Page 13 of Irresistibly Us
You can’t hear me but I’m snorting right now. You’re way smarter than your dad. I’ll be texting him next to tell him you figured it out. I gave him this code a week ago and he’s still working on it. It took you less than a day.
I make a mental note to text my dad later and do some bragging. He may have started a multi-billion-dollar business a hundred years ago and invented the phone that pretty much everyone in the world owns, but when it comes to coding, Amelia and I wipe the floor with him, and we really like reminding him of that as much as we possibly can.
It’s an honor thing.
Me
What can I say? My coding skills are legendary.
Amelia
They sure are. Are you sure I can’t put you on my payroll?
Me
Nah, I have a job. I just like to help for the fun of it.
Amelia
I would say you’re a mega nerd, but it takes one to know one. I’m paying you for this one though. Call it a freelance fee.
Me
Don’t you dare. I like the challenge.
Amelia
Fine, but don’t yell at me when a ten-pound bag of those gross jelly beans you love shows up at your office later today.
Me
The buttered popcorn or the toasted marshmallow?
Amelia
I just threw up in my mouth a little. One of each.
Me
Fuck yes, I love you the most.
Amelia
Oh, I know.
When are you coming to Boston, Soph? It’s been too long and we miss you.
Amelia lives in Boston with her husband, my uncle Elliot Wyles, and my cousins Clara and Mason. Sarah’s dad and Emmy’s dad are two of Elliot’s brothers, and Elliot’s fourth brother is also connected to our little group through his wife, Hannah, who is Caitlin and Jack’s aunt.
Our family tree interconnects in so many weird ways even I sometimes have a hard time keeping track of it, but Amelia’s message reminds me it really has been a while since I’ve been to Boston. I try and go a couple times a year to hang with Amelia and Elliot and my cousins, and they come to Pittsburgh a lot since my dad and their other sister—my aunt Olivia—also lives here with her family, but I’m definitely due for a Boston trip. I consider that, glancing up at the calendar displayed on one of my computer monitors before turning back to my phone.
Me
What about for Clara’s birthday next month?
Amelia
I’m writing it in permanent marker and circling it on my calendar with hearts and rainbows. Try and get Sarah and Emmy to come with you. They’re due for a trip too.
