Loyalty or Chocolate

By J. M. Allison

“You really want to attend The Cupid’s Cafe Single Mingle?” Marguerite folded her arms and arched an eyebrow. “What about our girl’s night? Hunting monsters and slaying vampires?”

“We do that every year, and most weekends. Let’s try something new?” I clasped my hands and gave her exaggerated puppy-dog eyes. “Please!”

“Fine.” She sighed. “But remember, it’s still girl’s night. You’re not going to ditch me for some random guy. We promised we’d never celebrate this holiday with the typical romantic garbage, so don’t think that’s going to change now.”

I grinned. For all our talk about rejecting conformity to society’s romantic norms, a part of me still longed to participate in them. And this year, I was tired of waiting on the sidelines. I wrenched open the cafe door and skipped over the threshold.

Hearts and cupids covered every conceivable surface. The numerous shades of pink and red smushed together in a nauseating collage. Candles flickered on all the tables and the overhead lights dimmed to enhance the mood. The singles pressed close together, absorbed in giddy conversation. Excited energy crackled through the air.

I inhaled, letting my werewolf senses inform me about the room. I registered the obvious smells of coffee and pastries, the heavy fragrance of perfumes and colognes, and a hint of vampire.

“Anything good?” Marguerite inquired under her breath. Her right hand slipped beneath her jacket at the small of her back, where she’d holstered several knives and stakes. If she knew a vampire was hiding in this crowd, any hope of a normal night would disappear.

“Relax, Marguerite. I don’t smell any goblins or demons,” I specified. “Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

We found seats at an open table and ogled the attractive options.

“What’s your name, beautiful?” A suffocating cologne assailed me, and I looked up at a tall man in an expensive suit. He sat across from me and lounged back, one arm hooked over the backrest, and gave me a cocky smile.

I held my breath and returned his smile. “I’m Gloria. This is Marguerite.”

He nodded to her then leaned toward me. “You seem like a woman who knows what she wants, Gloria. I guarantee you’re looking at it.” He reached for my hand, and I allowed him to lift it to his lips for a quick peck.

“I do know what I want.” I moved toward him, gazing into his eyes. “Someone who is genuine and humble and loves more than his own reflection.” I withdrew my hand and smiled innocently. Marguerite burst into laughter at his stunned expression.

He rose with a huff and stalked away. I beamed at her. Okay, so not all the options were attractive.

Two guys settled themselves into the chairs across from us. Their skinny jeans, flannels, and beanies screamed hipster. One pushed his mason-jar cup of iced coffee toward me. “I’m Greg, and this is Steve,” he imparted. “Have you ever tried the pink velvet macchiato? It’s to die for.”

I tilted my head and appraised Greg, then glanced down at the bright pink drink he’d offered. I lifted the glass and took a sip. I tried not to make a face as I suppressed the instinct to gag. Marguerite’s giggle told me I’d failed.

“Yeah, this will definitely kill you.” I pushed the glass back toward Greg. He gave me an offended glare and vacated the table with Steve close behind.

“That bad?” Marguerite asked through snorts of laughter.

“What can I say?” I shrugged. “Nothing compares to a perfect peppermint hot chocolate.”

“May I join you ladies? There appears to be no other seats available.”

I glanced up at the speaker. His crisp British accent enhanced his air of culture and sophistication, a stark contrast to the whimsical surroundings. My mood sobered as the scent of vampire seared my nose.

He wore all black, accentuating his pale skin. The dark red scarf draped around his neck matched the holiday, and his eyes.

I forced a smile. If Marguerite suspected the newcomer was a monster, she would attack without hesitation, and my hopes for tonight would be dashed.

“Of course.” Marguerite motioned for the vampire to sit.

“Marvelous. Thank you.” He placed his hat on the table and seated himself with legs crossed and hands folded over his knees. “I’m Victor. As I have imposed on your table, may I offer to purchase you a beverage? A peppermint hot chocolate for you, if I overheard correctly, and what would you prefer, miss?”

Marguerite smiled at him. A genuine smile. “I’d love a chai tea.”

Victor inclined his head in a bow then signaled the waiter to take our orders.

“And what do you prefer?” The words slipped out before I could stop them. Marguerite shot me a curious look.

Victor chuckled. “Regrettably, this cafe offers no libations that interest me.”

“Really,” I muttered. Marguerite kicked me under the table.

“Attending these events reminds me of the love and life found all around us. Something that can be lost if we listen only to our basic instincts.” Victor gave me a significant look, then focused his attention on Marguerite, pulling a small rose from his lapel and offering it to her.

Marguerite beamed and accepted the flower.

“Perhaps,” I murmured, “but a leopard can’t change its spots.”

“Touché.”  Victor inclined his head toward me, his eyes glinting dark red.

The waitress arrived with our drinks, and I took a sip. Delicious as always.

“I offer you a toast, ladies.” Victor rose to his feet. “May the brave always find love and the wise, victory. I hope you enjoy a pleasant evening.” With a smirk and a tip of his hat, Victor strode away.

“You’re right.” Marguerite leaned in. “New traditions are fun! Maybe he has a friend.” She giggled and gave me a significant look.

I forced a grin and a nod. I’d wait until tomorrow to break the news. No sense in spoiling a perfect cup of peppermint hot chocolate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. M. Allison, more commonly addressed as Lisa, or Mommommommom, grew up captivated by the magic and wonder of fairy tales. She finds daily adventure in raising four small humans, teaching musical theatre and dance, sewing, drawing, cosplaying, writing, and reading. Stories can communicate so many things, and she hopes her stories will inspire others to courageously live their own adventures or at least bring a little happiness into their humdrum lives.

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