Chapter 10
Kirsten
I take a long, quiet breath. Remind myself that mothering is about sacrifice. ‘Remember, Maple, I’m doing all of this for you. You haven’t posted anything on YouTube yet today, so we need to film some content.’
‘But I thought you said this trip was about making me feel better?’ she counters. ‘Not building my brand.’
‘It’s both, Maple,’ I say, gritting my teeth, wondering why she still doesn’t get this. ‘It’s always both.’
Maple doesn’t respond, just continues staring out of the window like I’ve betrayed her.
Injustice seeps through me and I feel my grip tighten on the steering wheel.
Because I am so loyal to her, always thinking of ways to make her more popular, to grow her brand.
It infuriates me when she suggests otherwise.
But Maple is a fourteen-year-old girl, I remind myself.
Pushing the boundaries is normal at her age.
My own parents encouraged my rebellious streak, which is why I blame them for a lot of what came next, but it will be different for Maple.
And I know deep down that she’ll thank me for it one day, maybe even apologize for being a brat.
I inhale, hold oxygen in my lungs, and stare at the view through the windshield.
It’s a perfect summer’s day – the sky cornflower blue and cloudless – and I can see for miles.
I was born in Utah, and the Wasatch mountain range that runs from our home up to the Idaho border feels like the backdrop to my life.
Glowing white in winter, casting shadows in summer.
For a time, I felt locked in by their presence – back when I was young enough to think moving to New York, breaking into the music scene there, was a good plan.
But now I like having the mountains this close and feel grateful for how uniquely Utah they are.
It helps that our subscribers love them too, of course.
When I can see the City Creek mall up ahead, I know I’ve only got a few minutes to get Maple back on side, which I need to do if this day is going to be any fun at all, so I swallow my pride and break the silence. ‘By the way, I’ve got a surprise for you.’
‘Yeah?’
‘We’ve got someone coming to stay Monday through Wednesday. And you’re going to love me for it, because he’s got half a million followers on Instagram and over a million on TikTok.’
Maple’s head whips around. ‘He? Who?’
I feel a swell of triumph for getting a reaction. ‘Dylan Dope, you know, the skateboarder?’
Her eyes widen. ‘Dylan Dope? Of course I know him,’ she stutters, her cheeks turning pink. ‘I mean, I follow him. Everyone does. But he’s coming to our house? How do you know him well enough to sort that? And jeez, Mom, why would you want to?’
Her frenzied stare does not look attractive, but I hold back from telling her.
I pull into the mall parking lot and cut the engine.
‘Well, Dylan lives in Utah too, although in St George in the south. His mom has set up this amazing online school, very exclusive, just for successful influencers like you and Dylan. And we got talking about other opportunities.’
Maple screws her eyes, then shakes her head. ‘Why are you talking to anyone about an online school?’
‘Well, you’re starting there in August,’ I say, making sure it sounds final. ‘And Mrs. Jones, Dylan’s mom, is super excited to have you. Isn’t that great?’
‘But I’m starting high school then,’ she says, her pitch rising even more. ‘With my friends.’ But she hesitates over the last word, which I take as a good sign.
‘But this is going to be so much better for you,’ I say.
‘You can study whenever you want, have a dip in the pool, or time on your phone, in the middle of the day. I promise you’ll love it, and you don’t even have to take my word for it because Dylan will be able to tell you all about it.
He’s a year older than you, so he’s just finishing ninth grade. ’
Maple drops her face in her hands. ‘Oh God, you’re actually doing this.’
‘I’ll do anything for your future, Maple.’
‘But I don’t know Dylan Dope!’ she wails, her voice cracking at the top.
‘And he’s a boy, and fifteen, and has the coolest drip.
And we’ve never chatted, or swapped snaps, or jeez, I don’t even know if he’s liked any of my posts.
’ She’s running out of breath, but she keeps going anyway.
‘How can he possibly be staying with us? Please, Mom, can you quit filming!’
‘Hey, calm down, honey,’ I say, reaching for my phone and stopping the recording – I’ve got enough to make a great YouTube short anyway.
‘You’ll get to know him, won’t you? You can hang out around the pool, take him to Provo skate park.
Maybe even get him to teach you a few tricks.
These collabs are working so well for other influencers on socials right now.
I honestly think your follower numbers are going to skyrocket after this. ’
‘But Dylan Dope?’ she whispers in horror.
I smile. ‘He’s hot, right?’
‘Yes, but …’
‘So we better get you the hottest outfit we can find. Come on, honey, it’s time for some retail therapy.’