Abby glanced around her office with all its Hobbit touches and grimaced. How had she believed this was a clever way to decorate? Her parents had been right. Her house was a hot mess, just like her life.
The more time she’d spent scrolling through some of the other creators’ content, the smaller her life became. Many traveled the country, some the world, going to exotic locales, while she lived ten miles from the house she grew up in.
Winnie:Are you still there?
Abby:Yeah, sorry. I was thinking about your words. I think it’s time I broke free and did something unexpected.
Winnie:Which is?
Could she say following her heart?No, not yet.Although she couldn’t deny the rush she got whenever she talked to Blythe.She was so different from Abby. Bold and daring. Funny and whimsical.
Abby:I think I should accept Blythe’s offer. Visit her next weekend.
Winnie:Are you ready for online dating?
Abby stared at the screen and scrolled up. Hadn’t she been clear enough? She was talking about visiting Blythe for the weekend, not about online dating. When she scrolled to the top of the page, it was there. Had Winnie forgotten amid the rest of their conversation?
Abby:That’s why I’m going to visit her, so we won’t be online dating anymore.
Winnie:Ha ha, sorry, I wasn’t clear enough. I mean your dating life with Blythe will be online. Public. Documented for the entire world to follow. The highs and the lows. Are you ready for that?
A sinking feeling started in Abby’s chest and dropped to her stomach. She’d not thought much about it.Duh.This was further proof of how unworldly—boring—she was.
Her jaw tightened as she stared across the room at her weathered map of Middle-earth. Her gaze went to the northwest corner. The small area marked The Shire, where Bilbo Baggins lived. It might as well be labeled Harveston. Then her gaze traveled the rest of the vast map.
With authority, she put her fingers back on her keyboard.
Abby:I think I’m ready. Yes. I’m ready.
CHAPTER 8
Ricki was already sittingat the kitchen table with her cup of coffee when Blythe stumbled into the room. Since Blythe had just rolled out of bed, her eyes were blurry. They still showed the effects of a long night editing videos.
Ricki looked up from her phone. “Good morning.”
“What time is it?” Blythe made a beeline toward the coffeepot. “Any left?”
“Yep, I just made a fresh pot. It’s almost ten.”
“Why aren’t you at work?” Blythe dropped into the chair across from Ricki.
“It’s Sunday. My only day off this week.” Ricki swirled her coffee around in her mug before she took a drink.
“Oh, right.” With Blythe’s schedule, half the time she couldn’t remember what day it was.
“Uh, I thought you were gonna get an early start this morning.”
Was there judgment in Ricki’s tone, or was it just Blythe’s guilt? Either way, she didn’t have to answer to Ricki, so she just shrugged.
“I’ve got exciting news.” Blythe went for a change of topic, instead of snapping at Ricki.
“Really?” Ricki set down her cellphone.
“Will you be around next weekend?”
“Why?” Ricki tilted her head, and her eyes held suspicion.
“You shouldn’t have to work six days a week.”
