Cupid Is Stupid (FULL STORY)

CHAPTER ONE

                   THE NAKED MAN

"Earth to Adrianna." A loud sound similar to that of a dog's bark echoed in my ears.
"What the...?" I whine before shaking my head to reduce the ringing in my ears.
"About time. You've been spacing out more than usual lately, did you even hear a word of what I just said?" Cara, my personal makeup artist asked as she leaned on the restaurant table separating us trying to get a closer look at me.

"No Cara, like I have told you a million times, I am not going to a stupid Valentine's day party." I take a hold of my champagne flute and down half it's contents.
"Ah ah ah... Valentine night party. And why not? It was organised as a kind of send off party you know, for the cast and crew of Cupid's arrow. It's gonna be rude to not show up considering how you're the lead actress."

"Trust me Cara, I couldn't care less. You've known me long enough to know that I don't do Valentine." I roll my eyes. Cara should understand my situation, she was the only person who went to college with me who I still relate with. She saw how Valentine's day wrecked and her suggesting that I attend a party dedicated to that is pretty annoying.

"You're staring in a movie titled Cupid's arrow. That's pretty rich you know." Cara gives me one of her don't-be-ridiculous looks.
"Yes but it's a movie. It's not real. It's acting."
"Yeah but come on Adri. It's been over eight years, surely you should be over everything by now."
"Look Cara, my answer is no and that's that. Alright?"

Cara shakes her head and looks down at the watch on her wrist.
"We should get going. They're gonna start in half an hour."
She stands up to leave and I grab her arm.
"Cara, you wanna fix me, I get it. But some things just can't be fixed and I'm one of them okay? You're my only friend and I don't want you to be mad at me or anything, besides you are my makeup artist. If you're mad at me, who knows what you'll do."

Cara chuckles and the weight in my chest feels just a bit lighter.
"Yeah whatever. I won't make you look like an orc no worries."
"Phew." I give her a silly smile.
"But seriously, we have to get going or  Marcus is gonna send the police after us."

I nod my head in agreement and signal to a waiter for the bill. We step out of the restaurant immediately I paid. The cool breeze reminded me that although winter was close to ending, it was still very much around.
I carefully tucked my hands in the deep padded pockets of my coat. A whole week was left till Valentine's day and it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

The sight of stores and houses going all out to decorate in respect to a diaper wearing baby god who shot arrows made me shudder. Once upon a time, I might have gone all out too, but that was years ago. They say time is the best healer, but it was the exact opposite for me.

"Hey? You alright?" I look to my left and remember what I was supposed to be doing once I see the concern in Cara's big brown eyes.
"Yeah. I'm just a bit cold you know." I smile a bit.

Life has taught me to be a closed wall to people. I like Cara, she's a good friend, but you can never be completely sure about anyone, it was best to keep everyone at arm's length.

"The studio's right over there." Cara nodded towards the building just a few metres away.

When did we get here? Was I spaced out for that long?

"So you wanna come in or stay out for a while?"
"Stay out?"
"Yeah, you look a bit you know...unwell."
"I'm fine. Once I get a hot cup of coffee in me I'll be good to go." I shrug.
"Alright then, you're the boss." Cara shrugs back and starts to head inside.

I watch here as she pulls open the door and steps into the building.
"You can do this. Breathe in, breathe out. You're fine. You're amazing, you're strong and you're gonna rock today's shoot." I take calming breaths and follow after Cara.