Page 108 of Peppermint Bark

Me

Today’s the day. The moment of truth, whether I get the ??

Nick

Did you just use an emoji??

Me

My finger slipped.

Nick

Ok, Mallory. ????????

Me

Don’t even joke about that. Just wish me luck.

Unless that isn’t a thing you say.

I don’t understand how you acting people talk.

Nick

As Aristotle said …

Me

If I did emojis, you’d get an eye roll.

Nick

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives. Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

Me

You fucking nerd.

Nick

You love me.

Me

You know I do.

Nick

Do you need an official Dominic Martin pep talk?

Me

No.

But I’d take one from Nick Clarke.

I listened again to the voice memo. My brother’s ‘pep talk’ voice sounded bolder, like when he was his stage persona, but with a playful edge.

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