Page 88 of The Plan

“She doesn’t know what really happened, and sure, she doesn’t let you explain, but don’t complain when you’re letting her walk away. If I let Hazel walk away from every fight, I think we would’ve broken up the first month we got together.” I smile softly, but he sounds like he means every word.

“Make her listen, Sire. Tie her to a damn chair if you need to because it hurts watching you two fight when it’s obvious youboth still care for each other.” I run a hand through my hair and think about his words, but he’s right.

“Yeah… I’ll make her listen.” I just have no idea how. August thankfully changes the topic and tells me Hazel was joking about not wanting me at her beach party tomorrow, even though I already knew that. Vid didn’t want to do anything for her birthday last week, and we tried to make it special, but we’re celebrating both of them tomorrow.

He helps me pack my beach bag, but he really just wants to see what he needs to pack. The entire time we’re getting my things together, I think about what I’m going to do to get Vid to talk about our past.

“I can take that picturefor you.” Both girls who were just shocked to seeme, now stare at Sage dumbfounded and look at each other, trying to confirm they’re seeing the same thing.

“Oh my God,” the blonde says, her mouth a gape. Sage chuckles softly at their reaction, and I’m glad the attention isn’t on me anymore.

“You’re Sage Loana,” the one in braids says next, and Sage nods with a smile. “LiketheMagic Model Sage Loana Hale.” She sounds like she’s in disbelief to even be breathing the same air as my sister, and I smile proudly. Sage got into serious modeling two or three years ago, and ever since Magic Model signed her, her career blew up.

She’s had a huge following on social media for, like, ever, but she has millions now. “That’s me. I love your hair, by the way.” They both gasp, and the girl runs a hand through her braids in shock.

“I think I might get that design next. Do you mind if I take a pic to show my stylist?” Before she can even get her sentence out, the girl in braids is nodding her head. Sage takes a picture of the design of her braids, and I swear both girls almost pass out.

“How aboutItake your picture?” I hold my hand out to the girls, and they nod as they stand next to Sage like they’re afraid to touch her.

“Well, don’t stand like strangers.” Sage wraps an arm around one and makes a kissy face toward the other's cheek. I take a few pictures of them and laugh at their reaction.

“Please tell me your brother is here,” the one with the braids asks us, and I notice the blonde turn as red as a tomato at the mention of August. Sage tells them he is, and when I call him over, they suddenly get shy.

“What’s up?” August smiles at them. I chuckle when they look at each other for help. When they don’t speak up, August holds a hand out to them. “What was your name?”

I can’t help but laugh again at his flirty voice that I’m sure he doesn’t even notice he uses. They tell August their names, and he shakes both of their hands. “Those are beautiful names for beautiful girls.”

They both blush, and all three of us take a few pictures with them. “I can’t believe we just met the entire Hale family. What are you guys doing here?” I start picking up our things from the sand as August tells them we’re here for his girlfriend's birthday, and I don’t miss the disappointment that flashes through their eyes at the reminder that he’s not available.

We wave goodbye as Sage hugs both of them before we head for our spot on the sand. I settle the last of our things near Vidia, and August goes over to sit next to Hazel.

“They were cute,” Hazel tells him, and when I look over at her, she doesn’t look bitter or jealous, only like she’s teasing. I know she’s also into girls, so I can’t tell if she’s being sincere or not.

“Yeah, they were,” August smirks at her, and they both laugh quietly, sharing some sort of inside joke.

A few minutes after we’re settled, Hazel gets up from the sand. “Last two in the water have to be the designated drivers!”

We all race up from the blanket we laid out and go running for the water. The hot sand burns under my feet as I run a bit slower behind them.

Vid and the twins make it to the water first, so Hazel and I are DD. I clearly don’t drink, so I’m driving back either way, but Hazel doesn’t look too happy.

“It’s my birthday, so I get to drink.” August and her bicker for a bit, but we all know he’s going to let her get her way. I look over at Vid and give her figure a slow sweep. She looks good in blue, as always, but something about the pink bikini she’s in somehow makes her look even better.

“Stop staring at me, loser.” She flips me off with a smirk on her face. Little shit loves starting with me.

“No, and I let you win, so shut up.”

“Make m—” I splash some water in her face, cutting her off, then lift her before she can splash me back and throw her in front of me.

She lets out a squeal as she hits the water. When her head breaks through the surface, she’s laughing, but then a strong wave hits her. I start laughing as she’s forced under again. She tries to come up again, but another wave hits her.

My laugh sobers when she comes up this time. She’s gasping and looks disoriented. I quickly make my way over to her, but she’s swept back under before I make it to her.

“Vidia!” I frantically search the water for her and feel myself start to panic. I turn to the side when I hear her coughing.

“Is she actually drowning?” I don’t bother responding to Hazel, but she starts swimming her way to Vid.

No, she’s fine. She’s okay.The lifeguard starts blowing their whistle. It sounds like a warning alarm going off in my head over and over and over again. Three times they blow their whistle, and suddenly, everyone is watching us, and I can hear their worried whispers.She’s okay.A guard makes their way over anyway, but I keep looking for her.

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