So, I’m going to be honest here. I know your generation seems to permanently live online and thrives on being in the spotlight – as you can probably guess, I’m not a big fan of social media stuff. I’m one of those guys who likes the safety of people not knowing who I am or what I do every minute of the day.

I’ve been in the spotlight myself once or twice in my time. Not quite the same thing I know, but either way I didn’t like it.

So anyway, thanks again for the treats. Made a bad day a helluva lot better – and I guess I should say that I’m sorry if in the past I came across as a total jerk. I’m not a total asshole.

Maybe just a half-asshole.

P-1

Hannah put down the note and smiled. Result.

She wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but it wasn’t what she’d just read. There was humour and intelligence to the message that completely caught her off-guard.

‘A half-asshole.’

Smiling afresh, she grabbed a pen.

Dear Half-Asshole,

I’m glad you liked them. If I’m being honest (and I am), they’re about the only thing I’m able to cook without totally destroying it.

I actually agree with you about the online world. People are a lot braver when they can hide behind their words and don’t have to see the results. There are times when I’ve been hurt by what someone’s written about me and I’ve had great intentions to track them down and confront them face to face. (Of course, I’d never do that because I’m a total chicken really.)

Don’t think for one minute I like any kind of attention either. You know how when in school the teacher called on you to read something out in front of everyone? I used to hate that. I had this one teacher who’d always call on me to read out my English homework. My stomach would clench into this tight ball of worry and my mouth would go dry. The weird thing was that once I started reading, it wasn’t that bad at all.

I suppose my worry was more about the idea of reading than the actual reading.

It’s nice to hear from you though, and if you’d like to chat more that would be lovely since we’re neighbours now. Or if you’re someone who feels more comfortable communicating at arm’s length, I completely understand. Too many people wanting to get into your business can be overwhelming, I know that only too well.

Either way, I’ll be baking more Rice Krispie buns. :)

P-2

Chapter 8

WARD

‘So apparently, they want to start with a piece on you for Fur Parents Magazine …’

Ward frowned at his phone, bleary-eyed.