Page 94 of A Game Plan for Love

“A trip.” They all give me a blank stare, so I razzle-dazzle them. “The most magnificent, magical trip to ever exist.”

I explain what little details I’ve put together, and pull out the piece of paper I’ve used to scribble every movie or princess reference Nora has ever made. It’s a long list.

“When do you want to go?” Maren asks, her notebook open and pen flying across the pages.

Of all of my friends, she’s been the hardest to understand—she’s wary and closed-off at times, and not the best with expressing her emotions. But I’ve got her figured out now.

Above all, she loves her friends. It’s just a quiet, subtle love she shows through her actions. And shelovesto plan and execute. It makes her feel needed. Sawyer and Nathalie are different, preferring physical touch and quality time. The same could be said for their partners, to a lesser degree. They all match perfectly.

“The bye week in October.” Maren’s eyes bulge. “What? Is that not possible?”

“Oh, it’s possible,” she grimaces, “It’s just very soon, and all of the decent prices are long gone.”

“No budget,” I say.

Deon gasps. “Yes, budget! You can’t go without a budget, you’ll go bankrupt.” He turns to Maren. “Ignore him. I will advise you on the finances. I don’t want him living in my guest room because he blew his money on tiaras and overpriced turkey legs.”

“You’re killing the magical vibe,” Sawyer says, sipping on her chai latte.

“It’s not going to financially ruin me to take them to an amusement park.” A small smile tugs on my face. “Besides, I’m more financially set than all of you.”

Deon recoils in horror. “Take that back.”

Jack shrugs. “I donate a lot of money to charity, so probably.”

“I let Sawyer handle the money,” Henry says, biting into a slice of bacon. “She’s great with numbers.”

Sawyer blushes at the compliment.

“I’ve pocketed every penny of my contract and live only on sponsorships,” I tell them.

“Every penny?” Deon asks, green eyes wide with surprise. I nod. “Oh, you’re fine. I do love a good deal, though, so keep me in the loop, Maren.” We give him an odd look. “I’ve been watching Extreme Couponers.”

Ah, makes sense.

“Is there anything you need us to do?” Nathalie asks, gesturing to Sawyer.

“Yes! I tried to call this salon in the park—”

“The boutique?!” Sawyer screams, “I always wanted to do that as a kid!”

“I think so? Anyway, they told me they were booked out. I could use an assist in convincing them to make room for Nora.”

Sawyer and Nathalie exchange a mischievous glance, then nod.

“I think that’s everything. I just want them to have fun.”

Jack smiles warmly. “They’re going to love this.”

We finish our food, and I pay the tab. The girls chatter about the plans and quickly leave for a planning meeting at Maren’s house. I rise from the table, but Jack stops me.

“I know what you’re doing—giving Maren the job to plan this and decorate your house—thank you.” His eyes shine with unshed tears. “She’s been having a tough time lately, and it’s giving her purpose.”

“Is everything okay?”

They’ve never mentioned any issues, and they’re always in a good mood when we’re together.

“This is not something we’ve shared with anyone, but Maren and I have been trying for a baby for a while now,” Henry whoops in joy, but Jack shakes his head, “She’s not pregnant.”

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