When Cupid Falls In Love

Chapter 31: Cupid

The whole ride back to Spencer's apartment, I felt defeated as the cab driver confided in me about his marital problems. He said they were fighting non-stop lately but he wasn't sure where it was coming from. As he talked, I tried to offer the best advice I could, but my own problems made me a bad listener. He'd be wise to dismiss any half-hearted advice I tried to give.

When the taxi finally pulled up to the apartment building, I gave him a nice sized tip with the cab fare before heading up. I was dreading telling Spencer and Hermes about the date, and terrified Joey told them what happened in the museum. Spencer didn't strike me as a violent guy, but he was definitely the kind of brother who wouldn't appreciate me touching his sister.

As I knocked on the door, I put on a brave of a face because I didn't want them to see a mess. When the door opened, my heart jumped into my throat when Hermes appeared. My one true friend from Olympus and I betrayed him. The universe was targeting me tonight, wasn't it?

"Hey! How was the date?" He asked with a groggy smile.

I shrugged. "Things are hard without God essence."

"I'm sure it went better than you think. The world always feels like its ending when you're young," He assured as he pat my shoulder. "Joey's night didn't go as planned either."

Stiffening, I dared to make eye contact. "Oh?"

"Yeah, she came home all flustered then freaked out when Spencer told her their mom wasn't coming," He whispered, stepping aside to reveal him laying on the couch.

Spencer looked drained.

Sighing in relief, I peeled off my jacket as I walked into the living room. Good. I guess Joey didn't tell them after all. Looks like she was serious when she said she didn't want to talk about it ever again. "Why isn't your mom coming, what happened?" I asked as I flopped down next to Spencer.

Sighing, he paused the tv. "She said she won't take a night off from the tour to watch Joey perform. She has more important things to do." His jaw tensed as he fiddled with the remote. "Joey was hoping she'd come because she said she told her she might. So, naturally, she got pissed at mom when I told her and we couldn't calm her down," Spencer said, his expression drooping.

I winced. Making out tonight definitely didn't help her mood. She was angry enough when she left, I couldn't imagine how she felt now. The pain of a willingly absent parent was a harsh blow.

I squeezed his shoulder. "I'm sorry. You guys deserve better."

Shrugging, he unpaused the tv. "We're used to it. Mom always promises to try to take off but never does. She has enough money to take a break for a year or two you know, but she cares more about the spotlight than family dinners," He grumbled.

"She doesn't know what she's missing. I know from experience you guys are wonderful dinner companions." Hermes chimed in as he leaned over the back of the couch.

I looked around. "Speaking of which, where's Joey?"

Spencer pointed down the hall. "She's in her room, but don't bother. When she's in a bad mood, she won't unlock the door for anyone."

"I think it's worth a shot. Maybe something else upset her before she came home," I said, relieved he didn't seem to know anything either. It meant I had a chance to make things right, if I could. Taking his silence as permission, I walked out into the hall before stopping outside her door. "Joey?" I called out as I knocked lightly.

"Get lost, or I'm grabbing the broom!" She shouted.

Sighing, I leaned against the door. "Joey, please let me in. I want to talk. Spencer told me what happened," I said, unsure how to convince her to open the door. "I know how it feels and I'm sorry your mom keeps putting you through bullshit."