Ethan: well, for starters, didn’t think you’d be awake yet.besides, figured it was safer to let you find out from her first.I don’t have a death wish
Me: You are dead to me.
Ethan: Harsh.But understandable.RIP me.
Ethan: Any chance you could make a playlist for my funeral?
Me: I hope your ghost is haunted by Nickelback and Baby Shark on loop.
Ethan: Damn.That’s cold.
Ethan: What if I just had you and Joel?—
Me: Finish that sentence and I’ll kill you myself.
Ethan: Just saying, you could bond over my death.
Me: I’m blocking you.
Ethan: Love youuuu.
Ethan: Tell Joel hi for me.
I growl at his stupid text and open my calendar app.
Six days.
Six.
That’s less than a week until I have to stand next to Joel Price and pretend like he doesn’t ruin my life by merely existing.But it’s also six fucking days of having to plan and practice with him.
Oh, and guess what?
Mom just made a group chat.Swell.
Mom: Joel and Anna, you should start planning this week.Let me know if you need anything!
Joel’salreadyresponding, the traitorous bastard.
Joel: Got it.Looking forward to it.
I hate him.
But it gets worse.
Joel: Should we do a ballad, Ace?Maybe a heartfelt acoustic moment?
My entire body revolts.
Me: I will walk into Lake Superior before that happens.
Joel: Okay, okay.What about some EDM?
Mom: I trust you both to be professional.
Joel: Of course.I’m very professional.
I narrow my eyes at my screen.