“That works,” she said. “We’ll grab them on the way and head over around seven?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
She hung up and looked at the group. “Pizza night it is.”
“Perfect,” Macie said. “Now... let’s pray our luggage expands magically overnight.”
24
Travel Plans
Thearomaofpepperoniand melted cheese filled the SUV like a fresh-baked sin as the girls pulled out of Bennie’s Island Pizza, all windows up and all stomachs growling.
“All I know is this pizza just came out of the oven,” Taylor groaned, shifting in her seat.
“What makes you say that?” Claire asked.
“Because it’s burning the hell out of my thighs!”
“Well, if it’s too hot, you can pass it back here,” Sara offered. “I’ll take that pain for you.”
“Please. You and Taylor will have half a pizza gone before we even get to the driveway,” Macie smirked.
“True,” Taylor said, shrugging unapologetically. “Less to carry.”
Claire, balancing the pizza boxes in her lap, cracked her window as the glass fogged over. A salty breeze replaced the smell of marinara as they turned off the main road and headed toward Jaxon’s.
“Tide’s out, ladies,” Sara announced, the briny inlet scent wafting through the SUV.
“Thank God you can’t smell that at Jaxon’s place,” Claire said, scrunching her nose as they rolled over the gravel path.
As they pulled into the drive, the girls spotted the guys already gathered around the outdoor dining table, drinks in hand like it was tradition.
Jaxon stood and called out, “Need a hand?”
Claire held up the stacked boxes with a smirk. “It’s only four pizzas. I got it.”
The second the girls reached the table, Taylor narrowed her eyes. “Y’all couldn’t wait on us?”
Carter grinned, lifting his beer. “Habit. Sitting out here without one in hand just feels wrong.”
“Well, get your ass up and grab us some,” Sara shot back, already claiming her seat.
Trevor laughed and headed inside. “Yes, ma’am.”
Jaxon followed him to the back deck. “Let’s grab the cooler. Save a few trips.”
Once they came back lugging a full cooler of drinks, the girls had already broken into the pizza like it was sacred.
“Now who couldn’t wait?” Jaxon teased.
“Survival,” Claire replied with a straight face. “Eat or be eaten.”
The sun dipped lower as the drinks flowed and slices disappeared, and the table buzzed with that easy rhythm that only comes when laughter has history. The guys relived their so-called “glory days” with exaggerated stories, while the girls tossed around old high school drama and college regrets.
Claire was mid-bite when she noticed something—every story being told had roots. Everyone knew the players, the punchlines, the past.
