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“Hey! I have an idea,” Darcy said.
Rachelle raised her chin to look Darcy in the eye.
“What if we made a cooking video on social media?” Darcy suggested. “You have all these followers. Wouldn’t it be nice to control the narrative of what they actually see and hear of you?”
Rachelle was surprised at how much she liked the idea. She hated so much that the editors for The Nantucket Factory were allowed to cultivate a different persona for her. They were shifting cultural perceptions of her, depending on their moods.
Rachelle and Darcy spent a few minutes figuring out what to wear. Rachelle eventually donned a red dress, leaving her hair flowing freely down her shoulders. Darcy opted for a dark blue onesie that buttoned up to her chin. She looked chic and stylish.
Setting up the phone didn’t take long to allow a full view of Rachelle, Darcy, and the entire kitchen counter. They collected mixing bowls, spoons, measuring cups, and ingredients for Rachelle and Darcy’s agreed-upon first recipe: scones. To them, scones were always delicious, and the perfect snack for any time of the day. And they were slightly classier than your typical baked good.
“Are you ready? We’re going to go live,” Darcy said to Rachelle just before she clicked the button.
“I’m ready for my close-up!” Rachelle joked.
As the camera rolled, Rachelle smiled warmly. “Hey, everyone! Welcome to my first-ever ‘baking with Rachelle’ video. This is my sister, Darcy.”
Beside her, Darcy waved, her smile big and nervous.
“Many of you started following me recently,” Rachelle announced, “after the premiere of The Nantucket Factory. I’m the sous chef under the iconic Diana March, one of the very best chefs in the business.” Rachelle beamed as she added, “Maybe I’m not allowed to say this, but I’ve absolutely adored working under Diana. Don’t believe everything you see on TV.”
Just then, her screen blew up with comments and questions from followers who’d tuned in to watch her video.
Monica101: Rachelle! We love you!
HorseGirlMontana: Oh my gosh, you’re so pretty!
TheOneYouLove: RACHELLE! Tell us all about Eddie! Is he a good kisser?
HorseGirlMontana: YES! Tell us about Eddie! We’re dying to know!
Rachelle winced and laughed timidly.
GigiInParis: Where did Eddie take you on your first date??
Rachelle tucked her hair behind her ears. “I see many of you are interested in Eddie.”
YellowJacket12: Tell us about Eddie!!
WillaNelks: Will he have a guest appearance in this video??
Rachelle’s laughter sounded nervous to her own ears. “Unfortunately, Eddie won’t be making a guest appearance today. I’m spending Sunday with my best friend and sister, Darcy.” She gestured to her right, where Darcy’s face echoed her own anxiety.
“Should we get started?” Darcy urged.
Rachelle pushed herself to begin. She mixed flour; she told anecdotes about culinary school; she instructed Darcy on best practices. Throughout, more and more followers tuned in to watch and pester her about Eddie and their “budding love.”
DearDiary33: Come on, Rachelle! Stop being coy. Tell us what we want to hear!
Rachelle slid the first batch of scones into the oven, smacked her palms together, and said goodbye to the two thousand people who’d tuned in. “I’ll post a photo of the scones when they’re done! Thanks for stopping by! Ciao!”
She turned off the phone, exhaled all the air in her lungs, and nearly collapsed on the floor. Darcy wrapped her arms around her.
“You did so good!” Darcy cried.
Rachelle shivered with laughter and relief. “I couldn’t believe how rabid they were.”
“They’re obsessed with you and Eddie,” Darcy agreed, wringing her hands.
