Page 59 of Jacob

“But what if I get kidnapped by a horrible prince who wants to do unspeakable things to me and lock me in his castle?” I go all out on myThe Princess Bridethemed question.

“Have you seen the size of my sword?”

I laugh at his silliness. “You’d rescue me?”

“I would fucking die for you.”

“Don’t die for me; we need the happy-ever-after part.”

“Okay.” He rolls his eyes. “Until then,myhappy ending is waiting for me, in my shower, at home. With Palm and her five friends.” He lifts his hand from the mattress and wiggles his fingers.

He lightens the moment and all my concerns about us subside.

At least until tomorrow.

21

SKYE

Drumming my fingers against the wooden tabletop, I sit in the coffee shop, waiting patiently for Jules to appear.

Inhaling the scent of comforting coffee reminds me of coming here with my mom when I was younger. With fall now firmly taking hold, the dark nights are drawing in. As if someone flicked a switch, it’s dark by six o’clock.

I shiver, imagining the impending snow that’s on its way in a few months.

“Hey.” A male voice appears at my table.

I find myself looking up at a portly-looking gentleman. Wild curly brown hair, with eyes to match. He looks nervous as he stands, staring at me.

“Hi,” I reply, hoping this stranger leaves me alone.

“I’m Jules. From the local art group.”

I snap my head back to look at him.

Oh, what a fool I’ve been; I thought Jules was a girl, not a man.

I’m too stunned to say anything as he takes a seat on the opposite side of the table. “And you must be Skye?” He pusheshis hand out for me to shake. “I recognize you from your video channel.”

I stare at him.

“Annddd you look like you’re not expecting me.” His face falls.

I wiggle in my seat uncomfortably. “Sorry. I was—well—” I stutter.

“Expecting a woman?” He smiles. “I get that a lot.”

“Yeah.” I shake my head. “Gosh, sorry, forgive my terrible manners. Let’s start again.” I hold my hand out for him to take this time. “Pleased to finally meet you, Jules. I’m Skye.” Getting over my initial shock, I try to be polite.

“Pleased to meet you too, Skye.” His hand feels clammy.

“What would you like to drink?” I start to push my chair back, but Jules stops me, informing me he’ll get his own.

While he waits in the queue, I sit scrolling through my emails to see if there was any indication whatsoever that Jules was a man.

But there’s nothing.

I pull up my video channel and check some of the comments from his username—Crazy4Blue.

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