Play Hard, Love Harder

4

This morning, as I reach for the passenger door of Jake's car, I find a surprise in the form of Nathan Davis. His mischievous grin greets me as he lounges in my usual spot.

"What are you doing in my seat?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He answers nonchalantly, "My car is at the mechanic." He shrugs, looking completely at ease.

I nod sympathetically. "Okay, now get in the back seat."

"What?" Nate shrieks, his eyes widening in disbelief. He looks expectantly at Jake, who is adjusting the rearview mirror.

"I've got passenger princess privileges since I'm his girlfriend," I say, crossing my arms. Nate looks at Jake, unconvinced, but Jake just shrugs with a small smile. "Happy wife, happy life, right? Get in the back."

"Unbelievable," Nate mutters, rolling his eyes as he climbs into the backseat.

"Now that everything is sorted out, guys, we need to work on the 'A plan'," I say, turning to face Jake. "Jake, I hope this loser has already filled you in." He nods, his eyes focused on the road. "Perfect," I continue. "We need to show off his best traits. What do we do? Ideas?"

Jake glances at me, a thoughtful look on his face. "Nope, but I wanted to ask you if you want to go with me to my cabin at Lake Tahoe this weekend since Monday is Labor Day."

"Wait, that would be great!" I exclaim, a light bulb lighting up in my head. "That could be the setup for the plan." I move across the console and kiss his forehead. "You're a freaking genius, love." He chuckles, but then his expression changes to one of realization.

"Heck no, Olly! I just meant you and me! I don't want them around all weekend."

"Please, Jakie," pleads Nate from the backseat, leaning forward. "I will owe you big time after this!"

Jake sighs, glancing at me for support. "Is this girl Amelia really worth all this trouble? Or is it just a whim, huh?"

"No, bud, it's real. Trust me on this one." Nate's eyes are sincere, his usual playful demeanor replaced with earnestness.

"Alright, but just one night. You go with your car, and I'll go with Olly. The game Friday ends at 5 p.m., but we'll leave at 7:30 p.m. because Olly has volleyball. You will leave Sunday morning before lunch. Understood?"

"Aww, you really thought of everything." I take his hand that is resting on my thigh and kiss it. He winks at me with a soft look and then looks Nate in the eyes through the rearview mirror, expecting a response.

"Crystal clear, boss," Nate replies promptly.

As we arrive at school, everyone goes their separate ways because we're a bit late thanks to Nate's unexpected pit stop. It's not a big deal, just 10 minutes. I head straight for Lily, ready to put my plan into action.

Lily is tying her shoes when I approach her with a goofy expression. "Hello, darling!" I say, but she takes no BS.

"Go straight to the point, Olympia," she replies, not looking up.

"Okay, no beating around the bush. Do you want to go to Lake Tahoe this weekend?"

"Where's the catch?" she asks, finally glancing up with a skeptical look.

"No catch, I swear. Not for you at least," I say, frowning slightly.

"What do you mean? And why do you have that look? You seem constipated."

"Oh gosh," I straighten my face. "You should invite Amelia. You are good friends, aren't you?"

"Uhm, yes we are, but why?" Lily asks, narrowing her eyes.