The End of Beginning

Another week passed, and Julia found herself settling into a new kind of routine.

She and Joe had talked on the phone a couple more times, their conversations always stretching longer than expected. Their texts were frequent, filled with casual updates, inside jokes, and light flirtation that neither of them acknowledged outright.

JOE: Phone calls are nice and all, but they don't really replace getting to see you in person.

JULIA: Well, lucky for me, I can just turn on my TV whenever I miss your face.

JOE: Oh, is that how it is?

JULIA: Yep. Instant access to Joe Keery, anytime I want.

JOE: In that case, you better start sending me some more pictures. Feels unfair that you get to see me whenever you want, but I don't get the same privilege.

Smirking to herself, Julia quickly snapped a selfie in the bookstore—something cute but playful, tilting her head and making an exaggerated thinking face while holding up a book.

JULIA: Fine. Here. Consider this a rare gift.

Joe's response came immediately.

JOE: Incredible. 10/10. Please keep them coming.

Julia rolled her eyes but found herself smiling.

One night, Julia was curled up on the couch, watching another episode of Stranger Things.

She hadn't expected to enjoy the show as much as she did, but it had completely pulled her in. And Steve Harrington? He was easily one of her favorite characters, and not just for obvious reasons.

She texted Joe as the episode ended.

JULIA: Okay, I have to admit... Stranger Things is fantastic.

JOE: Told you so. And that's not just cause I'm in it.

JULIA: Okay, but Steve's character development? Top-tier. I get why people love him. And you do such an excellent job playing him.

JOE: Go on...

JULIA: I do have one tiny critique, though.

JOE: Oh no. Here we go.

JULIA: Does Steve always have to kiss Nancy like that?

There was a pause before Joe responded.

JOE: Jealous?

Julia rolled her eyes, smirking.

JULIA: I'm just saying, it's a lot.

JOE: If it makes you feel better, it was pretty awkward to film.

Another pause.

JOE: I'd rather kiss you instead.

Julia's stomach flipped.

JULIA: Oh really?

JOE: Definitely.

She stared at her screen as she bit her lip, feeling warmth spread across her face. But before she could even think of a response, Joe followed up:

JOE: Anyway, I'll be expecting a full review when you finish the season.

Julia exhaled, shaking her head. Smooth, Keery.

JULIA: You know I will.

Julia paused, debating whether she should push their flirting to the next level.

JULIA: And for the record, I'd be willing to scrap that critique if you kissed me like that.

JOE: Very well noted. *winking emoji*

Despite her growing feelings for Joe, not everything in Julia's life was going that easy. The bookstore had been slow, and she was feeling it.

Sales weren't where they needed to be, and the idea of dipping into her savings again made her stomach twist.

"Maybe you should start selling something extra on the side," Chloe suggested as they sat in a café one afternoon.

Julia raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Chloe shrugged. "Hosting events. Book signings, poetry nights—something to get people through the door."

Julia leaned back, considering. "Those are actually good ideas."

Chloe smirked. "Of course they are. I did major in marketing, you know."

Julia sighed. "I just don't know if I have the energy for all that on top of everything else."

Chloe tapped her fingers on the table. "What if I helped?"

Julia hesitated. "Chloe—"

"For free," Chloe added quickly. "And if it actually works, then we renegotiate my paycheck."

Julia exhaled, feeling both grateful and reluctant. "I don't want to take advantage of you."

"You wouldn't be," Chloe said simply. "I like stuff like this. It'd be fun."

After a moment, Julia nodded. "Alright. Let's try it."

Chloe grinned. "Good. And I already have the perfect first event."

Julia raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"A Halloween-themed book night," Chloe said excitedly. "Spooky stories, horror novels, maybe a costume contest. We can have it be a paid event and include prizes or something!"

Julia blinked. "That's... brilliant."

Chloe smirked. "Obviously."

That evening, Julia had just settled onto her couch when her phone buzzed.

JOE: God, I had an exhausting day on set today.

JULIA: What happened?

JOE: Without sharing too much, I got fake punched in the face about fifteen times in a row. We just couldn't get the take right.

JULIA: I guess that's what you get for playing a douchebag?

Joe sent back a laughing emoji. Then after a moment, another message appeared.

JOE: I actually have the night off again. Second time this week!

Julia smiled, already knowing what that meant.

JOE: Can I call you?

Julia hesitated for only a second before replying.

JULIA: No need to ask. Of course.

A moment later, her phone rang. And just like that, she knew they were about to talk for hours.