Cara Playing Cupid

Chapter 7 - Dance

After the poker game wrapped up, everyone started heading back inside. I kept my eyes on Elijah, hoping to catch up with him, but when I saw Blake approaching Daphne, I had to fly with her. But as usual, my timing was off, and I lost sight of Elijah entirely.

"I can't believe I lost money and Elijah," I grumbled, taking a sip of my fruity drink. Its sweetness does little to improve my mood.

Daphne wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "I think you've done more than enough for one night. How about you just relax now?"

"You're right." I sighed.

Hiding from Blake wasn't easy.

"Congratulations on the win!" I glanced up to see who she was talking to and saw Samuel walking towards us, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"Thank you, Daph." He chuckled. "But I should actually thank Cara." She frowned in confusion and he added. "It's because of her I decided to play."

I scoffed. "It's you who dragged me into that game in the first place."

"I didn't ask you to play."

"What else was I supposed to do?"

"Sit still and look pretty." His gaze flickered to Daphne. "You should learn a few things from Daph."

I scowled while Daphne's cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

"What are you trying to do here, Samuel?" I inquired.

"Nothing." He gave a half-shrug, trying to look innocent.

"I don't believe you."

"Believe it or not, I'm trying to help you."

"How is any of this helping me?"

"You were hesitating to go there." He pointed out.

"Fine, but what was the use of it?" I retorted. "I lost Elijah again."

Not to forget my money too.

"I told you your plan had loopholes."

I got the clue the next day when Blake invited Daphne.

"I'm trying to cover those."

"Is it helping?" He questioned, and I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

We stood in silence, staring at each other, and suddenly, the upbeat rhythms of "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran filled the air, making Daphne's face light up with excitement.

"It's my favorite song!" She squealed, giving me pleading puppy dog eyes. "Let's go dance, Cara!"

"I'm exhausted." I exhaled.

I knew she was doing it to ease the tension, but I was mentally and physically drained.

Daphne's shoulders slumped slightly. "Alright."

"If you want..." Samuel said, getting our attention. "I can join you."

My brows dipped and I opened my mouth to refuse, but Daphne's excitement took over.

"Really?" She grabbed Samuel's arm. "Let's go!"

Leaning against the wall, I watched them dumbfounded as Daphne and Samuel made their way to the dance floor. The song's rhythm had already started to take over, and the dance floor was alive with energy.

"...Come over and start up a conversation with just me
And trust me I'll give it a chance now
Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox
And then we start to dance, and now I'm singing like..."