Page 32 of Game Plan
Chapter 27
April
April collapsed on her bed. Another tournament was lost in the final. This time, though, it was down to Suzie. Again. She kept changing her tactics during the entire match, and it was throwing April more than she cared to admit. The best way to cope was to keep busy. Starting with unpacking ahead of getting ready for the next trip which was over a seven-week stretch across the US and Canada.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to try and reduce her frustration. Wimbledon was a big one.Thebig one for her. She had been so close. Yet it had slipped through her fingers at the last minute. Another tie break. She was really getting sick of facing those with Suzie.
Taking her phone out of her pocket and seeing a missed message from Jade an hour ago made her feel guilty for missing it, but happy it was there.
JADE
Hey beautiful, I know you’re beating yourself up over the match. Don’t. Shake it off today and move forward tomorrow. Look toward Dani’s wedding next week where you’ll be stunning in that dress, along with the surprise that’s possibly hiding in your bag. Inside the pocket of my hoody that I saw you pack. Clothes thief! It looks better on you anyway. I kind of like the idea of you wearing my clothes X
A grin spread across April’s face as she sprung from her bed and started pulling everything out of her bag. When she found Jade’s hoody, she paused, raising the piece of clothing to her face and burying her nose into it. She loved the lingering smell of Jade’s cologne. That’s when she felt the hard lump.
She took the hoody over to her bed and carefully unfolded it. She put her hand into the large pocket across the front and removed...a jewelry box?!
The navy leather box was long and slim but wider than she expected. She sat the box down on her bed and pulled the hoody on to feel enveloped in her partner’s scent. She sat on the bed to open the box. She gently opened the hinge and was met with a hand-written note in the most delicate cursive she’d ever seen.Notwhat she expected from Jade at all.
Saw this and knew it would finish your outfit for Dani’s wedding perfectly. This way I can be with you, even when I’m not. J x
April carefully lifted the note that revealed a single star-shaped diamond necklace and matching earrings. Her breath caught in her chest. Jade had done this?For her?
APRIL
OMG are you serious?! I only saw your message just now and pulled on your hoody (it does look better on me) and got the most incredible surprise hidden in the pocket! Babe! You’re amazing, I wish you were here so I could kiss you to thank you properly! I can’t wait to see you next week X
JADE
You’re more than welcome! Enjoy the wedding in a few days while I’m hard at work! Remember your promise of that photo! Chat soon babe X
She couldn’t believe that she had managed to find such a thoughtful person to call her own. Yet she was still so terrified to share her with the world. While the world was a much too daunting thought, maybe telling someone inherworld could be a start.
Scrolling through the messages on her phone, she found the thread with Dani and checked to see if her friend was free that evening for dinner and a movie.
“This is the last pizza until after the wedding,” Dani said as she took another slice from the box and sat it on her plate. “I refuse to walk down the aisle bloated.”
“You’ve been the same size since high school, I doubt an extra serving of pizza is going to make any difference,” April said in disbelief.
“True, but that’d be theone daythat would change,” Dani laughed. “I’ve missed you, I’m glad you’re off for the wedding before trekking the length and breadth of the US and Canada.”
“I’m hardly trekking, I’ll be in hotels and flying between tournaments.” April began, “not to mention it’s hardly going to be much fun being away with only Dad and Jon for almost two months.” A small smile danced on her lips, knowing Jade was also working at the same tournaments she was taking part in for that same length of time.
“What was that?” Dani said, eyes narrowed in her direction.
“What was what?” April replied, letting her smile grow.
“That! Smile right there! You’ve gotnews! Spill!” Dani practically tackled April to the floor in excitement as she leapt closer to April’s end of the couch.
“Well,” April took a breath, heart pounding in her ears. She let it out slowly, “do you remember a few months ago on the last night out we had,” April began before Dani cut her off.
“Wait, the guy from thebar?!” The shock on her friend’s face made her even more nervous.
“Erm, notexactly. I mean, yes, the person from that night at the bar is the reason for my smile,” another smile crossed her face, she took another breath and closed her eyes, “butshe’snot aguy.”
She couldn’t hear anything. She kept her eyes closed. Dani could have been talking, and she wouldn’t know because of the sound of her blood pulsing in her ears. She felt a warm hand rest on top of hers and give it a gentle squeeze.
As she opened her eyes, her best friend looked back at her with nothing but love. “Tell me all about her,” this was the most accepting response April could have ever hoped to receive.
