Page 147 of Unfiltered
“Are you ready to see these two walk away with a Golden Thumb?” Winnie said, putting her arm over Blythe and Dapper’s shoulders.
“Oh, my god, you guys look adorable,” Abby said.
Ricki groaned. With the camera pulled back to include Winnie on the screen, Ricki could make out Blythe and Dapper’s tuxedos. “Did you have to say that? Their egos are already big enough as it is.” They did look adorable, but Ricki would never admit it.
Blythe turned from side to side. “We are adorable, aren’t we?”
Winnie squeezed them tighter against her. “I want to hug these two all day.” Winnie turned and grinned at Blythe. “And I’m going to give you the biggest hug when the Dykonic Duo wins today.”
Ricki’s insides warmed, remembering Blythe and Dapper’s reaction to their Perfect Pairing Award nomination. The duo who prided themselves on their cool dykonic vibe had jumped around like a pair of teenagers. Ricki had gotten it all on camera, and the video had gone viral, adding to their ballooning followers.
Bringing home a Golden Thumb would take them to the next level and open more doors for them. Since Ricki moved to Harveston, Blythe and Dapper had been living in Ricki’s house in Berwyn. With the mortgage paid, Ricki offered them a sweet deal on their rent. Blythe had hinted, if their brand continued to grow, they’d be interested in buying the house. Ricki stillstruggled with the idea of selling Granny’s house, though she knew Granny would approve of Blythe buying it.
“Hey, look,” Dapper said, pointing. “Isn’t that Kelly McCormick?”
Kelly McCormick was one of the hottest entertainment reporters in the business, so having her covering the Golden Thumbs proved that content creator awards were growing.
“Oh, fuck, she’s coming this way,” Blythe said.
Winnie laughed. “You two need to chill. Watch a pro.” Winnie waved. “Hey, Kelly.”
Since the camera was still facing the trio, Ricki and Abby couldn’t see Kelly’s approach, but they heard her unmistakable voice as she came nearer.
They listened as Kelly interviewed the trio. Ricki thought Blythe might pass out, but she kept it together and formed complete sentences.
“Thanks for the interview,” Kelly said.
“Wait,” Blythe practically yelled.
The camera turned, so they were staring at Kelly McCormick. She was even more statuesque than Ricki realized.
Kelly’s face lit up. “Oh, my god. Novel Spaces. Abby and Ricki.”
Ricki’s cheeks heated. “Uh, hi.”
Abby was more polished and managed, “Kelly, it’s so great to meet you.”
Kelly pointed at the camera. “The Trendies. The nominations come out next month, and I’m hearing the buzz. Novel Spaces should get the nod in the DIY category. I’m rooting for you.”
Blythe cheered in the background and chanted, “Novel Spaces.”
“We’re not looking for an award. We just love what we do,” Abby said.
“And each other,” Ricki blurted out, and her cheeks heated more.
Kelly laughed. “Yeah, that was a wild story, but I’m so happy to see it all worked out and to see you guys are all still friends.” Kelly flicked her finger toward the camera. “If you get the nod next month, I want the exclusive interview.”
“If,” Abby said, “the interview is yours.”
“Excellent. Excellent.” Kelly looked over the camera. “Good luck, Winnie. And good luck to the Dykonic Duo.”
Blythe kept the camera on Kelly as she walked off. When she turned the camera back toward them, she had her hand against her cheek and her mouth open as if she was screaming.
“You’re an idiot,” Ricki said.
Winnie held up her hand. “I gotta scoot. It’s nice seeing you.”
“Good luck,” Ricki and Abby called as Winnie walked away.
