Page 84 of Not For Keeps

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I can bring desserts from The Rolling Pin!

Andres

Yes! BRING DESSERTS!

Analyse

Thanks for answering for me, Andres.

Andres

You’re welcome. Just giving your little typing fingers a break.

Mateo

I think it goes without saying…I’ll be there, baby.

Mari

Awwww

Anna

You guys are so cute it makes me sick.

Seb

Bro, not while I’m here please.

Analyse

Shut up Seb.

I set the last pair of scissors on the table, step back, and grin. The dining rooms looks like Pinterest and a craft store had a love child. There are magazines everywhere, poster boards propped against mason jars full of markers, glitter glue, and sparkly washi tape.

I glance at the clock. Five minutes until the gang shows up for what they think is just a casual dinner. They have no idea they’re walking into a full-blown vision board party.

“Maya!” I call down the hall. “Are you ready?”

She comes racing out of her room in a fuzzy pink sweater, polka-dotted leggings, and her sparkly boots. She’s clutching a stack of old kid’s magazines and a glue stick in her arms.

“I’m gonna make mine say I want a unicorn and a puppy!” she announces proudly.

“That’s right! Dream big, mamita,” I say with a laugh, smoothing down one of her wild curls. “That’s what tonight’s all about.”

A knock at the door pulls my attention. Showtime.

I swing it open to find Anna, Mari, Seb, and Andres huddled on the porch, their faces red from the cold. Mari’scarrying a bakery box, Andres has a bag of chips, and Seb has nothing but an expression that already screams regret.

And right behind them, cheeks flushed and bottle of wine tucked under one arm, is Nathan.

“Sorry I’m late,” he says, stepping in with a grin. “Had to track down the good wine.”

“You’re forgiven.” I laugh. “The good wine earns you instant immunity.”

They filter into the house, stomping snow off their boots, and then they see the dining room.

Mari lets out a gasp. “Wait. What is all this?”

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