Page 42 of Incurably Cupid

“Sure thing.” He beeped once, and then the noise from the bar started playing softly so that we could listen in.

Mesmer frowned. “Isn’t this a little too intrusive?”

Dad snorted. “They asked for our help. This is how cupids help. Well, one of the ways. We have to see how they interact with each other as well.”

Felix finally made his way to Yvette and cleared his throat. "May I join you?"

Yvette gave a small smile and gestured to the stool beside her. She picked up a napkin and a pen, scribbling something before sliding it to him. Leo flashed the words across our table.

You always stand like you’re preparing to fend off angry villagers. Sit, relax.

Felix huffed a quiet laugh, easing himself onto the stool, then shifted awkwardly. "Force of habit, I suppose."

I groaned. "Someone save him."

Yvette tapped her nails against her glass and then wrote again.

Did you always want to own a pub?

Felix hesitated before responding. "No. It’s... comfortable for me. The world outside moves too fast. Here, it’s steady. I can keep up."

Yvette tilted her head, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement. She wrote again.

You don’t have to keep up with the world. Just the right person.

Mesmer’s breath caught next to me, and I grinned at him. “That was a very clear expression of interest.”

“Do something, you big galump,” Leo hissed. “Don’t just sit there staring at her as though you forgot to pack your brain today!”

Mum snorted into her iced tea.

Felix, still staring at the words on the napkin, finally looked up at Yvette. His expression had softened, but was still unsure. "And how does one find the right person?"

Yvette smiled and grabbed another napkin, writing a little slower this time.

You start by having a drink with them.

Felix’s lips parted slightly before curving into the smallest of smiles. "Then... I suppose I should order one."

Our table erupted in cheers.

Felix, at the bar, didn’t turn our way, but I caught the smirk that told me he’d heard us.

“Remember,” I said aloud to him, knowing he’d be able to hear me with his vampire hearing, “you already have the friendship. You know each other. Build the romantic love from there.”

He nodded discreetly, and I slumped in my chair, gazing at the excited expressions of those at my table. “Two down, two to go.”

Mum nodded. “Your dad and I have that covered. I’m taking dear sweet Dieter out shopping tomorrow, where we will work on his confidence, and your dad will be on a 'date' with Astrid.”

“Dad,” I mock-scowled at him. “I can’t believe you would cheat on Mum.”

He glared at me, then snickered as he side-hugged me. “It’s a class, pet. You know, that thing we cupids do?”

I picked up a nacho chip that had now gone cold because we'd been too busy watching the byplay between Felix and Yvette to eat, loaded it with sour cream, ground beef, salsa, and cheese, and popped it in my mouth.

“All I know is that you and Mum haven’t been in the field for more than two hundred years.” I flashed a teasing grin. “You guys are bound to be a little rusty now, yeah?”

Mum laughed, but Dad growled at me. “I’ll show you rusty, young lady! Pick anyone in this pub, and I’ll find a match for them!”

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