by Libby Sparks
“Such a waste.” Seth shook his head in mock disappointment.
“Thanks,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
“Then what is she here for, dude?” Seth joined Adam in the living room. I stayed on the barstool and watched them converse.
“Uh…” Adam’s face went into panic mode. Obviously his friend didn’t know about the godly stuff.
“I’m his matchmaker,” I piped up and stood from my chair.
Seth gave me a curious look for a second and then laughed. “Yeah right! Mr. Girls-Aren’t-For-Me-But-I’m-Not-Gay is consulting a matchmaker?”
Adam shrugged, indifferent. “It’s hard to explain. Ari kind of…forced herself on me.” I didn’t have to be a guy to know that Seth’s head was filled with dirty thoughts now.
“You’re right,” I agreed and plunked down on the couch next to Adam. “It’s hard to explain, so let’s just not.”
"But, don't I get a say in who my bestest buddy ends up with? I have to make sure she's hot.”
"Geez, your wife is one lucky lady," I said sarcastically, my patience running thin. I didn't like talking about my job in front of mortals. It was too risky
“Sorry, that's just the way Seth is with people,” Adam said, trying to give reason to his friends behaviour.
Seth wiggled his eyebrows at me. "Yeah, baby. Take me as I am."
“I’ve got to go,” I announced all of a sudden. I finally got this place cleaned up and a chance to sit down and talk with Adam about his soul mate and I get this guy? “I’ll be over tomorrow to...talk about the project. Thank you for the omelette and I would say it was nice meeting you Seth, but I don’t like to lie.”
Adam burst out laughing, a deep, laugh that came from his stomach and made me smile. But, my smile quickly disappeared and was replaced with panic when I realized how happy his laughter made me.
Chapter Seven
“I’ll just have a coke, please,” I said to the pimply waiter standing in front of our table.
“Same,” Adam requested and the waiter walked away without saying anything. “Why did you want to come here?”
I shrugged. “It’s a nice place.” I liked the diner and its black and white checkered floors. It was old school, retro. You just don't see them like this anymore.
“So is my apartment.” Adam said. I just gave him a cocked eyebrow and he rolled his eyes. "Fine, now it is."
Our drinks arrived and I stuck my straw in and began sipping. “I didn't want to go there because I didn't want any interruptions. Now, what do you look for in a woman?”
“Oh, well, um…you know, the basics?” he replied, sounding like he didn't even know. I couldn't tell if he was unsure or just plain embarrassed.
“What are the basics?”
“A good personality, funny...and pretty, I guess.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
“You don’t date much, do you?” He nodded in confirmation. The waiter came and took our orders then I returned my attention back to Adam. He was taking a sip when I blurted out, “have you had sex before?” And he spat his Coke all over the table, coughing to get the rest out.
“Of course I have!" He seemed offended.
“Sorry, didn't mean to touch a nerve." I held my hands up in surrender.
“You didn't, it's just...I just didn't expect you to ask that,” he confessed. We were both showing signs of discomfort now, neither of us able to look the other in the eye.
“Well, let's move on,” I suggested as I pretended to take notes. I just wanted to avoid his gaze. "What sort of traits do you prefer in appearance?"
He leaned back in the booth and shrugged. "God, I dunno. Like, long hair, maybe blonde, average height, no fatties."
"Adam!" I shrieked. I had to look at him now. But I was only met with a coy grin. He was pulling my chain and it was working. At least the uncomfortable tension was going away.
"You devil."
His grin quickly vanished. "Next question."
I must have struck another nerve. Maybe I should be taking notes on that instead. I sighed and took another sip of my drink.
"Okay, how about dislikes?"
"Well, that's easy. I don't like mortal girls, far too fragile."
"That's a no brainer," I replied. "You have to be matched with another immortal. That's they way this works."
"You really didn't read my file, did you?"
"Jesus, what's in that damn file?" I threw my hands up impatiently.
"Look, maybe we should put this on hold until you read it," Adam suggested. "I really think it will answer all of your questions."
I rolled my eyes and sat back in my side of the booth with my arms across my chest. "Fine, I'll read it tonight."
"Great, so what do you want to do for the rest of the day?" He looked so happy and relieved to be done with the questions. What was his deal? I didn't get it. It's like he didn't want to find his soul mate.
"You want to hang out with me?" I asked. I didn't spend time with anyone else besides Hayden.
Adams eyes met mine and held my gaze. I noticed then how beautiful and black they really were, like black diamonds, shiny like his hair. My eyes fell to his lips and watched as they curled up in a coy grin that I was beginning to think was his trademark. Suddenly, my chest began to warm; it was an odd and uncomfortable feeling.
"Are you okay?" he asked with concern and got up from his seat to come to my side. I held my hand over my chest, as if I could hold in the strange sensation.
"Yeah, I think I just drank my Coke too fast," I attempted to lie.
Adam slipped his hand into mine and helped me to stand up. I liked the feeling of his huge hand holding my tiny one and stared at it for a moment. No one had ever held my hand before, aside from my mother.
"Come on, I know a great place we can go waste some time," Adam said, still holding my hand.
"O-okay," I couldn't hide the nervous tone in my voice. I didn't even really know why it was there. I took a step and wobbled, my head feeling light and woozy.
"Hey, maybe I should hold on to this for a little while." He firmed the grip on my hand, gave me the grin I was beginning to admire, and led me out of restaurant.
Chapter Eight
The great place to waste time was at the mall, and he was right. The mall was huge and held more than just stores. It had an arcade, mini golf, movie theatre, bowling, and an amusement park.
"So, what do you want to do first?" he asked me, giddy like a little kid.
I couldn't help but laugh. "I dunno." I searched around. "How about mini golf?"
"Good choice!" Adam took my hand again, even though there was no need. But I didn't say anything.
On the third hole, we both realized just how much I sucked at mini golf. I hadn't gotten one in yet, and I already lost four balls. Adam must have sensed my frustration because he dropped his club and came to where I was standing.
"Want some help?"
"No!" I snapped like an angry child.
Adam just chuckled at me. "Here, I'll show you a trick." He came to stand behind me and placed his hands over mine on the club. "Hold them here, further apart. You will get a better grip for swinging. And widen your stance a little." He reached down and touched my thigh to show me where to stand and the touch of his hand on my leg made me light headed again. My chest began to warm with the now familiar sensation. What was wrong with me? Did Adam have some sort of poisonous touch? Is that why he hadn't found a soul mate yet?
"Are you okay?" he asked and helped me to sit on a nearby Styrofoam rock.
"Yeah, I don't know what's wrong with me," I mumbled. "I mean, I can get sick, but it's only happened a couple of times in my life. Maybe I should go home."
"No, don't!" Adam blurted. I gave him a curious look. "I mean, you don't have to do that. If you're not feeling to good then we can just head back to my place. It's closer."
"I don't know-"
"You can ask me more questions," he offered.
I examined his face,
unsure of how I felt. I was here to do my job. I'm only supposed to spend time with him so I could find his soul mate. So why didn't I want to get back to asking questions? Why did I want to stay here and just hang out with him? The confusion was making me even dizzier.
"No, I'm okay. I think I just need some air."
I could almost feel Adams relief as he held my hand and rubbed my arm. "Alright, let's go."
He tightened the grip on my hand, as if he were scared I would let go, and led me to the nearest exit where we found a little bench outside and sat down. The fresh air really was helping. A cigarette would help even more.
“So, how does this work?” Adam asked after a while.
“What?”
“How do you know when a girl is the right one for me?” he rephrased and looked around. Dozens of people walked around the garden in the outside seating area. Some gathered at picnic tables, others sat alone on benches and fed the birds.
“Oh, that. Well, it's hard to explain. I just sort of...feel it."
“You feel it?” He didn’t believe me. "You're going to find my eternal soul mate based on a feeling?"
“Yes, it's a weird sensation. Like a magnetic pull, only I'm this unknown force in the middle, pulling them together."
“And how will you make this apparent girl fall for me?”
“That's your job. I just have to find her and give a little push.”
“Hmm, interesting." His gaze drifted off thoughtfully. "I didn’t know I would have to do work.”
“No relationship is maintenance free. Of course you will have to work at it. It won't ever be perfect.”
He let out a guffaw. “Not perfect? Soul mates are supposed to be perfect!”
“No one is perfect. Not even gods."
Adam seemed surprise by my answer. “Not even a god?”
“Especially a god,” I muttered with bitterness evident in my voice.
Adam thought about that for a while. Minutes passed before either of us spoke again.
“Let’s see you in action.”
“What?” I was caught off guard.
“Let’s see you match someone up.”
“I can’t just match any two people up,” I exclaimed.
Adam shrugged. “What if I said that I didn’t believe you worked for Cupid?”
I glared. “I don't work for Cupid. I basically am Cupid. And, also, you just wasted two days of your life, then.”
“I’m gonna live forever.” Adam shrugged. “I’m not worried about wasting my time.”
I rolled my eyes and looked around the little sitting area in front of us. Suddenly, the mall door opened and a pretty teenager came out with her friends. She was tall and blonde; her pink sun dress flowed in the breeze. They were giggling and laughing and a familiar feeling came over me, the magnetic pull. Adam was in luck, he was going to get his wish after all. I gave him a smile before closing my eyes and feeling for the other end of the pull.
Within seconds, I felt it to my right. I opened my eyes and scanned the area and landed on a boy about the same age as the teenage girl. He was reading a book under a tree, lost in the story. He would have never noticed her even if she fell on him...or would he? Then I felt inspired.
I rubbed my fingers together and imagined the magnetic pull closing between them. Suddenly the girl glanced over and spotted the cute book worm boy. She stopped what she was saying in mid-sentence and began walking over to him. Just as she reached his feet, I snapped my fingers and she tumbled over his legs.
Finally, the boy looked up from his book and saw the girl. She was giggling at her clumsy ways and he blushed as he assured her it was fine. He helped her up and, just as they were both standing together, I opened my hand to reveal a tiny arrow.
"Wait!" Adam whispered in alarm and grabbed my wrist. "You actually shoot them with an arrow? I thought that was a myth."
"Nope." I gave the arrow a little flick of my finger and sent it flying right through the girl, landing in the boy's chest. Immediately, signs of love were evident all over their faces. That was it.
"There," I said and turned to Adam. "Easy as that. Now they will live happily ever after." I dropped my gaze to my lap, trying to hide the ping of jealously I felt.
"So what about yours?"
I snapped my head up to look at him and his beautiful face that I was growing fond of. He had a serious look now, one I hadn't seen yet.
"My what?"
"Your happy ever after."
"I don't get one of those," I replied under my breath. Although, I know he knew the answer. Cupids don't get to fall in love. It taints us, leaves us unable to do our jobs. "And, even if I could, I'd have to be matched with another half mortal. And I don't even know of any, I'm sort of special."
"Yeah, you are." I heard him whisper to himself as he looked away. I didn't reply or even let on that I heard him. I was too busy dealing with the confusion I felt inside. I wanted to spend more time with Adam, and not on a work basis. I wanted to stare at his flawless face everyday and let him hold my hand.
Was this what love felt like? I shook my head. No, I wasn't even capable of those feelings...was I? Maybe the mortal side of me was. The thought that I could be right scared the living hell out of me.
"I'd better get home," I announced and stood up. I had to get away from him. Maybe I could request a client transfer. Let my mom deal with him.
"Are you sure?" he stood too and tried to hold my hand but I casually stuck them both in my jacket pockets.
"Yeah, I've been gone all day and my roommate is working. I have to let the dog out."
"You have a roommate?" he asked in surprise. "And a dog? I thought you didn't like dogs."
"I don't like your dog," I kidded and nudged his shoulder playfully. "But she's sitting for our neighbour, so I should go," I replied. "And, yes, I have a roommate."
Adam's mouth twisted at the corners. "Has she read my file?"
I laughed. "No, but she saw your picture."
"Oh really? And what did she think?"
I began to walk and he kept pace next to me. I was thankful to have gotten past the awkward sensation so quickly. "She said you were okay."
"Okay?" he exclaimed in mock surprise. "I'm a godly beauty!" His laughter was contagious and I found myself unable to resist.
"Fine, she said you were gorgeous and even asked if I could match her with you."
"Oh, well, maybe I'll have to meet this roommate. What's her name?" He was playing with me, the devious grin on his face gave it away.
I punched him in the arm. "She's mortal, and Hayden."
"Hayden, nice name," he teased.
We laughed and kidded back and forth all the way to my apartment building. Night had fallen while we strolled through the city and the starlight illuminated the streets. Just as we approached the front entrance, I stopped and turned to him.
"Thanks for today."
"Yeah, no problem. It's nice to take a day off, isn't it?"
"Yes, normally," I replied.
"Well, back to business tomorrow, then?"
"Yeah, I'll, um, come by around nine?" I asked. "Or is that too early?"
"No, no, that's fine," he assured me. We were both standing and swaying awkwardly, hands in our pockets. "I'll have some breakfast ready, if you like."
I gave him a smile. "Sure, sounds nice. And I'll have some more questions ready. We can discuss it over breakfast."
"Sure, but maybe do your homework first."
I rolled my eyes. "Why are you so hung up on that file? They only ever contain boring information about parents and schools and friends. It's never information I can use. I found you, now I find her. Easy."
Adam shook his head and kicked a stray pebble down the sidewalk. "Whatever you say, Ari." He seemed upset by what I had said. I didn't get it.
"Fine, I'll read it, I promise."
"Yeah, well, once you do, maybe call or text me," he suggested.
"Why?"
"To let me know if you're
still coming over."
Now I shook my head, but in confusion. "Why wouldn't I come over? Are you like a serial killer or something?" I added the humour to lighten his mood.
"You'll see, just read the damn file, Ari."
"Fine, geez, I already said I would."
"Okay, good...I'm gonna head home now."
I suddenly felt anxious. I didn't want him to go, and I didn't want him to leave upset. But I said nothing to him, only nodded and gave a wave as I watched him walk down the street.
Chapter Nine
I turned and ran up the front steps to the main door. Just as I fished my keys from my pocket, a yellow note appeared on the door in front of my face. My shoulders slumped and my stomach cringed. I knew exactly who it was from.
Ari,
Come home, I need to talk to you.
-C
I ripped the note down and crumpled it up before sticking it in my pocket. I didn't even get the keys turned in the lock before she showed up in a poof of gold sparkles next to me. The scent of roses was particularity potent today.
"Hello, Ari."
I turned with a sigh. "Hi, Mom."
She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the old metal railing. Just like her two friends, her golden hair radiated, even in the dark, as it poured down to her waist. "Avoiding me?"
I chewed my lip and plunked my butt down on the concrete step. "No, I just had a long day, is all."
"A long day working on your new assignment?"
I couldn't look her in the face. "Um, sure, let's go with that."
"Ari," she replied with a disappointed tone and came to sit next to me. Her thin gold dress pooled around her feet. "You cannot get to close to this boy."
I had to look at her then. "But, Mom, he's immortal. I have to be around him as much as possible, it's the only way I'll sense is soul mate. You know that."
She gave me a curious look that quickly turned to realization. "You didn't read his file, did you?"
I dropped my head onto my lap in frustration. "Oh my god, what is with everyone and that freakin' file?"
