Page 82 of I Hope This Finds You Well

We both giggle in our seats, and Caitlin and Rhonda exchange a look—Rhonda confused, Caitlin salty.

Moments later, a message from Caitlin to Armin appears.

Caitlin:Are you and Jolene messaging?

Armin:Why do you ask?

Caitlin:I mean, if you’re hanging with her, that’s obviously fine, but just be on guard—I know I sound like a broken record, but the other night was my engagement party and she was there, but what’s more is she left as soon as Kyle and I came, and guess what?

My heart stops. I stop breathing. It’s now. She’s going to tell them about Ellie, about what I did. How I’m not to be trusted and everyone should fear me. I’ll never escape this, no matter what. Soon enough, they’ll all know what I was like and who I am.

My stomach clenches like a fist as Caitlin types. The keyboard clicking is the only sound in the world.

Caitlin:She volunteered to help Rhonda with my party decorations and then took off. Isn’t that suspicious?

Oh my god.

Relief swoops in and floods every part of my being. She doesn’t know. Did Kyle really not tell her? I don’t understand it.

I divert my eyes while Armin looks my way.

The guy needs some serious lessons on being covert.

Jolene:STOPP looking at me!

Armin:Are you just reading our convo? It’s kind of obvious with the way you stare at your screen FYI. It’s so weird having an audience.

Jolene:Please stop looking at me.

Armin:I’ll try. You stop reading how bout?

Jolene:Fine.

Armin messages Caitlin back next:

Armin:Hmm that is suspicious. Have you considered dipping her mug in the toilet to teach her a lesson?

My mouth twitches. Armin is a fucking imbecile. I type while glaring at the back of his head.

Jolene:You jerk. I’m seriously reconsidering our arrangement.

Armin:Cheers—was just a test. Also, you know you can’t.

Caitlin’s reply to Armin pops in.

Caitlin:Um... no, I hadn’t considered that. ANYWAYS. Good luck. I tried. She’s sketch.

Caitlin clicks the chat shut and pulls out her hand mirror, beginning her first teeth and eye inspection of the day.

As Caitlin fiddles with her hair, it’s like a rush—the realization. In about two weeks’ time, she could be gone. Caitlin would simply fade into an echo of Supershops’ past, and I would be free, completely. I won’t have to worry about her or Kyle saying anything. I won’t have to worry about anyone’s emails. I can be exactly who I want.

A beeping at the door draws all our eyes.

“Does a Caitlin Joffrey work here?” The question comes from a tiny man holding a giant bouquet of chocolate-covered strawberries and mango on skewers. We can barely see his face as he tiptoes into the room, unsteady. “I’m looking for Caitlin Joffrey.”

Caitlin’s face goes pink and she puts a hand to her chest, a perfect picture of modest delight. “Yes, that’s me.”

“Oh, goodness.” Rhonda stands up to examine the giant display as the man lowers in onto the worktable next to our desks. “Who is this from?”