Page 138 of Love & Heart Braking

“You’re a cupid, so I know it’s not news to you that romantic love is just one type of bond we experience in life. Family is equally as important. As are friends. I’m talking about friends you check in with regularly. Friends you’d worry about if they hadn’t gotten in touch. Friends you share secrets with—those you may not wish to even tell your family about. Do you have any of those kinds of friends, Kiki?”

She flushed harder. “No.”

“Then that’s something we could work on, if you’re okay with it? We’re not just here for our clients’ hearts. We want your heart to thrive to its full capability too.”

Kiki searched my face. “Cerys, how did you know I don’t have close friends?”

“Call it a gut feeling.”

“Annya says she’s never seen someone cupid the way you do.”

“I love what I do.”

Her gaze dropped to my heart tattoo, and Kiki took a breath. “I trust you. Put me in the system. I’ll get my friend on.”

I winked. “You won’t regret it. Want to head over and fill in the questionnaire now?”

She left, and I called Rolli over.

“Change of plans,” I said. “I’ll take Kiki to Yearning Hearts. She isn’t big on friendship yet, and that’s likely why she’s having trouble here. Could you shift over her clients to Arte and Lunas from Monday onward?” That should help to keep Lunas happier.

“Done. How is Soleil?”

“The charges were dropped yesterday,” I said. “She’s having some time off to recoup.” One day soon, I’d tell them the truth, but for now, I had to believe this was temporary, and that meant creating the story I needed to hear.

He smiled sadly. “I get that. Tell Soleil we’re all thinking of her.”

If I could think of a way to get her a message, then I would. “Thank you.”

“I heard about Austin’s upcoming marriage,” Rolli said.

A buzzing filled my ears. “What?”

Lunas and Arte looked over.

“In the paper this morning,” he said. Slipping off his stool, he hurried to his desk and returned with a newspaper.

I read the headline on the very first page.

Love Birds Make It Official in Flame

“What does that even mean?” I muttered. Headlines were stupid.

The accompanying picture made it abundantly clear. Austin was arm in arm with Smolder Cineres in front of the Cinereses’ estate. I skimmed over the article that detailed how “lucky” Austin was and how he was marrying into “riches and legacy.” The article included a paltry two lines on his family, then several lengthy paragraphs on phoenixes—chiefly that they only had one child and mated for life.

The Cineres and Lanaray families will

join in matrimony Tuesday next week on the Night of Flame—an important day on the calendar for their type.

My mouth dried. “Next Tuesday.”

There’s not enough time.

“I’m guessing this is a shock,” Rolli said.

“To say the least. I just don’t like this coming off the back of how suddenly Austin left.”

“He doesn’t look happy.” He nodded at the picture.

---