Page 31 of Jolly Cupid
I rub the bridge of my nose, wondering if I’m completely off base with this plan. But after my time with Candy, I realize this guilt I’ve been carrying is way too fucking heavy. It’s like I need to prove to myself and Candy that I’m capable of change, that the way I’ve been living doesn’t suffice.
The work starts within, righting my possible wrongs.
“Plan the event as you wish. A party that reapers would enjoy while also considering our guests. When I’m done here, I can create multiple single-use portals for the event.”
“If I would have known how much larger my workload would have increased in the pursuit of your romantic happiness,I wouldn’t have meddled,” she says, before popping back to Purgatory.
I ignore her dramatics as I approach a soul, an elderly woman, who looks at me with a gracious smile.
“Is it my time?” she asks.
“I fear it is,” I reply, holding out my hand.
“At least the man taking me to the golden gates is hot,” she replies.
The wispy nature of her soul no longer feels pain as she takes my hand.
“It’s just a shame I can’t live for a few more moments to brag about it to Hazel and Grace. They will probably have some rundown ugly motherfucker taking them to the afterlife. Where are we going, anyway?”
I glance down at the woman, stunned by her easy acceptance. Her path is clear. She’s meant for the good place.
“Somewhere good.”
“Is it where you all live? Do I spend my afterlife looking like this, or do I get to revert back to the hottest version of myself?” she asks.
“The afterlife is whatever you make it,” I tell her, believing the words as I say them.
It’s time I made the best of this one.
After our breakfast with the elves, Calanis is adamant that she gives Candy a tour of the workshop. She holds my hand as the small elf shows us everything.
“Calanis is head of the fashion and textiles, it is a very prestigious position, appointed by Santa himself,” she boasts.
“That is very impressive. I can see why. This outfit is amazing.”
Calanis beams at my sweet cupid. “Calanis will make you more. The North Pole is far colder than Cupidale. My new best friend will need warm clothes.”
“What does that make me?” I ask in mock irritation.
“Claw will always be Calanis’ bestest friend,” she says, winking over at Candy.
We make our way through the workshop, elves greeting us and fawning over Candy.
“Don’t get too many outsiders, do you?” Candy whispers.
“No. Santa, the reindeer, and Claw are the only beings in the North Pole with access to the human realm,” Calanis says easily. “This is fine with the elves, do not worry. We enjoy our Christmas all year long at the North Pole.”
Candy nods in understanding, and it makes me even more curious about her.
“I’m going to take Candy to the stables. Thanks for the tour, Calanis.”
“Claw is most welcome. Calanis hopes to see Candy soon,” she says, hugging Candy around her legs.
Before we leave, I grab some carrots and sugar cubes, and portal us right to the stables.
Candy is immediately drawn to the horses, rubbing their noses and sharing soft-spoken words with each of them.
“Do you like Cupidale?” I ask her before giving a sugar cube to Cranberry.
