Chapter 3
Corruption in it's finest
Sophia
I’m not sure if I want to broadcast in the main chat that I’ve been sucked into an old spy series.
But the funeral for Grandma and Grandpa is coming soon, and I need a distraction.
Once it’s over, I at least have training in Pendleton to look forward to.
I’m really going to have to beg Sawyer to get his help moving my camper. I doubt he’s going to want to take the six hour drive like he did last year.
RacingQueen: Okay, I read it.
TheBigO: Well? Honest reactions.
RacingQueen: It was better than I expected. The MC was a badass.
TheBigO: See? Sometimes it’s fun to try new things.
RacingQueen: Says the guy who won’t read romance?
I shouldn’t tease him. But who thinks it’s fake?
People fall in love every day. Or want to. That’s why it’s like a billion dollar industry.
I love it because I can check out of the world for a little while.
TheBigO: It’s unrealistic.
RacingQueen: And someone hacking a global database with a paperclip is?
TheBigO: Like having a werewolf for a boyfriend?
That makes me laugh. Yea, fine.
Well, shit. Maybe he should read one?
RacingQueen: I think that’s a good place to start. There’s something to be said about him being feral over his mate.
There’s a long pause.
Every time I start to wonder if I’ve pushed too far.
Screw it, though. I shouldn’t have to tiptoe around some random dude on the internet. If he doesn’t like it, he’s welcome to not talk to me.
I’m not going to pretend to be something I’m not, even if he is like eighty.
Hmm. Maybe I should check?
RacingQueen: You aren’t elderly with a heart issue, are you? I mean, before I send you my book suggestion, I don’t want to cause any side effects.
TheBigO: No.
RacingQueen: Young then? Are you even old enough to read spicy books?
TheBigO: Seriously?
Gosh, he’s just full of information.
Whatever. Maybe he’s trying to keep things private?
I can understand that.
In fact…
RacingQueen: I get it. New rule, absolutely no personal information. That way it’s only about books. Sound good?
TheBigO: Yes.
I wonder if he’s like this in person, one word answers?
Should I even bother?
Yea, I’m kinda dying to see what his reaction will be to smut for the first time.
It almost makes me feel lecherous.
God, what if he’s some teenager? He didn’t exactly say ‘no’ when I asked.
Not like there’s a chance of accidently running into him. Hell, he could be in Vermont for all I know.
It’s a public server after all.
RacingQueen: Alright, ready or not. Sending the link to my pick!
TheBigO: Oh. You actually went with a werewolf.
I have to muffle my laughter against my pillow. He’s either going to hate me, or ask for more.
RacingQueen: You made me read about keycodes and hacking. Seems fair.
TheBigO: Did you read book 2?
I’m tempted to lie and say I haven’t.
RacingQueen: I’m on chapter seven.
He sends a smiling emoji as his only response.
Huh, I guess he’s easy to please?
The sound of a crying baby streaks through the wall from Dad’s room, a stark reminder that we’re not in our own house.
I shouldn’t complain.
Uncle Dixon was nice enough to invite us in.
I just miss the privacy of my own space. And the quiet that came from the thick logs that built it.
Soon I’ll have my camper to myself for a few days.
Heck, most of the summer if the competitions go right.
As long as I don’t mess up and run Misty into a barrel again during a match. The last thing I need is another broken leg.
Or worse.
Except I miss my family when I’m gone. I love all of the new additions.
Little Jack is already starting to walk. Will Ben be up and moving this summer?
I hope I don’t miss his first steps.
And Lori is pregnant with number three?
I can’t believe we all found out on Christmas. It was the last bit of good news that Grandma got before the fire.
My throat forms a knot thinking about her.
Damn it. It was so amazing having her and Grandpa here with us. They were both so happy with all of the new grandbabies.
Between Uncle Dixon’s twins and Dad’s boys, Grandma sure had her hands full.
Tears sting in my eyes as I remember her holding one of the girls in each arm and the smile she had.
It was so wide it pushed her glasses up her cheeks until she couldn’t see.
Did she look like that when she saw me and Sawyer for the first time?
Ugh. I can’t think about it any more.
It hurts too fucking much.
When Mom died, I was only ten. It was awful, but I don’t think I registered it quite the same way as I do now.
I hate this.
Where’s my book?
RacingQueen: Diving back in. I deserve a gold star.
TheBigO: Good girl.
I stare at his text.
It should not make me feel this way.
Who is this guy?
Hmm. Maybe the mystery is half the fun?