Page 11 of Wicked Scandal

That’s good. I’m pretty proud of myself for coming up with that all on my own.

Then…I fucking freeze.

My fingers hover over the keys, but I can’t seem to get out a single goddamn word.

Why is this so hard for me? It’s a news article for my dad. It’s not like I’m the one running for office. It’s not like I have anything to lose.

Five minutes later, I’ve got one sentence when a response from Mr. Chen pops up at the bottom of my screen.

My eyes skim through it quickly, picking out the words “I’m sorry” and “upcoming wedding.”

I completely forgot Mr. Chen is getting married this summer to the middle school art teacher. I can’t fault him for shooting down my request. He’s got a lot going on.

I slump in my seat in defeat as I rub a hand over my face. That’s two rejections for help today and I’m getting nervous. Maybe I should just tell my dad I’m not equipped for this. I don’t even think it’s the work, but the fear of letting him down by submitting something that isn’t up to par for this type of position. I’m not a professional and I know zilch about what a mayor even does.

Taking a break for a minute, in hopes the creative juices start flowing, I open my SnapTok account, noticing about a hundred new notifications. One in particular stands out. I tap the message and read, an instant smile gracing my face.

CatEyes: Your last video had me rolling LOL. It might tell my age, but I used to be a huge Bon Jovi fan.

Interesting. So, she’s older than me. I’m not sure why, but I’m even more intrigued now.

The video was a good one, though. Me rolling down the street on a skateboard in a 90s outfit while mouthing the words to “Always”.

I shoot her a quick message back.

WildMisfit: I’m glad I could make you smile. What else makes you smile?

Her response is immediate, which surprises me because she usually takes a few hours to read my messages.

CatEyes: Books. I love to read. It’s a nice escape.

WildMisfit: What books do you like?

CatEyes: Mostly historical romance, but I’ll read just about anything as long as there is a happy ending. How about you? What makes you smile?

WildMisfit: Everything. I’m a simple guy who enjoys the simple things in life.

CatEyes: I love that. But I also call bullshit.

I laugh out loud at her message. What’s funny is that she isn’t wrong.

WildMisfit: You just might be right. Can’t say I’m smiling much right now. I’m starting a new project for my dad and I’m second-guessing myself. I’ll probably just throw in the towel and tell him I can’t do it.

CatEyes: Don’t give up so fast. You never know if you don’t try. I believe in you.

Even if she is just a stranger, knowing she believes in me gives me hope.

WildMisfit: I better get back to it. Thanks for the boost of confidence. It means a lot.

CatEyes: Always.

Twenty minutes later, I’ve got a mess of a draft, but I think I have a plan.

My phone buzzes on my desk. Quickly I close my laptop and snatch my phone to read a text message from my brother.

Rome: Heading to Big John’s for pizza. Meet us there.

I don’t even type a response, I just get up and grab my car keys to head out because I’m starving.

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