Page 19 of Royally Benevolent

“Hey, Odie,” he said. “What’s up?”

“I want to send an email, but I’m scared.”

“About what? What is so frightening about an email? Better an email than a meeting thatcouldhave been an email.”

I sat down in front of his desk.

“Wyatt wants to strategise about improvements. He told me he’d talk me through the funding structure.”

“So, email him and say that.”

“But what if I have a massive crush on him, and he finds out?”

“Then, he probably realises he has a cute princess chasing after him and gives it a go. Or he says, thanks, but no thanks.”

“And what if he does find out, and then we, like… I dunno. What if he was to ask me out? Like, what if I am actually vibing with him and reading it correctly?”

Rick furrowed his brow. “Then, you’d go on a date.”

“Okay, but I’m me.”

“Yes, being a princess sucks sometimes. It’s loads more fun to be a prince. However, kiddo, he’ll get over it.”

“Why?”

“Because you are you,” Rick said. “You’re an angel. He’s a nice guy. He’ll get over it.”

“But what about… you know?”

“What?”

“My bipolar disorder.”

“Thanks for spelling it out because that was the farthest thing from my mind. No. That is something you don’t say on a first date.”

“But what about when I don’t?—”

“What if I get mowed down by a stampede of wild horses tomorrow? Can we even prepare for what-ifs?”

“I hope you do not. I almost got hit by a car,” I said. “That’s how I met Wyatt.”

“Really?”

“It was okay. The driver didn’t see me. He wanted to see if we could fix the intersection. I didn’t expect to see him again. Don’t tell Alex, or she’ll take my bike away.”

“Wait, sothatis how youactuallymet him?”

“The first time,” I winced. “He helped me save Grieg. Grieg ran off.”

“This is adorable,” Rick said. “The dog brought you together. Yes. I do hope it’s more than just an email. I hope it turns into a ridiculous rom-com like Astrid and Alex are obsessed with. It’s too adorable.”

I grimaced.

“I’d like to say I cared that he’s too old for you or whatever, but I think it’s cute. I’m happy for you. Don’t let your mental illness preventyou from being happy. If you like him, tell him! If it goes somewhere, you’ll know when you let him in the harder stuff. You’ll know.”

12

A PINK WORLD

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