Page 17 of The Christmas Plan

And just like that, the wheels of a garment rack clattered into the room. On the long, sterling silver bar, hangers full of elegant dress wear, mostly pantsuits with a few masculine dresses interspersed between, swayed.

Mac stood from her seat on the couch immediately, setting the delicious latte down on the side table. Before she couldmanage to get any other words out, Mac started to thumb through each hanger and evaluate the options presented to her.

It was almost startling how well Taylor knew her, able to pick out the exact items Mac would have chosen for herself. She’d assumed after over a decade of not speaking that some of her knowledge would have faded. But that didn't seem to ring true.

Mackenzie’s eye caught on one piece in particular: an emerald green suit with a black button-down. Sleek and timeless, the piece was perfect for the occasion. It wasn’t too flashy but felt on-theme and well-considered.

She grabbed the piece off of the hanger and started to put it on. From the couch, Taylor watched her every movement.

But once she was half naked, standing in her boxers and a sports bra, Mac sighed. “You know, we really should be shopping for you. The party is far more important for you than for me.”

Rolling her eyes, Taylor shook her head. “Oh please, I have dozens of once-worn dresses perfect for this occasion. What I really need to figure out is what kind of agent I even need.”

“Maybe one that’s like… not a homophobe and ideally isn’t related to you by blood or marriage.” Mac winked as she slipped on the green trousers.

“Good point.” Taylor shrugged as she leaned forward, watching Mac’s every move.

Once the suit was one, each button done up except the top, Claire came back into the room with a tailor. “Shall we take some measurements?”

Before Mac could answer, Taylor nodded. “We need a perfect fit. And we’ll need it done by tomorrow. Is that possible?”

“For the two best tennis players in the country? Of course we can.” Claire beamed.

As the tailor approached, Mac straightened the collar of the emerald jacket. “Technically speaking, I’m the best in the country.” She winked over to Taylor with a smug grin.

It felt good to be in this room, to look in the mirror and see such a nice suit. After all these years, the work had paid off and Mac couldn’t have been more grateful.

And to repay Taylor for all of her help since August, Mac needed to find her the perfect agent. Tomorrow might just be the night.

10

CASS

It wasn’tuntil the morning of the party that Ari and Cass finally saw each other again. When Cass had received Ari’s frantic text, she was staying over with Gabby in Queens.

They had talked on the phone briefly but Cass had been left with the task: figure out how to get in touch with Hazel Ford.

But now, Cass sat in Ari’s apartment and poured over the guest list while she waited for her girlfriend to arrive home. It was an impressive list, star-studded from top to bottom. A part of Cass was nervous, even though she’d worked with plenty of celebrities when she was a sound mixer.

Before she could get too in her head, she heard the jingling of Ari’s keys in the door.

As soon as the door swung open, Ari laughed. “How did neither of us know you knewtheHazel Ford?”

Shrugging, Cass stood from the bar stool she had been sitting in. “I have no idea. I just thought it was a common name. I had no idea she was such a star now.”

“Did she confirm?” Ari was eager, tapping her fingers along the counter as she walked closer. Once she was standing next toCass, she placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “It’s good to see you, I missed you last night.”

Cass wiggled her eyebrows. “Good.” Raising her finger, Cass continued, “She’s supposed to call me back any second now.”

Ari pumped her fist. “God, that’s amazing. If I can get her to the party, we’re golden.”

As if she could hear them talking about her, Hazel Ford’s name appeared on Cass’s lock screen. Looking at Ari, Cass grew stern. “Be chill, she’s my old college buddy. I’m going to work it.”

With a nod, Ari planted her palms on the cold countertop.

Cass swiped on the call. “Hey, girl. I can’t believe it’s been so long!”

“Hi! I really missed you! How have you been?” Hazel’s familiar voice rang through the line, sending a warmth to Cass’s chest.

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