This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Author:Kennedy Ryan [RYAN, KENNEDY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2024-03-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

SOLEDAD

Hang out with me for a spell while I work on my she shed.”

I smile into the camera and into my phone. I’m live on one platform, but I’m also recording myself now to edit later for YouTube. A year ago, I didn’t know how any of this could actually equal a paycheck. Now I understand sponsored ads and brand deals and all the things that seemed like another world not long ago. It was another world, one where Edward paid our bills and I didn’t have to think about any of that.

I like this world a lot better.

“If you’re new to me,” I say, leaning against my worktable, “I’m renovating the storage shed in my backyard. It was my ex-husband’s man cave.” I roll my eyes and angle an exasperated look to the camera that every woman who has ever had a trifling man will understand. “Long story, but I’m taking it over and reclaiming it. He had all his Boston Celtics stuff here.”

I gesture behind me to the space missing chunks of plaster and drywall.

“As you can see, I got an early start on the demolition. I’m gonna do a little work for my accent wall. Maybe paint it like a seafoam green. Any thoughts for color?”

I point down.

“Leave them in the comments.” I glance up at the ceiling. “I know I’m putting in a skylight. I want it brighter in here.”

I stomp the floor a few times with one sneaker. “Definitely taking up this nasty dookie-colored carpet. Maybe some engineered hardwood. I could make this my office. I think I might get a desk in here.”

I walk over to a corner occupied by a leather recliner.

“I could make this my reading corner.” I squee and wiggle my fingers. “Almost forgot. We have our first book club pick. It’s All About Love by bell hooks. I’ll be meeting in person with a few friends to discuss, but I’ll come on here to do a live discussion with you guys who read along too.”

I walk over to my phone so I can read the comments in real time, a smile blooming on my face.

“I feel you, 492GirlGetAGrip. I haven’t read as much lately as I’ve wanted to either, so this is a perfect opportunity for us both.”

I squint at the comments, making sure I’m reading the next one right.

“ComeHithah2004 says, ‘we love a reading-ass bitch.’ Girl, you always crack me up.” I grin and shake my head, moving on to the next comment. “ViralVixin says, ‘I went to dinner by myself this week and had a great time.’”

I lift my arms like it’s a touchdown. “That’s incredible! Love that for you!”

Four more commenters say they went on solo dates this week.

“This is great. After my solo anniversary date, I decided I’ll take myself out once a week. You wanna join me?”

So many comment “Yes” and “For sure” and “I’m in” that I lose count. Someone comments “#datingmyselfchallenge.”

“Oh, I love that!” I say. “Hashtag datingmyselfchallenge. Let’s do it. And All About Love is the perfect book for us to start.

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