to find some people to pick up your shift. We should really start recruiting for the seasonal hires too… so we can take our time off now before we’re really slammed this summer.”

He hangs up, and I take a deep breath, staring at the photo again.Friday.It’s only four days. I’m beyond tempted to go back to her place right now. Friday is Valentine’s Day. It’s perfect to wait.

Looking at the time, I decide to cash in one more favor with the owner of the local bakery. It’s time to reveal myself as Sarah’s secret admirer and give her the best Valentine’s Day ever.

21

Tuesday, February 11th

Awoman walks into the studio minutes after I open with a present in hand.

“For you,” she says.

Surprised, I open the box and find a purple, heart-shaped cookie and a small card. In white icing, the cookie says, “Will you be my Valentine?” I smile, hoping it’s from Aaron, and open the card.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d like to cook dinner for you.

- Your secret admirer,

Aaron Olson

I laugh, beaming with delight.Aaron?!Why didn’t he just tell me?! He’s too cute.Purple.My drink was purple, the flowers were purple, this cookie is purple. How does he know my favorite color? Were my friends helping him?

I open up my text thread with Aaron and begin typing.

Sarah Anderson

Of course I’ll be your Valentine! Thank you for the belated dessert too.

Aaron Olson

Are you surprised?

Sarah Anderson

More than I should be! I guess it was obvious.

How do you know that my favorite color is purple?

Aaron Olson

Who could forget when you wore nothing but purple to school for a month?

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