Eileen Slovak

Chapter Forty: Cupid’s Bent Arrow

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and locales are products of the author’s imagination. They are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is coincidental. Copyright © 2024 by Eileen Slovak.

Scott

Saturday night the Un Pub is glowing with new atmosphere. An acoustic guitarist strums ballads for the customers. Mason jars of herbs mixed with pink flowers and flickering candles sit at the center of each table, amid scattered tiny confetti hearts. Arriving early, I go to the bar to talk to Corky.

      “Save your breath, I already know about your hot date. Here, have some liquid courage.”

      Dusting miniature paper hearts off the bar, she sets a draft beer in front of me.

      “News travels fast here.”

      “It’s a small state. Scarlet told me this morning when she came in for coffee. If you break her heart, I’ll come after you with a blow torch.”

      “Understood. Dang! I forgot it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day. I’m not off to a good start here.”

      “Nah, you’re fine. Scarlet could care less. Man, Ben is such a girl when it comes to this holiday! I’ll make a fortune tonight though, so it’s worth the pain.”

      “Every job has its ups and downs.”         

      “Hey, what did you say you do for work anyway? Someone asked me. I couldn’t remember.”

      I hesitate, because I’m not sure I’ve ever said. I’ll need to come clean sooner or later.

      “Private detective. I’m here working on a case.”

“Interesting. Maybe you can help Scarlet out. She’s being harassed.”

      “How so?”

      “Prank calls mostly. But some guy scared the crap out of her in the parking garage last night. Don’t say anything unless she brings it up. Here she is now.”

      Scarlet walks in looking sexy, but conservative. Under a leather jacket, she’s wearing a flowing V-neck floral print top and tight black jeans with high-heeled boots. 

      “Hi. So you didn’t chicken out. Impressive,” she says, looking at me.

      I pull out a bar stool for her: “I’m braver than I look.”

      “Thanks. A gentleman too. What are you two whispering about?”

      “Nothing much, only what an awesome cupid I am,” Corky says.

      “Don’t say it too loud. Ben will ask you to wear a costume next year,” I say.

      “Hahaha. I would be a killer cupid, though. I’d get to have a bow with pointy arrows. I like this idea.”

      “Oh, no! She’s dangerous enough, don’t give her any ideas,” Scarlet says.

      “Hey Red, I got the scoop on Trish,” Corky says.

      “Friend of yours?” I ask.

      “Not at all,” Scarlet says.

      “Oh, do tell. But can you please pour me a Chard first? I feel like I may need it for this story.”

      “Are you ready for this one? She’s dating one of the professors at RISD. He has a rep for dating students young enough to be his daughters. Who knows, maybe they deserve each other. I thought you’d want to know anyway.”

      “Even so, someone should really warn the guy. Thanks Corky.”

      “Call me tomorrow when you’re really thankful,” she winks. “Hey you two, a spot opened up over by the fireplace. Go get it quick.”

      We do as we’re instructed. I’m glad to have Scarlet all to myself. Now would be a good time to explain to her why I’m really here in Rhode Island.

      “This is pretty nice, maybe we should stay here,” Scarlet says. “But I used some pull to get us into a hot new place.”

     “I’m sorry I didn’t even realize it was almost Valentine’s Day until I walked in here tonight.”

     “I forgot too when we made the plan. I guess I’m not very typical.”

      “That’s not a surprise to me.”

      “So, Scott, what do you do for work?”

     “Oh, we’re up to that already, are we?” 

     “Sorry, it seemed like a good place to start.” 

     “No, it’s fine. I’m a Private Investigator for a company based in Florida.” My plan is to be straight with her, up to a point. If it seems I’m hiding something it will only bring on more suspicion.

      “An investigator. So, you’re a professional stalker. I’d better watch out. Am I part of your investigation?”

      I’m thrown off balance with her question. I smile.

      “I don’t know? Should you be?”

      “Maybe?”

      “How about you, Scarlet?  What do you do, besides drink coffee, and wine, and hang out here with your girlfriends?”

      “I’m the Sales and Marketing Director for Lucky Chance Corporation. We help inventors turn their ideas into viable products for the marketplace.”

      “Wow, that sounds like a big job.”

      “It keeps me out of trouble.” 

     We sit in nervous silence for a few moments. 

     “So, you’re from Florida? I didn’t know there were any cowboys there.”

      I laugh at the cowboy comment. I’m not wearing my hat, but I always have the boots on with my jeans.

      “No. I was there for work. I was living in Norfolk, Virginia. I’ve moved around some. Originally, I’m from North Carolina, but I haven’t lived there in a long time.”  

     “Moved for work?”

     “Sorry, I’m usually the one asking the questions. I’m not used to being on the other side. I’ve lived all over because of the Navy.”

     “Do you have family in North Carolina?”

      “Yes, my mom.”

      “Then it’s only the two of you. She must miss you.”

     “No. I mean yeah. I guess, she misses me. My father died when I was eleven. It was just my mom and me, up until I turned fourteen. Then she remarried, had my two stepsisters. My stepdad’s a decent guy. He’s good to her. I don’t see them much. I joined the Navy right after high school.”

      “I’m sorry about your dad.”

      “Thanks.”

      I drink some beer shifting uncomfortably in my chair.

     “I’m sorry. I hope I don’t seem too nosy.”

      “No, it’s fine. My step sisters were babies when I left, now they’re teenagers. Thank God for facetime or I wouldn’t know them at all. My mom seems happy. Since I left, I’ve lived in Miami, Cuba, Norfolk, Afghanistan, Florida, now here. But I can’t say anyplace ever really felt like home again.”

      “My Dad was in the Navy. I know what that can be like. When I was a teenager, he took a job as an instructor in Newport. He wanted to stay in one place. I guess that made sense and was easier on the family. But, I think it’s more exciting to live all over.”

      I’m debating with myself how much to tell Scarlet. I’m breaking protocol, but there’s no harm done, yet. If I tell her, she’ll cut and run for sure. I’ll be in jeopardy of blowing the case. If she finds out on her own, then what? She and Sean broke up months before his accident. Technically, I don’t believe she has anything to do with what happened. I need to ask some questions, but does how I ask really matter? Best to keep things casual, have some fun, find out what I need to know. Maybe that’s all there is to it.

      “It’s good and bad.”

      Scarlet glances at her watch.

      “We better get going, I made the reservation for eight thirty,” she says.

      “Where to?”

      “It’s within walking distance.”

      We wave to Corky, who gives us a cool nod back.

      Holding the door for Scarlet, I say: “I like your friend Corky. She’s a character.”

      As we walk, I discreetly take Scarlet’s gloved hand. It’s cold enough to see your breath, but I feel warm inside. We don’t talk for a few blocks, just strolling, watching the scenery. Every restaurant we pass is full to capacity. I can’t remember the last time I went out on a date for Valentine’s. If I’d known, I might have canceled. It’s a day of big expectations for women. I don’t need to look for more ways to disappoint.

      “I’m not sure I’m built for cold weather. Miami was pretty nice.”

      “I know, every year this gets a little harder to take.”

      “Why do you stay?”

      “I ask myself that question constantly. My family, I guess and my friends. Plus, work of course. My life is here. So, tell me about Miami. I’ve been to Florida but never that far south.”

      “It’s beautiful, like a postcard. Always warm with miles of white sand beaches. The air smells like coconuts and cayenne pepper. The sun is forever shining. I miss the food the most.”

      “I hear women walk around there in string bikinis all day.”

      “Like on Miami Vice? Sure, some do.” We stop at a small Italian restaurant, called Viva Napoli. I smile, opening the restaurant door for her. “I prefer to use my imagination.”

      Drawn in by warmth and the amazing food smells, like garlic, butter, and steak, we follow the hostess to an intimate corner booth. The décor is casually elegant with crisp, white tablecloths. The wait staff wear black jeans with black button-down shirts, ties and aprons; all very Johnny Cash.

      “What was your favorite of all the places that you’ve lived?”

      “Haven’t found it yet.”

      “You don’t like to talk about yourself, do you?”

      “Not even a little bit.”

      Being with Scarlet throws me completely off balance. I look over the menu as a way of escaping the struggling discourse. This might be the shortest date I’ve ever been on. She’s probably wondering why I even asked her out in the first place. What was I thinking or expecting? Women ask a lot of questions. Starting to sweat, I can’t figure out how to turn things around.

      The server, a petite brunette, comes by to take our order. She introduces herself as Cassidy addressing all of her questions directly to me as if Scarlet doesn’t exist. Cassidy uses ‘like’ as her favorite adjective, noun and verb. She brings me a beer, then accidentally spills part of Scarlet’s glass of red wine all over her top.

      “Oopsee! I’ll get you a new glass.”

      “How about a new blouse?” Scarlet jokes. She attempts to wipe off the wine with the cloth dinner napkin.

      For her second act, Cassidy completely forgets Scarlet’s appetizer, then gets her dinner order wrong. Every time Scarlet starts to speak, Cassidy reappears. She interrupts like she’s a third party on our ill-fated date, apologizing profusely for every mistake. Scarlet is checking her watch now and yawning.

      “Do you always have this effect on women?”

      “I’m sorry. This is a nightmare. Would you like to leave?”

      “I’m afraid for her encore, Cassidy will set me on fire with a flaming dessert.”

      “Let’s finish our drinks at the bar. I don’t want to end the evening on a bad note.”

      To my relief the bartender who’s male, leaves us alone.

      “Why did you ask me to dinner?”

      “Because you’re smart, sexy and you have a fantastic sense of humor. I wanted to get to know you better.”

      “How do you think it’s going so far?”

      “This is possibly the worst date I’ve ever been on. I don’t date much, so I’m short on comparisons.”

      “I appreciate your honesty.”

      “Scarlet, my story is nothing special. I was in the Navy for twelve years. I got out, didn’t know what to do with myself. A buddy of mine pulled some strings to get me into what I’m doing now. I’m single, never been married. As far as I know, I haven’t fathered any illegitimate children. I’m accustomed to being on my own which makes me a little standoffish I’m afraid. If you’re willing, I’d like a second shot at this.”

      “Okay.”

      I can see Scarlet’s shoulders start to relax. She leans forward telling me about her family, her friends, her job. She’s animated when talking about work. I like that she’s passionate about what she does. She briefly mentions that her last relationship ended several months earlier, but that she’s comfortable with being on her own. We talk until midnight. Then, because of the hour and the cold, we take a cab back to her apartment. I get out of the cab with Scarlet. The outside lights are on, but the home’s interior is dark.

      “Scott, I can walk myself up.”

      “Don’t worry Scarlet, I’m a southern gentleman. I asked the driver to wait. The least I can do after that date, is to make sure you get safely inside.”

      “Thank you for dinner. It wasn’t a complete train wreck. Besides, I’m the one who picked the place.”

      “How could we possibly have known it was, like, Cassidy’s like, first night ever as a server? I hope it was better for the sake of the next poor couple.”

      She laughs. I kiss her frozen cheek.

      “Thank you for the amazing company. You’re freezing, you’d better get inside.”

     “Goodnight, Scott.”

     “Sleep tight, Scarlet.”

      Back at the hotel, I read the letter Sean wrote to Scarlet again. There’s no way I can kid myself any more, I need to do some confessing.