I had the idea for this one last week when I was trying to think of ideas for Valentine's Day stories. But since I had Totally Original Idea already done, I went with it.

I almost didn't post this one, but I want to try to do a #fridayflash every week this year. Oh well, you can't hit 'em out of the park every week.

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Love Is Complicated

Simone reached across the table in the little restaurant and entwined her fingers in David's.

"Everything is perfect," she said, "Today has been perfect."

"I can't believe we met like that, reaching for the same book. Does that even happen in real life?"

"I loved Murakami before, but I think Sputnik Sweetheart is my new favourite novel."

"I hope so, because you totally stole it from me."

"It's not my fault you're too slow."

"Wrestled it out of my hand right there in McNally Robinson."

Their shared laugh was interrupted by a cough. The couple looked away from each other to see someone standing at their table. He was in a toga and had a laurel wreath stuck lopsided in his curly hair.

"I'm really sorry about this, but there's been a terrible cock-up."

In one hand he held a small harp and in the other an over-stuffed file folder. He plunked the harp down on their table and patted his toga.

"I'm sorry, I was in such a rush I forgot to grab business cards. Cupid, assistant divinity. True love department."

"Like, Cupid the god of love?" asked David.

"Demigod, if you want to be specific. And not likely to get full godhood if Venus catches wind of this. What time is it? It's too early for a drink, isn't it? I need a drink."

"What are you talking about it? We obviously don't need your services." Simone squeezed David's hand.

"Could you cut that out?" Cupid waved toward their hands. He opened up the file folder, licked his index finger and thumbed through several pages.

"You're Simone MacAdams? With three As? Apartment three seventeen, 147 Corydon?"

Simone nodded her assent.

"I love Scottish names," said David.

"Did you know there's a Simone McAdams who also lives in your building? Two As."

"No, I had no idea."

"Well neither did I. At least not until I was reviewing my case files."

Their waiter approached the table. "Would you care to see a dessert menu?"

"No, no they wouldn't."

"I know where you're going with this. You're going to say I was meant to bump into some other Simone. I don't care. I'm falling in love with this Simone."

Cupid lowered his voice, "Listen, the two of you aren't meant to be. If you stay together, it could rip apart the very fabric of space and time."

"Really?" they said in unison.

Cupid looked at them for a moment, then rolled his eyes. "No, but if you'd ever seen Venus when someone's screwed up, you'd understand the etymology of the word fury."

He then turned to Simone, "Oh, and not to worry, he doesn't even stay with the other Simone for very long. They break up inside of year and David ends up with a computer programmer. But he's very happy with him."

"What about me?"

Cupid glanced at his file.

"I'm afraid you end up bitter and alone. Except for your five cats."

"Excuse me, did you say I'd end up happy with 'him'?"

Cupid shrugged. "Surprise?"

"This is insane," said Simone, "you can't just barge in here and tell us who we can and can't be in love with."

"Well technically-"

"Let's go David. I'm not listening to him. I'm not even Greek."

"Actually Cupid is Roman."

Simone shut David up with a glance. Cupid stood by helpless as the couple stood up. David threw some money on the table and they walked out of the restaurant.

Cupid heaved a sigh, flicked open his mobile phone and dialled.

"Loki? I know this is way outside your jurisdiction but I could sure use a favour."

9 responses to "Love Is Complicated "

Carrie Clevenger wrote: Friday, 19 Feb 2010 21:48 I'm so glad this story was revealed. I'd hate to have missed it. Love the cute dialogue and minor details of the story. Thank you for posting it after all!

peggy wrote: Friday, 19 Feb 2010 22:30 Stop being self-depricating! I'm not sure I've been by here before, but if this is an example of "not out of the ballpark" I'll have to come back and catch up. This was witty, fun, and irreverent--all elements of an entertaining story!

mazzz_in_Leeds wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 08:09 This one went right out of the park - very funny! Your imagination is great fun. For us, anyway - hopefully it is for you as well :-)

Marisa Birns wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 08:11 This is a jewel of a story! I laughed... a lot... and enjoyed it very much. Loki? Uh-uh. Thanks for letting us read it after all. It's a home run!

Natalia wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 08:57 Adorable story! Funny and unexpected. Love the whole "A's" mix-up. And I want to know what happens next with our, um, arrows-crossed lovers!

Laura Eno wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 20:36 This is great! I'm glad you didn't hide it away. Loki could cause a lot of trouble...

Victoria A wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 21:39 Ahahaha! That was lovely, Dana. I'm glad you posted it :)

shannon esposito wrote: Saturday, 20 Feb 2010 21:45 Cupid said "cock up"! LOL ...okay, yes-I'm five :-) Cute story!!!

Skycycler wrote: Friday, 26 Feb 2010 17:01 Missed this last week, but I stopped by to read this and then your sequel... Your mind, Dana! You are so inventive. Cupid, bumbling Cupid, is so funny! What a way to tumble the doctrine of free will! Wickedly funny. Simon.

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