It’s not a book at all.
It’s one of those hollowed-out book boxes.
I shake my head, flipping it open. Inside is a Ziploc bag stuffed to the seal with green M&Ms. I laugh under my breath, setting them aside and looking back into the capsule. There’s something else in there, and the moment my fingers graze the soft paper, I realize it’s a book. Arealbook this time. I pull it out, studying the lime green cover, tracing the illustrated design with my finger.
A book inside of a book.
Such a Peyton idea.
I flip open the cover, eyes catching onto the message scrawled on the inside.
Kimmy,
A quiet chuckle slips out of me.
Merry Christmas. I hope you know the sacrifices I made to sort through all those M&Ms. I now have a stomachache. Anyway, I waswalking Mr. Bubbles downtown by the bookstore the other day and decided to grab you something. Y’know, just in case cold-hearted bitches don’t get happily ever afters. This should hold you over.
LoveAffectionately,
Icarus
P.S. If you ever change your mind about dating, that store is crawling with cute sapphic women. None as cute as me, though.
An amused huff escapes me. I set the book on my bed, still smiling, then reach for my phone and send her a message.
ME
You have a way with words.
ICARUS
You’re actually not the first to say that x
ME
How did you get into my room?
ICARUS
Studied with Cleo while you were at family dinner on Sunday
ME
I have got to start locking my door.
I got you something too, actually.
ICARUS
Oh? A love letter, perhaps?
Kidding!
ME
Funny.
It’s in the pocket of your duffel. I snuck it in while you were warming up on Thursday.
