Page 113 of Nice Guys Don't Kiss Like That At Christmas

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Did Eve hack your phone?My brother never admits when something's wrong.

I snort quietly, running a hand through my damp hair.

Me

Very funny.Just thought I should let you know.

Mike

And?

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the keyboard.The old instinct to handle everything myself wars with Eve's words still echoing in my head.

Me

And I could use some ideas on alternatives.Maybe contacts for other funding sources.

Wes

Now I KNOW someone hacked your phone.

Mike

My cousin works in educational grants.I'll connect you.

Kellan

This must be the Eve effect.#Evadam #ForbiddenFunding

Me

I'm ignoring that.

Manuel

I know someone at State who ran a similar program.Want me to reach out?

Me

That would help.Thanks.

I finish getting ready, and an hour later, as I’m at the computer looking for solutions and still waiting for Eve and the dogs to go back home, I get another notification.

Unknown Number

Hey, Adam.I’m Landon.Julie mentioned your rural vet program to me this morning.I'm on the board of the Adams Foundation.We fund rural healthcare initiatives, including vet programs.Would love to hear more about what you're working on.

I blink in surprise.Julie—Eve's writer friend.Apparently, Eve's already putting in work on my behalf, reaching out to her friends for me before I even woke up.

Before I can set my phone down, my email notification chimes.A new message from an all-too-familiar address.

From:[email protected]

Subject:Comment for upcoming medical ethics podcast?

I hover over it for a moment, then delete it without opening.Whatever Chuck has to say, it can wait indefinitely.Some people don't deserve the courtesy of a response.

I switch back to the group chat:

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