Cupid

“Eros.”
Sarah steps over his coat as the stranger introduces himself. His smile and stare linger too long and Sarah shifts uncomfortably. She’s wedged between the end of the pew and him. The row in front all stand as a couple shimmy to their seats. The woman is attractive enough, well dressed and manicured. Her partner, however, is stunning and Sarah is immediately entranced. He has greying hair and a dusting of stubble across his jaw. The linen suit looks expensive and he is not wearing a tie. His eyes connect with Sarah’s as he sashays towards his seat. She is mesmerised. Finally, he flashes her a dazzling smile and takes his seat in front. Sarah can smell him.

Throughout the ceremony Sarah barely takes her eyes away from his muscled neck. It is the most exquisite neck she has ever stared at. There is a break for the signing. Sarah has not been paying attention. Has she even looked at the bride’s dress yet? The woman in front is whispering urgently in the man’s ear and then pushing her way past everyone else in the aisle. He stands to give her more space, and as he does, Sarah takes a deep breath through her nose, inhaling the delicious scent of his cologne. Next to her, Eros offers her a chocolate. Strange man, she thinks, but her brain is foggy and she doesn’t know how to respond. He jiggles the bag encouragingly. She takes one.

“How are you finding the wedding?”

Sarah blinks in response.

“He doesn’t love her,” Eros says.

Sarah hasn’t been paying attention, but she knows that the groom is madly in love with the bride.

As if realising her thoughts, Eros adds “Adam.”

“Adam?” Sarah questions. He nods his head indicating the seat in front.

“Sorry, do you know these people?”

“No. I don’t. But I don’t think he loves her.”

This guy is batty, Sarah thinks. Despite this, his words cause a flutter in her stomach. The man, or Adam as Eros refers to him, reaches under his seat to pick up something. He smiles at Sarah but she can’t think of something to say and he turns back around. Eros leans over and taps him on the shoulder. Sarah’s heart pounds as he looks behind.

“Sorry to bother you,” Eros cuts through their locked stares. “Would you happen to have a pen that my niece can use?” he indicates to Sarah even though she is certainly not his niece.

“Sure,” he replies. Sarah almost drools at the sound of his voice. As he hands the pen to Sarah, their fingers touch.

“You don’t happen to have something she can write on too do you?”

Sarah feels embarrassed by Eros’ demands. He produces a card from his pocket and hands it to Sarah smiling.

“Will this do?”

“Perfect.” 
​
The woman returns and Sarah is left staring at the card. Eros offers no explanation. It reads ‘Adam, 0431239002.’

​By Joanna Marsh

Photo by Volodymyr Tokar on Unsplash