Page 11 of The Future Play

He shakes his cup. “Drink coffee.”

“I can drink coffee and get things done at the same time.”

He arches a brow.

“I’m an event planner. And a smidge type A. Something always needs to be done, and I’m here to help do it.”

“God, you sound like Thomas the Tank Engine.Must be a really useful engine.”

“Random reference.”

“I have three much younger siblings. I know more about Thomas, Daniel Tiger, and Bluey than I do about anything else pop culture related. Unless it involves baseball.”

“Shocking. Another baseball boy.” I grab the pile of tablecloths and head toward what appears to be the dining room. “Come on!”

After a beat, he follows me. “So, an event planner, huh? I thought Aaron said you’ll be the girls’ suitemate next semester.”

“I will. But I’m not waiting until I have a degree to dive into doing what I love. Plus, event planning is hands on. The more jobs I do, the more I learn. I have my first solo job—other than stuff for my parents’ friends—in a couple of weeks, and I’m treating it as the start of my business.”

“That’s awesome.”

“Thank you. Now come on, baseball boy. Help me with these tablecloths.”

I always feel more at ease when I’m doing something. Being busy keeps my brain focused and doesn’t let me overthink. Jamie seems like a nice guy—not really surprising seeing as I don’t think Rae and the girls would hang out with someone who was an asshole. Though the girls regularly like to pick on Rae for dating some douchey guy when she was really in love with Aaron. I can’t imagine he was that douchey, though. Rae’s a force to be reckoned with.

Speak of the devil. She blows into the room, coffee in hand.

“You are amazing. Thank you for bringing caffeine.” She greets me with a kiss on the cheek, then looks at the tables. “What does your event planning eye say?”

“You guys do this every year. I’m sure you know what works.”

Rae shakes her head. “It used to just be the six of us. It’s slowly grown, but this year will be the biggest year. Give me all the suggestions.”

Well, she asked. “Okay, well—actually, what can we move? Do we need to worry about Joel’s parents?”

She snorts a laugh. “They’re never around. Don’t worry about that.”

“Okay. Then I think we should move these two folding tables to the kitchen and make a buffet line with them and the kitchen counter. We can set up drinks in the dining room so people don’t get caught up in the line for the buffet if they just want a drink.” I peek over my shoulder. “And I think we should move the couches to the side in the living room so people can dance and move around more easily. If that sounds good to you.”

“You are amazing! I’ll go tell everyone else.”

She flies out of the room, calling something to Joel.

“Wow,” Jamie says. I almost forgot he was standing there. “You came up with all that in like thirty seconds?”

“I was thinking about it since I first walked in. My brain never shuts off.”

“Well, I hope I get to attend an event you plan at some point. That was badass.”

I smile, cheeks heating at the compliment. I’m not sure anyone has ever called my planning skills badass before, but then again, most of the things I’ve helped plan have been anniversary or retirement parties for people in their fifties and sixties.

“Maybe I’ll have to come see you… baseball sometime?”

He laughs. “Pitch. I’m a pitcher.”

“It’s a deal then. If you sneak into one of my events, I’ll sneak into one of your baseball games.”

“Amanda!” Rae calls from the kitchen.

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