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I’d half expectedBren to continue to pretend I didn’t exist, but I kept reaching out anyway. And she eventually responded. Tentative at first, but then she was sending me videos of her workspace, narrated in her glorious voice, showing me everything.

It was like I’d unlocked her, and everything came spilling out. Worried that it wouldn’t last, I kept talking back to her and sending her videos. Showing her my life. Trading her information for information.

“Who are you talking to?” Ember asked, looking over my shoulder. I was helping make dinner and she’d snuck up behind me.

“None of your beeswax,” I said.

“Ha ha,” she said, her voice deadpan.

Setting my phone face down, I went back to shredding rainbow carrots for a salad.

“She’s been talking to Bren for hours,” Mom said as she shucked another ear of corn. Dad was already outside at the barbecue with the chicken and veggie skewers.

“Honey loves Brennnnnn,” Ellie said, skidding into the room as if she just had to get a word in.

“I do not!” I shrieked. “I don’t love her. I don’t even know her.”

“Has that ever mattered to you before? You love people all the time,” Ember said, smirking. I threw a carrot top at her that she dodged.

“No throwing vegetables inside the house. If you want to do that, go outside. And aim for the compost pile,” Mom admonished.

“I’m not in love with her,” I mumbled, going back to the carrots and nearly shredding my knuckles raw on the box grater.

Ellie sidled up to me. “It’s okay, Honey. I like her.” She whispered it and I wanted to roll my eyes, but she was such a sweetie.

“I’m not in love with her, but that’s good to know,” I whispered back.

My phone buzzed and I washed my hands before reaching for it.

What does this fabric say to you?The message was attached to a picture of a yellowish fabric with little designs on it. I zoomed in and then typed out a response.

It’s giving me like, 70s grandma vibes, but in a vintage cool way. I like it.

Bren thanked me and then sent another picture of a different fabric. This time it had a galaxy pattern on it.

Oooh, I love anything that’s got stars on it. You’ll hit the fantasy fans of a certain series as well as the sci-fi and alien romance readers.

It was so natural to give her my true opinion. There was something about Bren that made me feel freer than if I were talking with someone else. I might have tempered my enthusiasm so I didn’t seem too eager or fake, and I might have softened anything that could have been seen as criticism so I didn’t come off as mean.

But none of those pressures weighed on my shoulders with her. It was a new feeling that I enjoyed trying on.

You should definitely do more bee fabrics, in my opinion.I sent.

You would say that. You’re really into that, aren’t you?

I was.

Bees are absolutely miraculous and amazing creatures. I love them.

If Bren wanted me to blast her with bee facts, I was only too happy to indulge my obsession.

You’re so cuteshe sent and then immediately added a second message.I didn’t mean it that way.

Mean it what way Bren?I asked, a smile on my face. Bren thought I was cute! Even if she hadn’t meant to tell me that, I still did a happy little wiggle.

“Honey love, dinner is ready,” Mom said, tapping my shoulder.

“What?” I asked, looking up from my phone to find my family staring at me.