Chapter 10 #2
“How the hell did they get these without me noticing?” I gasped. They were action shots of us walking out of the sandwich shop and along the beach.
“Paparazzi are sneaky, I guess,” Bea said with a shrug. “The articles are all speculating about the red haired goddess that stole their hearts.”
“Really?” I asked, shock hitting me. “That’s actually what they said?”
She smirked and pointed at the screen. Those were the exact words they used. I knew damn well not all would be this nice, but this restored my faith in humanity a bit.
I’d seen far too many times when someone in the public eye picking a ‘nobody’ ended up with mean words and personal attacks.
That was another win for today.
The smile didn’t leave my face as we did our opening duties and flipped our sign. Then it was a flurry of customers, stocking, and helping Taryn film a few new videos for the account.
It was well past lunch before I had a moment to check my phone. Warmth spread through me at the array of messages that were waiting for me.
Griff
I’m putting us in a group chat. Don’t make her regret this, boys.
Jackson
Hey sweets. Hope you’re having a good day.
Jackson
Sent Image.
I snorted at the picture Jackson sent of the guys at camp. Griff was posing with some kind of spirit stick while Cy was hugging a totem pole.
Cy
What, nothing for that embarrassing picture?
When I hadn’t responded in thirty minutes, Griff tried.
Griff
I know you’re busy, check in soon so we don’t worry all day.
Another thirty, then Jackson.
Jackson
Sweets?
There was something about having my pack watching over me like this that had me feeling settled and safe. It was another point in their favor.
Dani
I’m alive. Just a busy day and this is the first chance I’ve had to grab my phone
Jackson
Did you at least drink water and eat lunch?
Dani
…
Griff
Gorgeous, don’t make me spank you. Drink your damn water. You had time for coffee, then you have time to hydrate.
I snapped a selfie of myself drinking water from my cup with an arched eyebrow, to send to them.
At least I brought my cup with me today.
Griff
Brat.
Cy
Don’t forget lunch! It’ll probably be better than this. Time to start packing our lunches.
Cy
Sends picture
He wasn’t wrong. The image that came through was of a worn picnic table and some disposable trays loaded down in carrot sticks, plain sandwiches with plastic cheese from the looks of it, and a bag of chips.
Dani
Out of respect for you, I won’t send a pic of my lunch today. It would just be mean.
Jackson
That’s okay, we’ll survive. Especially since our girl is making us dinner tonight.
Dani
I have to run, I probably won’t respond until closing! Have fun at dance practice.
Cy
We’ll send more pics. Dance practice always catches our best angles.
“I brought back some food for you,” Bea said, setting a to go box in front of me. “We tried to ask if you wanted to come and you didn’t respond.”
The knowing grins from them both had me rolling my eyes. I wasn’t sure I believed they’d tried and failed to get my attention.
I wasn’t that involved, was I?
“Oh, did you happen to see an email coming in from the supplier? I’m missing boxes,” Taryn said as she joined us.
“Not yet, let me look,” I said as I took a bite of my mac and cheese then pulled open our computer.
It had been so busy I hadn’t checked yet and the inbox was already full.
“Looks like they did,” I said, locating that one. “There was a backorder and it’s coming next Friday, instead.”
“Ugh, okay. Thanks,” she said in a huff. “I guess I’ll make a post about it being delayed a week.”
I scanned the rest since I already had it open. My eyes caught on an email address that stood out. When I opened it, my jaw dropped.
Was this a joke?
From: Concernedreader@
To: bookishadventures@
Dear Bookish Adventures,
It’s come to my attention that one of your staff has been engaging in inappropriate behavior. I have photo and video evidence of them being inappropriate and I would suggest you think long and hard about the image you portray as a small business.
My suggestion is you cut ties with a staff member that would ruin your image like this.
Immediate termination is your only option.
Attached were pictures of me and Jackson in the lake. My dress was sticking to my skin, showcasing my breasts that were smashed to his chest. It did look downright sinful, but nothing was construed as inappropriate, really.
“What’s wrong?” Bea asked, coming around before I could even think about closing it. She snorted at the email then barked out a laugh at the photo. “Damn girl, that’s hot as hell! You better frame that.”
“Wait, let me see!” Taryn yelled, launching herself around the desk to look at the photo Bea was clicking to enlarge. “Oh my god! You should send this to your guys.”
“What do we say to this jerk?” I asked with a sigh.
“It’s almost like she doesn’t realize what we do here,” Bea snorted. “Don’t worry, I’ll send one back.”
From: Bookishadventures@
To: Concernedreader@
Dear Concerned but misguided reader,
We’ve seen the images and honestly, good for our girl.
In case you haven’t been following, our store is a romance centric bookstore and we regularly post thirst traps on our socials.
This is honestly tame in comparison and I may even incorporate it into our new rotation of book box recs. Something about summer passion, maybe?
As for the concern? I feel it is misguided and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t harass our staff members in the future.
Have the day you deserve,
Bea Ashwood,
Co-owner of Bookish Adventures
“And Send,” Bea said, clicking the button to send it. Then she turned to me. “Don’t you dare take that shit to heart. Also, I do think it would make a badass video. Get permission from Jackson?”
I nodded, sending a text with the picture.
But deep down, I had a strong feeling this wasn’t the last of the hate I’d receive.