Chapter 21
21
Tuesday, February 11th
A woman walks into the studio minutes after I open with a present in hand.
“For you,” she says.
Surprised, I open the box and find a purple, heart-shaped cookie and a small card. In white icing, the cookie says, “Will you be my Valentine?” I smile, hoping it’s from Aaron, and open the card.
Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d like to cook dinner for you.
- Your secret admirer,
Aaron Olson
I laugh, beaming with delight. Aaron?! Why didn’t he just tell me?! He’s too cute. Purple. My drink was purple, the flowers were purple, this cookie is purple. How does he know my favorite color? Were my friends helping him?
I open up my text thread with Aaron and begin typing.
Sarah Anderson
Of course I’ll be your Valentine! Thank you for the belated dessert too.
Aaron Olson
Are you surprised?
Sarah Anderson
More than I should be! I guess it was obvious.
How do you know that my favorite color is purple?
Aaron Olson
Who could forget when you wore nothing but purple to school for a month?
I grimace, thinking about how I’ve always been a little bit of an odd duck.
Sarah Anderson
I was expecting some kind of response after that picture I sent last night …
Aaron Olson
I couldn’t think of anything respectful to say.
“You don’t have to be respectful,” I mumble, happy my studio is empty right now. “Shit!” He’s calling me.
“Good morning, Valentine,” I purr, or at least try my best to sound sexy.
“Friday. Come over to see my woodworking and cooking skills.”
I giggle. “Don’t you have to work?”
“Not anymore.”
“What time?”
“7:00 p.m.”
“It’s a date.”
“The third date,” he growls, then hangs up the phone.
I’m going to fuck Aaron Olson. I giggle, then bite my lip, thinking about my buff cherub.
Opening up the BFF group chat, I text the girls.
Sarah Anderson
My secret admirer has revealed himself …
Rachel Wagner
Oh?!
Sarah Anderson
It’s Aaron Olson!
Emily Brown
Of course it’s Cupid!
Sarah Anderson
This Friday will be our third date …
Rachel Wagner
Get it, girl!!
Emily Brown
Valentine’s Day! You better have fun with that.