Peter's Arrow: Parthenon Coffee Shop, #2

By Dani Gray

While dumpster diving for food to feed his brother and himself, Peter Ames was discovered by the shop owner Cupid. When the offer for a free meal was given to him, Peter was overjoyed at the prospect. Later, when Cupid offers him a job washing the dishes, a very grateful Peter would have done just about anything for the man who helped to make sure he could support himself and his brother Harvey.

When the wards that Cupid, the god of love, had placed around his namesake's shop went off and he went to investigate, the last person he expected to meet was his mate. Upset at how busy his life already was, Cupid, or Eros as Peter preferred to call him, turned his back on his mate. When he realized that the Fates weren't going to change their minds, Eros was horrified to find out that his neglect had left his mate near death.

But even with a god's protection, life isn't rainbow clouds and buttercups. A man from Peter's past wants him dead and doesn't care if anyone gets in his way. Will Peter and Eros ever be able to live their life as the Fates directed, or will Peter be struck down from someone else's hatred?

NOTE - Previously released as Fates, Mates & Apple Turnovers. It's been slightly revised and edited.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dani Gray
• Release date: Apr 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201710965

Book preview

Chapter One

Peter Ames knew what he was doing was disgusting, but he was so hungry. He wasn’t able to find work, no one would hire him since he didn’t have an address or any documents. The last time someone beat him up, they stole his backpack with his wallet in it. He really didn’t care about that, but they took the only picture he had of his mom. He still cried every time he thought about losing that picture.

Peter frowned. His fingers were shaking. Actually, it was more than his fingers. His whole body was wracked with faint tremors. Steeling his nerves, he carefully opened the lid of the dumpster, forcing himself up and over the lip of it which was almost as tall as he was. Peter loved the smells that emanated from the bakery. Unfortunately, the dumpster didn’t smell anything like freshly baked breads and sweet treats. But Peter had no choice. He couldn’t walk through the front door, not without any money in his pocket. As the shaking in his limbs increased, he prayed he’d find something that would sit right in his gut. While it was still early morning, he was hoping that no one would be around in the alley at this hour. He was grateful that it was warm this morning, even though the spring so far had been a bit chilly.

So intent on moving around the dumpster, opening one foul smelling garbage bag after another, Peter didn’t realize someone had come out the back door of the premises until sharp words made him freeze.

Can I help you with something?

Peter spun around so fast he fell over in the bags.

Eww. Peter shook his hand trying to get the wet coffee grinds off it.

Why are you in my garbage? A really pretty face topped with blond hair peered over the edge of the dumpster. He didn’t look angry, more curious than anything.

Your dumpster? I’m sorry, just let me get out. I won’t bother you again. Peter scrambled about, trying to gain his footing, determined not to cry at the thought of not getting anything to eat.

I’m not stopping you getting out, but you still haven’t told me why you’re in my garbage.

’Cause I’m hungry, and your shop always smells so good, Peter said, grabbing hold of his stomach. He was on his feet, out of the dumpster, but the shakiness was still running through his limbs.

I always give my leftovers to the shelter, why don’t you go there and get something to eat? The blond tilted his head as though it was the most obvious thing in the world for a poor person to do.

I can’t go to the shelter. Peter wrapped his arms tighter around his aching stomach.

Why not? That’s what those places are there for, to help feed and house the homeless. That’s why all my leftovers go to them every day. Honestly, I can call the guy and let him know to expect you if you like?

Peter hung his head in shame. I can’t be seen around there. It’s not safe for me. There are a couple of guys there who won’t leave me alone, always pushing me around, and when I heard what they were going to do to me the next time they saw me, I ran and never went back. I can’t fight them.

What were they going to do? the pretty blond man asked, and he looked mad.

Peter took a step back, getting ready to run.

They were going to rape me and leave my body in a dumpster just like this one, Peter whispered.

What!

Peter cringed at the volume of the blond’s voice, willing his limbs to cooperate as he readied himself to run. But something was stopping him.

Looking down, he saw the man had put his hand on his arm, but he wasn’t trying to hold him. There was no pressure in the grip.

Please, let me help you.

Moving so he could look into the man’s eyes, Peter saw the honesty in the request.

Why would you help someone like me? I just tried to steal from you.

The pretty blond snorted. I don’t consider it stealing when someone tries to take something I’ve thrown away. As for helping you, I want to. Even though I have never been in your situation, I refuse to stand by and not help. He took his hand off Peter’s arm and held it to him instead.

Hi, I’m Cupid. I own the store. Would you like to come in and get something to eat?

Taking Cupid’s hand, Peter shook his head.

I wish I could, but I don’t have any money.

Ah, a proud man. I like it. Would you consider an exchange? I will give you enough food to feed yourself today, and you can do my dishes in return.

Can I do some extra work and maybe get some food for my twin? Peter asked, his hope rising a little bit. I don’t mind working hard, but it’s been days since we’ve eaten.

Sure, I have a lot of dishes that need to be done. The last guy who worked here quit to move with his girlfriend because she had a better paying job offer.

I’ll work as much as you need me to. Peter eyes welled with tears. I’m so grateful that you are helping me like this.

Come on, Cupid turned to walk back into the shop. Let’s get you cleaned up and fed, then you can begin the dishes.

Following Cupid, Peter timidly stepped into the bakery to the most amazing smells. When his stomach let out a loud rumble, Peter was sure his face was about to start on fire with how embarrassed he was.

When Cupid started to laugh, it only made him feel worse.

I’m going to take that as a compliment to my food, Cupid said, smiling at him.

Peter ducked his head, even more embarrassed at thinking that Cupid had been laughing at him.

Come over here and have a seat.

Moving in the direction of where Cupid pointed, he was surprised to see a small bistro table with two chairs located in a back corner of the kitchen. It was out of the way of the cooking and food prep area, but still allowed whoever sat there to be able to converse with the person working in the kitchen.

My husband and I will sit here and eat together when he has a chance to come by. We try to eat as many meals together as we can, but our jobs sometimes makes that difficult.

That’s so great. Peter smiled at his new friend. I know it’s hard to spend time together when you have schedule conflicts. My brother and I used to spend a lot of time together, but when we began to work, it became harder and now... He trailed off. He didn’t want to think about how badly their lives had changed, especially when all he could focus on was the delicious smells of fresh baked goods.

Coming over to the table with a couple of plates in his hands, Cupid passed one of the plates to him and then sat down on the other chair. Peter was so excited at the amount of food so he quickly grabbed half a sandwich and began to eat. He had to fight not to just shovel the food into his mouth. He never knew that a tuna sandwich could taste that good.

This is so good. Thank you. Peter said. I really do appreciate it.

I have my sister, who is my best friend. Cupid said, in between mouthfuls of his own food. She runs the front of the store, while I do all the baking and food preparation. We have been talking about hiring someone to help me. Do either you or your brother know anything about baking or food prep?

Peter quickly swallowed the bit of food in his mouth, wiping it with a napkin.

I used to help in a coffee shop, but in the back like this. Peter sighed, thinking about how much he had loved that job. I lost my job when we had to run.

What happened? Why are you guys on the streets like this?

Peter hesitated. It wasn’t a story he shared with anyone, but Cupid was so open and trusting, and it was almost as though the store welcomed him as he came through the door. Our mom was murdered, he whispered slowly, and our father was already dead. He died when we were children. One night, the guys who killed our mom broke into the place to kill us, so me and my brother ran away.

"What are the police doing about all this?