Page 21 of The Road Trip Romance

“Oh,” I murmur, trying to imagine Marti yelling at me like that. Hell, no!

Tate’s soothing voice seems to work and a few moments later he rejoins us. “She’s sorted…for now,” he says.

“OK, then, let’s figure out this road trip. Who’s renting the car?” Penn starts.

And for reasons I’ll never fully understand, I stop him with a wave of my hand. “I’ll drive,” I state.

All four heads swivel in my direction, eyes wide as if I just offered to pilot a barge for them or a rocket ship.

“You don’thaveto do that,” Tate says as he looks at me.

“I know, but…you all said you could use my help, the kids are at Mark’s house for a month, and I haven’t taken a real vacation since last year, so…” I trail off as my gaze stays locked on Tate’s.

“Well, fuck yeah. Let’s do it,” Penn says excitedly as he slaps his thigh with enough enthusiasm for two grown men heading on a Vegas trip.

“Chillax, bro,” Jordan interjects. “It’s just a road trip.”

“It’s a fucking adventure,” Penn corrects him.

I stifle a laugh. He’s not wrong, it’s definitely going to be an adventure.

“Hold on,” I say suddenly as I run inside and grab my laptop. I return, setting it on my lap. “Where are we going exactly?”

“Some little town just inside Montana on the Wyoming side,” Tate offers.

“Are we stopping anywhere?” I ask.

“Four days, we need to stop in Chicago to see my son and I don’t want us driving ridiculous hours,” Rex states.

“So, seven days, then? Four days there, three days back?” I confirm.

“And one day out there for the grand gesture. Make sure we take a scenic route. I want to see cool shit,” Penn adds.

I nod as I detail out the best route there. And just like that, I plan a road trip for me and four world-famous heartthrobs. Yep, I’m most definitely living in a weird alternate universe.

* * *

When I wake in the morning and remember that I took leave from work and am about to embark on a sudden trip, I fall back onto my pillow for a brief moment. The events of yesterday playing out in my head.

“There are four movie stars in your home,” I say to myself as I throw my arm over my eyes. Two-days-ago Sophia would not believe me. Hell, even yesterday-morning Sophia would not believe me.

I look down and find a slew of text messages.

Mark: You’re seriously going on a trip, and you want our kids to keep their mouths shut for at least two weeks?

I groan. The kids did not want to keep this a secret.

Me: Yes. When I told them yesterday to not say anything, I wasn’t kidding. And yes, these guys need a ride and a road trip sounds fun. I’ll text you when we get out to Montana.

Mark: You’re insane, but OK. Be careful and leave your location app open.

I roll my eyes and read the next text.

Mom: Have a good trip, sweetie. Dad says hi. We are going fishing this weekend on the new boat.

My parents live in Key West and are the most chill people I’ve ever met. I keep scrolling.

Lex: Holy shit! I just saw your text. I need all the details. Holly is going to shit bricks!

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