Page 192 of Between the Lines

“She has always surprised me,” John says. “I’m not surprised that her choice of a man surprised me, too.”

I chuckle. “I know. I’m sorry about that.”

He claps me on the shoulder. “That’s okay. I think we’ve all gotten over the initial shock by now, hmm?”

“We definitely have.”

“And between you and me, I don’t think Charlie could have chosen better. I was worried she wouldn’t...” He clears his throat. “I’ve been worried about her. All part of being a parent, you know. Well, I suppose you don’t.”

“No. Not yet, at least.”

His face softens with a smile. “Yeah. Not yet. But she’s on such a fantastic path, and… I’m really excited about the book she’s writing now.”

“So am I,” I say honestly. “I think we’re only at the beginning of what she’ll accomplish.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

Two years later

@YvetteS:Just listened to the audiobook of Going Viral and now I’m feeling a little bit ashamed about buying a Sugar Puff t-shirt ten years ago as a joke gift for my sister.

@TwoGirlswhoReadPodcast:Hey everyone! We just started Charlotte Gray’s bookGoingViral: What Happens After Fifteen Minutes of Fame,and can we just say, wow! We were entirely wrong on what actually happened all those years ago to Sugar Puff! Plus, she talks to some of our favorites—remember the lady from the hurricane meme? Listen to our episode recapping the book. We’re gonna try to get an interview with Charlotte, too!

@AuthorGraceEllington:It was my honor to write the foreword to Charlotte Gray’s new book,GoingViral.She’s a new and bright light in the investigative non-fiction space.

@GreeneyedGirl:Okay, so I’ve never seen this show, but watching the clips now? How did anyone think that was okay to air? Blake is CLEARLY the villain and somehow he managed to have a career afterwards? Do better!!

@NewYorkGlobe:Today’s recommendation is the hot new non-fiction book:Going Viral. It’s written by an investigative writer, Charlotte Gray, who went viral herself twelve years ago. It’s a combination of excellent essays on the intersection of fame, media, and ordinary people who suddenly have everyone’s eyes on them.

@TheRealFrankieSwan:I’ve known Charlotte for years. She’s a beautiful woman, and I’m so proud she’s finally telling her own story inGoing Viral.If you remember, she helped me write my memoir a few years back. It’s available in bookstores all across the country!

EPILOGUE II

CHARLOTTE

“Wait for me,” I tell Aiden.

He leans out of the driver’s side window. “I’ll wait forever.”

“Well, not that long. The hotel valets will get pissed.”

He grins. “Then hurry up, Chaos.”

“I’ll be right back!” I hurry away from the Jeep we’ve rented and back up the steps of the resort. It’s stunning here. The entire place is, nestled in a valley here on Kauai. There’s greenery everywhere you look.

The reception is pretty busy. It’s 10 a.m. and a lot of people are checking out. It’s an adults-only five-star resort, and we have our own bungalow.

I could get used to going on a honeymoon to Hawaii every single month.

There’s a small bowl of fruit in the middle of the lobby. It’s free for guests to grab, and that’s my goal. Aiden and I are hiking today. The four-wheel rental will take us to a trailhead over by the Kalalau Trail. We’ve got all the water loaded into the vehicle, but we’ve got no snacks.

I’m in a pair of workout shorts and hiking boots very at odds with the other people here in the lobby. They’re in long summer dresses and linen shirts.

I grab two bananas and examine an apple when a woman comes up beside me.

She reaches for a pear. “Hey. I’m really sorry to bother you.”

I look up at her with a smile. “That’s okay.”

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