The package was too small for a book. Was that good or bad? A book could be a sign Ajay wanted to continue their reading ritual. But Bridget also wanted something that made it clear how he felt about her. That would make it obvious he liked her as much as she liked him.

What could be inside? Bold earrings that would brush her shoulders? Two tickets to an upcoming concert or play? A charm on a delicate silver chain?

Inside Bridget’s chest, her heart started to gallop. Warmth suffused her whole body. For once, she didn’t even feel the cold. She tried to slide her finger underneath the tape, but the paper tore.

She lifted the lid of the box to reveal something nestled in white tissue paper.

A pair of socks. Thick, plain, black wool socks.

“Oh,” she said, suddenly feeling like an idiot. “Thank you.”

Mercifully, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch and giving her the out she so desperately needed. Tears stung her eyes as she realized just how stupid she’d been, making up a romantic story about what was clearly their practical, transactional relationship. Grabbing up the socks, the book, and her pack, she made toward the doors into the cafeteria as fast as she could.

“Bridget—wait!”

“Sorry!” she called without turning around. “I’m late for a test.”

BOB

False Words

Hello Bridget—

You’ll be glad to know I’ve turned my attention back to the manuscript and am making good progress. Have you had a chance to ask your parents about working for me full-time over the summer? Please tell Anna and Graham how much I’ll need your help if I’m to finish.

As we discussed earlier, I’m adding a new character. So please look for all instances of:

“Jade Tarnno.”

And then flag each spot with:

“Add Ken Pipem.”

The rest of this letter details what I’m trying to get right on my third attempt, at least initially.

Can you help with researching endowments? Can you look up whether daughters can be inheritors of the nation? Consider the monarchy—what if Tristan learned that he and Princess Ofelia were not only father and daughter but also cousins because of a secret wedding? Bridget, that means I will probably need some more help with adding extra characters too, like jongleur Ken Pipem.

Best,

Bob

Derrick looked up from the note Bob had typed up last night. “Who’s this Jade Tarnno person? And Ken Pipem?”