Page 140 of Let’s Make a Scene

“And her ragtag crew of lovable misfits,” Arjun adds.

“We’re totally here for you.” Liam nods. “Whatever you need.”

“I want it to be perfect for her,” I say. “I want it to be something she’ll never forget.”

“We know you do,” Hannah says. “That’s why we’re here. Do you think we’d trust anyone who wanted anything less with our girl?”

I look at them, at all the work they’ve already put in, and I can feel the love coming off them. And it’s not just for Cynthie, I realize. Somehow, miraculously, they’re here for me, too. I’ve become a part of this family, this painfully loyal, close-knit, ride-or-die group. This ragtag crew of lovable misfits.

I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

“Okay.” I grin, rubbing my hands together. “In that case, let’s get down to business.”

Chapter 45 CYNTHIE

The next day I find myself fluttering about with nerves over my date with Jack. He’s been very tight-lipped about the whole thing, refusing to tell me where we’re going or what we’re doing.

“I just need to know what to wear,” I whine while he makes me a cup of coffee in his trailer. “Ball gown? Swimming costume? Inflatable minion suit?”

“Do you have an inflatable minion suit?” He looks up, interested.

I nod. “We all did for Halloween last year. Priya was Gru.”

“Okay, I definitely need to see those pictures.” He laughs, expertly topping my cup with foamed milk. “And also, yes, absolutely you should wear that.”

I stretch. “Damn. You’ve called my bluff. I don’t tend to travel with it.”

“Disappointing.” He shakes his head, handing me my coffee. “But anything will do. It’s casual. No need to dust off the ball gown.”

“Casual?” I think about it. “No, it still doesn’t give me anything to go on. I’ve got no idea what we’re doing.”

The door to Jack’s trailer bursts open and Arjun sticks his head in. “Hey, Jack, I have everything set up ready to go to the”—he catches sight of me and falters—“dry cleaners,” he finishes weakly.

“Why are you doing Jack’s dry cleaning?” I ask, puzzled.

“Yes, Arjun,” Jack says, and it looks like he’s trying not to laugh, “why are you doing my dry cleaning?”

“Hmmm?” Arjun looks innocent. “What?”

“You’re being weird,” I say.

“Well, you know me,” Arjun says brightly. “Anyway, I have to go. Now that I’ve told you the news. About the dry cleaners.” He leaves, closing the door firmly behind him.

“What was that about?” I ask.

Jack shakes his head. “With Arjun? Who knows.”

Almost immediately, there’s a knock at the door. “Come in,” Jack yells.

This time Hannah stands in the doorway, and when she sees me her eyes widen. She’s clutching a clipboard. “Oh. Hi, Cynthie!” The words come out in a bright staccato.

“Hi?” I reply. Then Hannah says nothing, just smiles at me. “Did you need me for something?”

“Nope,” she says, then, seeming to collect herself. “I mean yes, obviously.” She looks from Jack, back to me. “Can I get you anything to drink?” she asks, finally.

I look down at the coffee cup in my hand. “Er, no, I’m fine, thanks.”

“Great!” Hannah says and then she whirs back out the door.