Page 10 of Unfiltered
“Of course they are. But they’re whimsical and fun, too. That’s what makes them special.” Roberta gave her a huge smile. “You’re showing a side of yourself that you should let out more often.”
Abby didn’t think so. “But doing stuff like that’s for kids,” Abby said. “I’m thirty-one. A professional.”
“Nonsense. My sister has a million followers.”
An image of a Roberta look-alike making goofy videos flashed in Abby’s mind.
Roberta cackled. “Oh, honey, your expression is priceless.”
Abby’s cheeks heated. She’d not wanted to offend Roberta. Although, by the twinkle in Roberta’s eye, she didn’t seem overly concerned.
“I’m so sorry.” Abby put her hand against her chest. “I didn’t mean…I just—”
“It’s okay. My sister’s only fifty-seven. I’m the oldest of ten, and she’s the baby.” Roberta shook her head, but the affection in her eyes was evident. “She’s always been a wild child. Probably because we spoiled her as soon as she popped out of the womb. First time we laid eyes on her, we fell in love, and we’re all still smitten.”
“Ah, it must be incredible having so many siblings.”
“Oh, dear.” Roberta reached across the table at Abby again but withdrew her hand when Abby stayed sitting with her back pressed against her chair. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up—”
“No.” Abby waved Roberta off. “You’re fine. Tell me about your sister.”
Roberta studied Abby for some time before speaking. “She’s a hoot. You’ll have to look her up. She does videos about growing up with nine baby boomer siblings, while she’s the only one who’s Gen X.” Roberta shook her head, but she was still smiling. “The things that girl comes up with.”
Abby smiled, thankful the conversation had moved to safer topics. “What’s her name? I’ll have to check out her content.”
“Winnie Wainwright, but she goes by X-Marks the Spot.”
Abby grinned at the clever play on words.
“Oh, and she loves your book reviews.”
“Mine?” Abby’s tone showed her surprise.
“People like you. You’re so real. Genuine. She already knew who you were when I mentioned you.”
The realization that people from around the globe knew her took some getting used to. As much as social media had its downside, she’d connected with people she never would have otherwise. It was a blessing and a curse. How long before they realized how boring—uninteresting—she was?
“Are you okay, dear?” Roberta’s eyes softened with concern.
Abby nodded. “Yeah. It’s still hard to imagine people I don’t know knowing me.”
“It took Winnie a while to adjust, but now she loves it. She’s met some wonderful people online. Some trolls, too. Isn’t that what they call them?”
“Trolls or haters.” Abby picked at her cuticle. “I’ve got plenty of those.”
“Don’t you pay them any mind. Too many are bitter, so they take pleasure tearing others down. Yuck their yum.” Roberta laughed. “That damn Winnie is rubbing off on me. Look at me using trendy phrases.”
Abby didn’t have the heart to tell Roberta the phrase wasn’t cutting-edge, so she smiled and nodded.
Roberta slapped her hands on her knees. “Welp, I best be heading home. Donny’s gonna wonder what happened to me. I just ran to the store because we ran out of microwave popcorn, and we can’t watch a movie without it.”
Abby rose from the table as Roberta did. “Let me walk you out.”
Roberta raised her hand as if to protest, but then she nodded. “I’ll take you up on your offer. The parking lot didn’t survive the winter so well.”
“Yeah, those potholes might eat your MINI Cooper.”
“Don’t you know it.” Roberta laughed as she moved up beside Abby and threaded her arm through Abby’s.
