♥ Jessica ♥
The invitation lay on my kitchen counter like it was judging me.
Crimson Ink Magazine cordially invites Jessica Cole, winner of the Reader’s Choice Award, to our annual short fiction celebration.
Winner.
I still wasn’t used to that word sitting next to my name. Underneath, the line that had been bugging me all week glared up at me.
Admit: One recipient plus one guest.
One guest.
I loved my friends. They were the ones who had pushed me to submit Criminal Dollhouse in the first place, and now I had to pick only one person to share this with. The kettle clicked, and I poured hot water over my teabag, stared at the invite once more, then grabbed my phone and opened the group chat.
✉Jessica: Tiny update. The awards ceremony is next Thursday night.
✉Megan: 👀👀👀
✉Amy: Are we
