Page 43 of Incurably Cupid

I glanced at Mesmer discreetly before loading up another chip. “Okay, find Mesmer’s soulmate.”

“Indie,” Mesmer said, shifting uncomfortably.

I patted his leg. “It’s okay. Dad was supposed to be a big deal back in his cupid-matching days.”

I focused back on Mum and Dad, only to see them exchange a look, and then Mum said, “I’m afraid we can’t do that, love. As good as we were, we were never assigned to find matches for those with soulmates.”

Mesmer jerked in his seat. Lance adjusted him so he was sitting more upright. “So, wait, cupids who find soulmates are a special class of cupid?”

Mum nodded. “Oh, yes. Soulmates are rare, very rare, and the cupids assigned to them are even rarer.” She looked at me proudly. “We’re so proud of you. I knew from the moment you were born that you were powerful.” She shook her head. “But I never guessed you’d be assigned as a soulmate cupid.”

I shrank down in my seat, my nachos sitting uncomfortably in my belly. “How rare are soulmate cupids?” I asked, my voice uncertain. I hadn’t known they had a special division! Come to think of it, my last four assignments had been soulmates. I’d failed every single one of them. I hadn’t found any of their soulmates.

“There are three in our division, and I think twelve worldwide.”

I gaped at her. “But I didn’t find any of their soulmates,” I whispered. “Why do they keep assigning me more when I keep failing?”

Dad took my hand across the table. “Oh, Indie. You didn’t fail. How many have you been assigned that you haven’t found yet?”

“Four,” I said glumly. “That doesn’t include Mesmer.”

Mum nodded, sipping her tea. “That means you currently have five assignments. The queen, her consort, and Lyrica have unbelievable faith in you.”

I sat up, eyes wide. “Wait! Are they still assigned to me?”

Mum tutted. “Of course, dear. They’re assigned to you until you find their soulmates.”

“But I haven’t even beenlooking!”I wailed loudly, and the entire pub turned toward our table. I didn’t care. I thunked my head down on the table, groaning. “I’m the worst cupid ever.”

Dad laughed. “I don’t think that’s true.” He turned to Mum. “Remember Arty?”

Mum laughed, and they quietly continued their conversation while I slowly lost the will to live.

Mesmer placed a large hand on my knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You’ll find them. I have faith in you.”

I turned to face him, my cheek still resting against the table. “You don’t understand. I gave up on them. I thought that when the Council gave me another assignment, the last one had been reassigned to someone else.” I closed my eyes, trying to hold back tears. “That means those people have been waiting... and because of me, they’re still alone.”

Worst. Cupid. Ever.

“I’ll help you,” Mesmer promised. “In any way I can.”

I sat up and leaned into him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Thanks, Mesmer.”

He took my hand, lacing his fingers through mine.

“Anytime.”

Chapter 15

Indie

“Love is kind.”

Cupid Inc. New Recruit Training Manual

The taxi ride back to the hotel was quiet. Mesmer sat next to me while Lance was folded up in the trunk. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was thick with exhaustion—more so on Mesmer’s part than mine. As we passed streetlights, businesses, and homes, the flickering lights danced across his face, casting shadows over his heavy-lidded eyes.

“Don’t pass out on me yet, Sleeping Beauty,” I murmured, nudging his arm lightly. “There’s no way I can get you into your room if you fall asleep.”

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