Page 206 of Just for the Plot

Yeah, wouldn’t want to hurt the precious approval from the fans. Honestly, this PR bullshit is exactly that—bullshit—just made-up activities to make a human look good in the eyes of other humans.

Here’s a novel idea: just be a good person and you won’t need good PR to bolster your image.

But, unfortunately, that’s not how the world works. Therefore, I have to resort to the next best thing. And trust me when I say I fucking hate this idea, but it’s the only thing I have in my back pocket. So I pull my phone out and shoot a text to the Gladdy Daddies as I ride the elevator down to the locker room.

Bennett:I need help.

I keep my phone on hand, knowing OC will be the first to respond, and as I get off the elevator, sure enough, he’s answering me. I head to the cafeteria to grab a protein shake as I read.

OC:What do you need? A kidney? I’m sure Graydon can give you one. He’s got to have more than two in that huge body.

Graydon:You’re a moron.

Nolan:Why would he come here, to a group chat, looking for a kidney? That’s some dumbass thinking.

Graydon:You might be growing on me.

OC:Hey! I thought we were soul sisters, Nolan!

Nolan:Not if you’re going to say dumb shit like that.

Graydon:This new addition might work out for me.

Bennett:Help, please!

Nolan:You have to tell us what you need help with, sweetheart.

OC:Yeah, look who’s the dumbass now!

Graydon:Still you.

Bennett:Jesus. I need help finding a venue for the book club meeting. Long story short, Bower is struggling and I’m trying to help her out. We thought we could use the clubhouse at the stadium, but it’s all worn out and not looking quaint. Nor does it give off book club vibes. She doesn’t have time to find something else and I have no clue what the hell I’m doing.

Graydon:And you think we do?

Bennett:I don’t know. Fuck!

OC:Do you want to hold it at my house?

Graydon:You really are a dumbass.

Nolan:Why don’t you do one of those pop-up spaces? They’re all over San Fran. Basically they’re empty venues, small and intimate, and they can be rented out for different events.

Graydon:Shit, you’re right. Maple’s friend, Everly, actually works for the girl whose husband is in charge of them.

OC:That was tough to follow.

Nolan:They’re huge right now. I see them all over social media. You could probably partner up with one.

Graydon:I can send you Everly’s info.

Bennett:That would be amazing, thank you.

OC:Remember when Graydon didn’t want Nolan in the group? Look at how helpful he is. I knew all along he was a great addition.

Graydon:Shut the fuck up, man.

Nolan:Have to go with him on this one. Shut the fuck up.