Page 60 of Red Flags Only

Unfortunately for me, after all that, I had nothing left to do. Except. You know. The letter itself.

A final glance at Jove to make sure he’strulybehaving, a deep breath, and a “you can do it, Lyra.” muttered under my breath, then it’s time.

Dear Jupiter,

Wait. No. That’s not right…

Dear Jupiter,

My dearest Jupiter,

Yes. Good. Perfect, even. Totally lovey.

Um. What next?

Sly and subtle, I grab my phone off the coffee table and open the internet, then typeHow to write a love letterinto the search bar. I click on the first result I find, ignore their blatant use of the word “passion”, and find myself at the start of a perfectly followable list.

What blessings.

Step One: Tell them why you’re writing this letter.

Okay. Easy enough.

I’m writing you this letter under duress, because a big, scary man came into my house, took his clothes off, and threatenedme with puppy tears should I not. It was most distressing, as you can imagine. Or, you know, remember.

Step Two: Tell them one or two qualities you admire about them.

Despite your complete lack of modesty, the secrets it’s revealed about you are quite touching. I’ve always been jealous of your love for your brother, wishing I had someone who would love me with such a fullness, and today you’ve shown me the proof on your person that Ialreadyhave someone who loves me that much – and I always have, really. The depths at which you unashamedly care for the people you love, no matter what the outside world might think of them or of you, is beautiful, Jupie. It’s special.

Youare special. The way you pay attention to people – to figure out the best revenge for an adversary or the best gift for a loved one, whichever – is incredible. You’re intelligent and considerate. Unbelievably kind when you feel it’s deserved. You are not a man who does things by half-measures, and I really appreciate that about you. One way or another, you’re all in.

This love letter writing stuff is not at all as hard as I thought it would be. All I have to do is compliment him? I do that anyway. He’s got loads of letters full of me gushingover him.

I frown.

So then what makes this any different from that? What constitutes aloveletter versus a letter full of love?

I find out quickly upon consulting my list.

Step Three: Compliment their physical qualities.

I cough. Blush. Perhaps, die.

I don’t have to do this, right?

I mean, surely not.

Surely.

Jove knows what he looks like. He knows he’s… seriously flagging hot.

Right?

I turn my head, eyes ghosting over his broad shoulders on their way to his face.

“I’m not looking,” he grumbles.

“No, no, I know!” squeak, then laugh, an awful, awkward sound. “I have a question.”

---