Page 105 of My Pleasure

“As a strong, independent woman, I have come to realize that finding the right partner is crucial. That is why I feel blessed that my parents watch over me and help me navigate the treacherous minefield that is dating nowadays.”

Meryn muted her again. “She has this way of saying two completely opposite things, creating two different images and she sells them both. Like, she said she’s strong and independent, right? The comment section went wild with stuff like ‘Girl Boss’ and ‘Girl Power’, but then she says a partner is crucial and her parents are helping her. Then the tags changed to ‘Equal Partners’ and ‘Dutiful Daughter’. It’s fascinating.”

Augustus stared. “You’ve never seen social manipulation before?”

Meryn shook her head. “I’m not really on socials. What does it mean give a gift?”

“It’s a way to support the streamer. Those gifts are basically money,” Augustus explained.

Meryn looked up. “Are you shitting me? She’s getting paid for this?”

Konstantine, reached past Genevieve to grab a slice of cucumber. “Having a social media presence is very lucrative these days.”

Meryn’s eyes narrowed. “How lucrative?”

Aiden went to shut her laptop and was blocked by Meryn. “You, under absolutely no circumstances are allowed to stream anything, ever.” He looked down at his mate, zero compromise in his eyes.

“Rude.”

“Meryn, you have more than half the paranormal population thinking you might be a lesbian based on accidental posts on Facebook. I shudder to imagine what you would do live,” Aiden pointed out.

Nigel blinked. “She’d probably forget it was on and your naked butt would end up everywhere.”

Aiden pointed to Nigel. “See! He knows you.”

Meryn sulked, then smiled deviously. “How much would that bring in?”

“No!” Aiden shouted.

Keran and Nicol were giggling at the table. Myra and Johann shook their heads, smiles on their faces. Myra wiped her eyes. “Tabitha owes me. She never said how wonderful Meryn was.”

Meryn pulled her laptop closer. “I think this has a camera.”

Aiden turned an unhealthy shade of red.

“Denka, I would advise against it,” Ryuu said, setting a small bowl of chips next to her. “You of all people know how dangerous it could be if your location was leaked.”

Meryn froze, then went back to her laptop. She tapped for a bit, then sat back. “I can’t tell if Chloe is dumb or if her instances of being smart is some innate survival skill.”

“Why?” Augustus asked.

“Her livestream isn’t traceable.” She tried a few more things. “I mean, I know I could do that. I wonder who set her up,” Meryn mused aloud.

“You’re not the only tech guru in the world Meryn,” Caiden said, placing a huge platter of cleaned vegetables on the counter.

“Blasphemy against Merytopia!” Meryn crowed.

“Blasphemer! Blasphemer!” Nigel, Neil and Pip, said in monotone voices, their hands clasped against their chests.

At the table behind them Keran and Nicol mimicked them. “Blasphemer!”

Caiden pointed. “Look what you did.”

Meryn waved a hand behind her toward the kids. Ryuu went to the pantry and retrieved a box. He walked over to the table and opened it between Keran and Nicol.

“New worshipers get cookies,” Meryn said.

“All hail Merytopia!” Nigel said.