Page 160 of The Surprise Play
But we work without speaking, me silently stewing while he hums along to the music.
It’s not until I’m miserably coating chicken tenders with some secret breadcrumb concoction that an idea hits me.
And, oh shit, it’s the best fucking idea I’ve ever had!
“Uh… can I take five?”
Tommy glances at me. “I’m not paying you, kid. Take whatever time you need.”
I thank him, quickly washing my hands before darting out the back door and pulling my phone free. Pacing the cold parking lot, I walk to the dumpster and back, tucking my hand under my armpit and wishing I’d grabbed my coat.
“Hey, Wily. What’s up?” I smile at the sound of Sienna’s voice. “How’s your weekend going?”
“What are her parents like?” Nylah calls.
“Whose parents?” another girl asks.
“Wywee!” Zoey yells, letting out a whine when Sienna won’t hand the phone to her.
“Put me on speaker,” I instruct with a laugh. “Hey, Zoey girl.”
“Wywee!” She laughs my name, letting out an excited squeal.
“How’s my favorite cowgirl?”
“Good. Me shopping.”
“Are you now? Are you gonna buy me something pretty?”
“No.” She laughs. “Buy me pity!”
Nylah and the other girl start to laugh.
“Who am I talking to right now?” I have to ask.
“Oh, it’s me,” Sienna says. “And Nylah and her roommate, Jolie.”
“Hi.” Jolie’s voice is sweet and kinda perky.
Have I met her before? I can’t even remember.
“How’s it going?” I ask as a way of introduction.
“Yeah, good, thanks.” Her response is polite, and I figure it’s about time I get to my point.
“So, guys. I’ve had an idea, and I need your help to pull it off.”
“Ooo! Do tell.” Sienna sounds excited already. Excellent.
“Okay, well… it was Satch’s birthday yesterday, and I was wondering if we could throw a surprise party for her. She’s never really had a big party with a bunch of friends, and I think she deserves it.”
“I love that idea!” Nylah starts getting excited too. “So, what do you want us to do?”
“Should we go for a theme?” Sienna asks.
“Yes, definitely.” I quickly tell them about Satch’s love of all things ’50s and how she was given this poodle skirt for her birthday. “She was stoked, and I want to give her the perfect event to wear it to.”
“I love that so much,” Jolie gushes, and the girls are soon all babbling together.
