Page 94 of Text Appeal

Ava:…

Katja: I think you’ve actually stunned her so badly she can’t speak.

Joyce: She’s probably just so happy to be a bridesmaid and excited about the wedding and getting to wear her new yellow dress.

Noor: Ha.

Ava: You’re not funny.

Shanti: They kind of are.

Denise: That’s enough for now. It’s getting late. Bedtime, everybody.

Me: Excellent point. Good night, Denise.

Martha: All of this groveling won’t help you win the chowder competition this year, Riley.

Me: You never know your luck in a small town, Martha.

Denise: My judging is always impartial. She knows that.

Me: Of course it is, Denise. We all trust you implicitly. I was just playing.

Harold: And I am entering the competition this year with a special creation so I don’t like your chances.

Me: Don’t make me hurt you, Harold.

Shanti: Nothing like the chowder competition to bring violence to the streets of Port Stewart.

Noor: We’ve also got Jenga for that.

Joyce: Goodness that’s true.

Denise: Alright. Goodnight, ladies! And Harold.

Ava: Night, Denise.

Nicole: Sweet dreams!

Lulu: WHO ADDED ME AGAIN???? WHICH ONE OF YOU DID IT???

“Are you sure this hero isn’t based on me?” asks Connor, leaning against the doorframe with a copy of my latest book in hand. He’s dressed only in a pair of pajama pants that I hope to divest him of shortly. This is my life now. Talk about wonderful.

I set aside my cell with a smile. “I’m positive. Why?”

“Just happened to notice a couple of similarities.”

“Such as?”

He ambles over to the bed. All the better to stare down at me. “Well, there was him being into classic cars.”

“Classic cars are cool.”

“Right,” he agrees. “And of course there’s him being amazing at oral sex.”

“Not going to lie. That’s a little bit egotistical, but I am going to let you have it.”

“Thanks.”