Page 12 of Fate In Fiction

“Acting overdramatic isn’t ladylike,” my mother cuts me off, turning a blind eye to the personal fear I keep trying to voice. “Go. Julianne doesn’t need to arrive late because you want to chat about yourself.” Right, parents only care about our status.

Shutting the door behind me, I know escaping this life isn’t just for me, but to show the little redhead spinning around in our garden full of flowers, that life doesn’t have to be this controlling.

“Let’s go, mini me,” I call out to my sister as Hanson tosses me my keys.

After dropping Julianne off and giving a tour, the sky fully clears as the sun shines its light. I glance at my two books in the passenger seat, thinking I should snap a few photos for social media so I can stockpile some content. A bit of money comes from being a book influencer, but free books, getting to know some of my favorite authors, and making reader friends around the world are the real perks. The small-town rustic theme for these two books would suit the Wheaton Hotel location.

With my phone and books in hand, I walk the beautiful hotel grounds, trying to source the perfect photo op. The large outdoor firepit with the mountains in the background is gorgeous. Snapping away, my frustration grows as Emmett’s name continues interrupting my focus on the screen as each text comes through. I glance over my shoulder, wondering if it’s fluke, or if he’s watching me. Taking a seat by the fire, I open the texts.

Emmett:

This property is for paying guests 😉

Emmett:

Little book nerd.

Emmett:

Why are you taking photos of a book?

Emmett:

Come on, lover.

Cringe. Eww. Lover is not a term I want coming out of his mouth. Even if it’s a joke.

Me:

it’s for social media and im not a nerd you workaholic

I send the text and pick up my books. Looking at my screen, I feel like an idiot. Why didn’t autocorrect fix it? This is why I never like updating my phone. Something always glitches, and I don’t want to spend time figuring it out. Also, I don’t care enough to correct myself for Emmett.

Emmett:

It reads like you’re the one with a ‘holic’ problem. Book social media? 🤣

Me:

social media can be more than half naked people with abs

Emmett:

Stalker.

Me:

im not the one hiding when u can obiously see me 🙄

Okay, maybe I purposely made some typos on my last text. I snicker to myself.

“You’re a little underage and it’s a little early to be drinking at this hour.” Emmett’s voice snaps my head to the doors leading out onto the patio.

“It’s a good thing I’m taking off to Europe, where my age and day drinking are widely acceptable.”

“Well, your grammar is not acceptable.” He smirks, pinching my nose with a soft snort.

“Don’t do that.” I swat his hand away and take a step back.