Candy Gram - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The February sun hung low over the suburban sprawl just outside Las Vegas, casting long shadows over desert sage and rocky outcrops. Winter here was a contradiction. Where other places were blanketed in snow and ice, Vegas flirted with the idea of cold—just enough of a chill to make you pull on a hoodie before it faded with the sunset.

That morning, Tyler Brown had chosen his hoodie with care. Heather-gray and oversized, it hung loose over a faded blue T-shirt, paired with black skinny jeans tucked into scuffed white Converse. It was a look that said, Don’t notice me, even as it offered a cocoon of comfort.

The hallways of Green Valley High School were a chaos of Valentine’s decorations. Paper hearts covered the walls, pink and red balloons bobbed lazily from lockers, and the air smelled faintly of sugar and tape. It was the kind of scene that made Tyler feel even smaller, like he was just another background character in a romantic comedy starring literally everyone else.

He clutched his English notebook to his chest like a shield as he weaved through the crowd. High school wasn’t the disaster he’d feared when he’d walked through its doors in September, but it wasn’t exactly a dream, either. His survival thus far came down to two constants: Emma and Felix.

Emma Hayes had been his first friend, way back in third grade. They’d met during recess when Tyler tried—and failed—to cross the monkey bars. Emma had been the one to run to his side, brown curls bouncing as she handed him a tissue for his scraped hands. “It’s okay,” she’d said matter-of-factly. “You’ll get it next time.” She hadn’t let him sit alone at lunch after that.

Felix Rivera came into their orbit in middle school. He’d transferred to their seventh-grade class mid-year, showing up with bleached-blond tips and a pair of combat boots that no one else dared to wear. The trio had solidified during a disastrous group project on the Revolutionary War. Tyler had spent most of it trying not to cry, Emma had been buried in a stack of library books, and Felix—already wielding his signature sharp humor—had singlehandedly saved their grade with a dramatic, improvised presentation that left their teacher speechless.

Since then, the three of them had been inseparable. They were an odd but perfect fit. Emma was the planner, with her boho-chic style and encyclopedic knowledge of obscure movies. Felix was the wild card, effortlessly cool and perpetually dramatic. And Tyler? Tyler was the glue that held them together, even when he doubted he brought much to the table.

But no amount of friendship could make Valentine’s Week less awkward. It wasn’t like Tyler expected candy grams or secret confessions. He’d never been anyone’s crush—not in middle school, not now.

“Hey, Tyler!”

His heart jumped—not the cute kind of jump, but the what-did-I-do-wrong kind. He turned to see Lauren Miller, queen of the cheer squad, striding toward him like she owned the hallway.

Lauren stopped in front of him, a red envelope in hand. She waved it teasingly before pressing it into his chest. “This is for you,” she said with a smirk.

“Me?” Tyler managed, his voice cracking slightly.

Lauren rolled her eyes but smiled. “Yes, you, Tyler Brown. People notice you, you know.” And with that, she sashayed off, leaving behind a trail of citrusy perfume and whispers.

Tyler stared at the envelope as if it might detonate. His hands shook as he tore it open, revealing a card and a heart-shaped candy.

The card read:Roses are red, violets are blue,You’re kind, funny, and super cute too!

Your Secret Admirer

His brain short-circuited.

“Spill,” Emma demanded, appearing at his side. She wore a mustard-yellow cardigan over a graphic tee that declared Movies are my love language, paired with ripped jeans and boots.

Before Tyler could answer, Felix joined them, sipping a caramel Frappuccino like it was part of his personal brand. His eyeliner was, as always, on point, and his black bomber jacket gave him an air of practiced effortlessness.

“Secret admirer?” Felix guessed, flicking a glance at the candy gram.

“It’s probably a joke,” Tyler mumbled, shoving the card into his hoodie pocket.

Emma gasped, clutching her scarf like a melodramatic heroine. “A joke? Tyler, no. This is real. Someone likes you!”

Felix smirked. “Or they finally realized you’re a snack.”

“Shut up,” Tyler muttered, his cheeks burning.

Emma elbowed Felix. “Be serious! Tyler, this is huge. We have to figure out who sent it.”

“Do we?” Tyler asked, his voice tinged with panic.

“Obviously,” Felix replied, with a conspiratorial grin. “Don’t worry, darling. Emma and I will crack this case.”

Emma pointed at Felix. “Meet me after lunch. We’re starting Operation Secret Admirer.”

Tyler groaned as the bell rang, trailing after his friends. He wasn’t sure if he wanted answers—or if he was ready for what they might mean. But a small, hopeful part of him whispered that maybe—just maybe—someone had noticed him after all.

Candy Gram will be available on Amazon in Kindle eBook and paperback formats starting Friday, January 10, 2025.