Page 126 of Forty, Flirty & Framed

I scan the message quickly:

Mr.Abernathy,

The Seattle Repertory Theater has announced open auditions for an unauthorized musical entitled "Kilt Flipped: A CEO Love Story."They're specifically seeking a "brooding Scottish executive with vocal range to express corporate and emotional vulnerability."First performances scheduled for November.

Additionally, three publishing houses have requested meetings regarding potential book deals for both you and Ms.Peters (separately or as co-authors).

Finally, your grandmother has achieved "verified" status on Instagram.Her follower count now exceeds 100,000.Her latest video explaining "haud yer wheesht" (be quiet) has 2.3 million views.

Please advise on how to proceed.

Best regards,

Alana

P.S.The Highland Hammocks underwear line reports first-week sales exceeding projections by 340%.They've sent samples to the office as a thank you.

I lean back against the leather seat, torn between laughter and existential despair.

The absurdity of it all…

A musical.Book deals.My grandmother becoming an Instagram influencer.

For fuck’s sake, an underwear named after me—only clarifies the one thing that actually matters.

My phone rings again.This time it's Grayson.

"Whatever media madness you're dealing with, pause it," he says before I can speak."I've got news."

"Please tell me it doesn't involve kilts, underwear, or unauthorized theatrical productions."

"No kilts.Roz and I eloped last night."

"You what?"

"Eloped.Vegas.Just the two of us and a witness.”

“Christ, lad.Didn’t want us bawbags screwing up your nuptials, I see.”

He laughs, the sound warm and full.“Nah, it’s not like that.It’s just…”

I frown.“Just what?”

“We decided all the planning and expectations were getting in the way of what mattered."

"Which is?"

"Being authentic.”He breathes out, the words landing softly…and yet solid.“Realizing that life's too short to let other people's judgments dictate your happiness."

The confession is a reminder—a part of the epiphany I’ve spent too much fucking time avoiding myself.

I swallow, emotion rising in my throat for my good friend.

"Congratulations," I say sincerely."You always were the smartest of us."

"About time you noticed," he laughs again.“And speaking of being smart..have you decided what you are going to do about Karina?"

"I'm not entirely sure yet," I admit."But I'm beginning to have some ideas."