Page 101 of The Way We Collide

Still holding hands, I think about us being only friends. I think about explaining our breakup to my brothers. I think about the promise I made three months ago.

“Whatever happens, I had a lot of fun.”

She blinks up at me, and her lips press into a smile. “Me, too.”

Haddy dozes in her seat while Raven reads a book on her Kindle. I have my phone out watching highlight reels from the past season on YouTube.

A light touch on my shoulder draws my attention.

“We’re making our final approach.” The flight attendant’s voice is smooth and low, and we scoot around to prepare for landing.

It’s not long before we’re on the ground. I help Raven collect Haddy’s things. She slept through the flight, which I hope means she’ll be ready for the craziness that’s to come.

We walk down the short steps to find two familiar teenage boys in jeans and hoodies waiting for us. It’s a cool, breezy night on the coast, and Raven pulls the hood over Haddy’s head and ears.

“Coach Jack sent us to pick you up.” The taller boy I recognize as Austin Sinclair, QB-1 for Jack’s high school football team and Dylan’s best friend Allie’s son. “He said to drive you straight to the restaurant, no detours.”

“They’ve planned a surprise party for you.” Edward Wells is Rachel’s brother, and he’s a hoot.

“Edward!” Austin punches his arm. The younger boy frowns, rubbing the spot with anOw!as Austin scolds him. “You weren’t supposed to tell them that.”

Raven ducks her head, covering her mouth with her hand, and I step forward, lowering my voice. “It’s okay. You never told us.”

“But I did tell you.” Edward is confused, looking from me to Austin, who lets out a groan. Then he shrugs. “Adults are weird.”

Shaking his head, Austin takes Raven’s suitcase. “Whatever, just act surprised.”

“We’ll be the most surprised people you’ve ever seen,” she reassures him.

Following the boys, I help put our luggage in the bed of Garrett’s oversized Ford pickup. We fasten Haddy’s car seat in the second row behind the passenger’s seat, and I take the front with Austin while Raven and Edward sit in the back with the baby.

It’s a short drive to the restaurant from the small airport south of town, and when we pull into the parking lot of Cooters & Shooters, it’s so obvious they’re planning something.

“Did they cancel Dare Night for us?” Raven’s voice is worried as she leans forward.

The restaurant is almost completely dark, and the parking lot is empty except for a few cars, Jack’s truck, and Logan’s SUV.

“No, they just told everyone to park at the house, and they’re going to jump out and yell when you walk in the door,” Edward explains without a hint of irony.

“Edward, Dang!” Austin stage-yells, and I can’t help a chuckle.

“Rachel told me not to walk in with all of you. It’s going to be loud with poppers and shouting.”

Austin looks at him in the rearview mirror. “That was for your information, not for you to tell the whole truck.”

“I thought they should know for the baby. Gigi cries when everybody yells.”

“You make a very good point, Edward.” Raven pats his arm. “Thank you for warning us. I’ll let the guys go in first and cover Haddy’s ears.”

Edward nods his head. “No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow. Welcome home.”

He slides out of the truck and walks up the hill to the house. Austin puts the truck in park and piles out like a typical, annoyed teenager.

The three of us follow him down the short walk to the front entrance, and I bump his shoulder. “If it makes you feel any better, they’re being pretty dang obvious. There’s no way this place is this quiet on a Thursday night.”

His lips twist with a smile, and he grabs the handle. “That’s true.”

He doesn’t even get the door open before the lights flash on and everybody yellsSurprise!

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