BooksBarbecue
Back The Companion Project
Chapters (89)
  1. Dedication
  2. AUTHOR’S NOTE
  3. ONE
  4. HENRY
  5. TWO
  6. EMMA
  7. THREE
  8. HENRY
  9. FOUR
  10. EMMA
  11. FIVE
  12. EMMA
  13. SIX
  14. SEVEN
  15. HENRY
  16. EIGHT
  17. NINE
  18. TEN
  19. HENRY
  20. ELEVEN
  21. TWELVE
  22. EMMA
  23. THIRTEEN
  24. HENRY
  25. FOURTEEN
  26. HENRY
  27. FIFTEEN
  28. SIXTEEN
  29. EMMA
  30. SEVENTEEN
  31. HENRY
  32. EIGHTEEN
  33. HENRY
  34. NINETEEN
  35. HENRY
  36. TWENTY
  37. TWENTY-ONE
  38. EMMA
  39. TWENTY-TWO
  40. EMMA
  41. TWENTY-THREE
  42. HENRY
  43. TWENTY-FOUR
  44. EMMA
  45. TWENTY-FIVE
  46. EMMA
  47. TWENTY-SIX
  48. EMMA
  49. TWENTY-SEVEN
  50. HENRY
  51. TWENTY-EIGHT
  52. EMMA
  53. TWENTY-NINE
  54. HENRY
  55. THIRTY
  56. HENRY
  57. THIRTY-ONE
  58. HENRY
  59. THIRTY-TWO
  60. EMMA
  61. THIRTY-THREE
  62. HENRY
  63. THIRTY-FOUR
  64. EMMA
  65. THIRTY-FIVE
  66. EMMA
  67. THIRTY-SIX
  68. HENRY
  69. THIRTY-SEVEN
  70. EMMA
  71. THIRTY-EIGHT
  72. HENRY
  73. THIRTY-NINE
  74. HENRY
  75. FORTY
  76. EMMA
  77. FORTY-ONE
  78. HENRY
  79. FORTY-TWO
  80. FORTY-THREE
  81. EMMA
  82. FORTY-FOUR
  83. EMMA
  84. FORTY-FIVE
  85. HENRY
  86. EPILOGUE
  87. ALSO BY CHELSEA CURTO
  88. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  89. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

No apologies needed about work. I totally get it, and I’ve been in the same boat as of late. If it makes you feel better, I read this email yesterday and forgot to respond. Now it’s my turn to apologize! I hope you have some time to decompress this weekend. All I’m planning on doing is baking cupcakes.

Don’t worry, I’ve been doing this long enough that the smiles become realistic. You don’t have to whisper too many sweet nothings. I’ll accept a joke or two, though.

I’m excited about meeting your family! And some good food. And you too, I guess.

In Baked Goods We Trust,

RB

* * *

To: RBCompanions

From: JD7683

Subject: It’s been one week since you messaged me…

Date: September 10

RB,

Can you believe we’ve been talking for over a week? This is already my most successful relationship.

Yikes. I probably shouldn’t say that like it’s something to celebrate.

My weekend was good. I spent some time working, and got sucked into an Apple TV show, so any productivity went out the window shortly thereafter. Pretty sure I binged 8 episodes on Sunday. Does that count as decompressing? I did remember to shower, so the weekend wasn’t a total wash (get it?). I’m about to head out with some buddies of mine now.

How did your cupcakes turn out? I’m really jealous. What’s your favorite flavor? Maybe one day you could bake me some. Or we could bake some together. Is that moving too fast? I promise I’m not proposing marriage. I just want cupcakes.

I should probably go eat dinner.

Starvingly,

JD

* * *

To: JD7683

From: RBCompanions

Subject: Re: It’s been one week since you messaged at me…

Date: September 12

JD,

You can’t mention a bingeable show without telling me what it is! Spill!

What does it say about me if carrot cake cupcakes are my favorite? I know, I know. Not a traditional flavor, but it’s so good. Buttercream frosting? Check. Feeling like you’re healthy because the dessert has carrots? Check. Eliminating raisins because I hate them? Also check.

I’m not very talented, but baking calms me down. What’s your ideal cupcake flavor? Favorite dessert?

You strike me as a chocolate and chocolate kind of guy. I’m probably reading you all wrong. It’s only been a few days.

As far as baking together… I’m always looking for a sous-chef. I’ll let you know when applications open. Hope you had fun with your friends!

Now I’m craving carrots.

Eh, what’s up Doc?

RB

* * *

To: RBCompanions

From: JD7683

Subject: Rain, rain, go away…

Date: September 13

RB,

I’m assuming you live in the Northeast, too? If so, this weather fits my mood today. I’m rarely gloomy, yet today I woke up feeling kind of… down? It’s hard to explain. I’m irritable. Annoyed. Tired.