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“You seem to be loving Stuyvesant so far, busy workload and all,” I remark.
“Oh my gosh, yes! The classes move so fast, but they’re super interesting,” Aria bubbles, launching into excited descriptions of specific lessons and teachers. Grace and I share amused, affectionate glances at her signature rambling enthusiasm.
“Okay, so get this,” she continues, breathless. “Daragh just told me about this amazing study abroad opportunity called the Swiss Semester. It's a program where sophomores live and attend school in the Swiss Alps for, like, twelve weeks.”
I raise my eyebrows, intrigued despite knowing such elite academic programs don't come cheap.
“You stay in Zermatt, get to do your normal subjects, but also go skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing. Then to top it all off, visit Milan and Paris!” Aria bubbles enthusiastically. “Can you even imagine? The rolling mountains and ski chalets look straight off a postcard.”
“The Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, close to the Matterhorn? That sounds incredible,” Grace agrees. “How much does this cost, you think?”
“I’m afraid a whole lot,” Aria deflates. “Daragh told me it’s close to forty thousand, when all is said and done.”
“Like, dollars? Are you serious? That might require some serious budgeting magic on our part.” I smile, patting her hand.
Aria's face falls momentarily before rallying stubborn optimism. “I know the price tag is excessive. But there is financial aid too. Maybe then it won’t end up being as much.” Her pleading eyes dart between us. “Just let me apply, and then we can decide. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky?”
I tamp down the sticker shock, not wanting to discourage Aria’s enthusiasm. “This sounds like a potentially life-changing opportunity,” I say carefully.
Grace shoots me a subtle look. “And who knows, my book might end up selling like hot cakes.” I hear the unspoken “how on earth” in her tone too.
“Well, hey, my social media brand collaborations are ramping up nicely, even without me creating content full-time,” I add, my wheels turning and looking for possibilities. “Between Whitesnake Cosmetics wanting me as an ambassador and Mountain Mike’s merch store about to launch, that income stream may keep growing. Who knows, baby sis.”
I ruffle Aria’s hair, affection swelling at her eagerness. “Let’s take this goal piece by piece. Do the application first, and we will manifest the rest.”
Aria squeals excitedly and tackles us with fierce hugs. “You guys are the actual best!” Laughing, we get swept up in her infectious enthusiasm.
Her mission accomplished, she attacks the takeout, seemingly ravished. Finally resurfacing from the food long enough, she catches her breath. “So, Grace, tell Maddie all about your book deal. How cool is that?”
Grace's face instantly lights up. “You guys, I still have to pinch myself. Crimson House, you guys. It’s a dream come true.”
“My sister rocks!” Aria throws her arms around a laughing Grace as I squeeze her knee.
“I know, right?!” Grace exclaims, eyes sparkling brightly. “The story concept resonated big time. But there will be major edits ahead before it's ready for release in the spring.”
She takes a sip of wine, a smile tugging at her lips. “Let's just say my motivation to keep chipping away at manuscript revisions has never been higher!”
I loop an arm through hers. “I'll still be your biggest fan, screaming from the front row on release day. Me and baby girl, obviously.”
Aria pops up behind the couch making jazz hands with accompanying sound effects.
Grace shakes her head at our antics but grins wider. “You know, having support and inspiration from you two means everything.” She gazes into her wine glass thoughtfully. “With how rewarding it feels seeing this first story come together, I'm more determined than ever to start on my next manuscript.”
“We should hype up your book launch on TikTok!” I suggest excitedly. “BookTok is huge right now. Your thriller would attract major views.”
Grace looks thoughtful. “Having an author platform does seem important. Maybe I should start figuring that out.”
“I will give you a crash course on content creation!” I gush. “You need to hook readers in early, and that fanbase will rocket your novel to the moon. I’ll show you the ropes on different platforms, teach you some posting strategies, even help you draft videos.”
Grace taps her chin, an idea dawning. “Actually, sis, why haven't you ever considered social media consulting as a business before?”
I pause, my wheels turning. “You really think people would pay for my expertise to run their accounts?”
“Um, yeah!” Grace says. “So many authors nowadays need help navigating BookTok and Instagram. With your own follower count and engagement, you'd come in way more credible than some random marketing person.”
My mind starts racing with the seed of a plan. “You're right, I could totally help writers, bloggers, or entrepreneurs use social media to grow their brands! And not just posting. I could offer coaching on content strategy, aesthetics, analytics . . .”
I grab a notebook and a pen laying on the coffee table, feverishly scribbling thoughts. “I'd need to set up an LLC for the legal and tax aspects. Build a professional website highlighting my services and rates . . .”
