Page 32 of The Funnel to You

Tiger spice chai with cinnamon infused oat milk and cinnamon whipped cream

Social Post: So, I guess I’m on Instagram now as me and not just my brand. #thisisme #coloradolife #thefunnelguy #firstpost

Image Description: Spiderman figurine next to a water bottle on my desk.

My phone is ringing practically moments after I hit the “Publish” button on the post. I can’t believe I’m doing this, but it’s a big deal to Ashley and Sasha, and I want to be a part of this piece of their lives. I am not even able to get a greeting in before Ashley starts talking.

“Did someone hack your information or did you finally cave and get an Instagram account for yourself?”

I chuckle a little, “I did not have any of my information compromised. If that ever happens to me, I am failing at more than just a username choice. I set up an account. Don’t make it a big thing. I just want to be able to interact with you and Sasha from an actual account and not just my business one.”

“As opposed to…” she drifts off so I will fill in the blank.

“Plausible deniability, my dear sister. What are you up to today?”

Over the next fifteen minutes Ashley fills me in on how the semester is going so far. We chat about the Halloween party and she asks if she can bring a friend.

“A guy friend?” I prod a little.

“No, it’s Tilly from Ulta. We’ve done some content together and I need someone else with me that won’t be drinking.”

“None of us are really heavy drinkers, Ashley. If anything, it will be a one drink night for most of us. But yes, that should be fine. I will be inviting Luca and Jonathan so there will be a few familiar faces there as we start introducing everyone to the group.”

“Oh, so this is actually moving forward then? We are merging friend groups?” I can hear the amusement in her voice.

“Don’t make it a thing, Ashley. You know Sasha and I are doing a bit of a double date overnight trip with Kylie and Carter this weekend, right?” It’s Thursday and I cannot wait for Saturday to get here. It will be our first “sleepover” together and while I may not be putting any expectations on Sasha, I can’t wait to have her in my arms for longer than a greeting hug.

“Yep, you guys are going to have a blast and I can’t wait to see pictures. Just make sure you guys keep it down in the cabin – you are going to have roommates.” She jokes with me. I wish I could see her face so I could give her a look that shows my amusement.

“I don’t think anything noisy will be happening in the bedroom. We are adults and still figuring this out. And I don’t really want to be talking about bedroom activities with my younger sister.”

“Bedroom activities? You are twenty-four not fifty. Who even says that? Just don’t wait too long, brother. You may forget how to…” I cut her off.

“And we are done with this conversation. I’ll text you before we leave on Saturday. Love you.”

“Oh fine. Be good. I’ll throw some shiny silver packets in your backpack before you leave just in case.” And with that, I disconnect the call knowing she isn’t talking about Ghirardelli chocolate. Although, I should probably get some for Sasha – she loves those things.

Friday evening I text Sasha to see how she is doing with packing. I tend to be a “pack the week before” kind of guy and I am honestly not sure how Sasha packs. I probably should have texted her earlier in case she needed anything or I could help with running to the store.

Me: Hey Sunshine, how is packing going over there?

Sasha: Decent. I’m keeping it simple. Not having to bring my entire makeup kit for content is making this a lot easier than I thought.

Sasha: So, I’m assuming for sleeping arrangements that I will be sharing a room with you…but I wanted to double check. I haven’t talked to Kylie and Carter because I wanted to ask you first and I kept freaking myself out when I went to ask you earlier this week.

Me: I would love to share a room with you, beautiful. No pressure. But I would love to hold you while we sleep on Saturday night.

Sasha: I would love that. So comfy jammies it is. But you have to pick: lipstick or coffee?

Me: You have lipstick and coffee pajamas?

Sasha: Yes, and I will hear no disparaging comments about my sleepwear. Pick.

Me: LOL. Coffee.

Sasha: Perfect. Goodnight Matt. I will see you in the morning.

Me: Goodnight Sasha. I’ll be over there at nine to help load the car with coffee in hand.

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