Page 4 of What I Like About You

I’m just a kid who bakes cupcakes that match book covers and has an opinion, like everyone else on the internet.

And 20K Twitter followers who care about those opinions, I remind myself.

With my elbows resting on the countertops, I work through the process of clearing my notifications. It’s calming. Halle’s reality is complete chaos; nothing feels familiar. But Kels’s world? Besides waiting for this email, it’s so wonderfully the same.

I created Kels when I was fourteen, and Kels created One True Pastry, a blog dedicated to the two greatest things on Earth—YA books and cupcakes. She’s pretty much the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

Once all my notifications are cleared, I check in on the IRL conversation. Gramps is asking more questions about the documentary. Mom and Dad respond with enthusiasm, allwe haven’t been to Israel since birthrightandthis is such a cinematic opportunityandthe Academy will have to, and I am definitely okay to dip my toes into my DMs before going back.

I tap the first message I want to respond to.

WHAT.

10:39 AM

w h a t ?

10:40 AM

You’ve NEVER seen lord of the rings? like ever?

10:40 AM

I am speechless.

10:41 AM

Actually no I’m not. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

10:41 AM

… Kels?

11:20 AM

I hope you know that while you dropped a bomb like this and disappeared, your lord of the rings initiation marathon is already in the works. 20 hours. Extended editions. You’re not ready.

12:34 PM

I smile. Nash picking aLord of the Ringsfight is easily the best conversation I’ve had all day. I’m so grateful for the dose of normal.

hey.

12:49 PM

sorry, phone died. (it’s true!)

12:50 PM

okay, so hear me out. the hobbit was assigned reading the summer before freshmen year and just? so many descriptions of rocks? idk. i DNF’d it.

12:52 PM

The response is immediate despite my long lapse. Like he’s waiting for me.

WOW

12:54 PM

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