A Shot at Love

Cake in the Clouds

My knee-high auburn leather boots click sharply against the metal steps as I rush up the private jet's staircase, carefully cradling the cake in my hands. Just before stepping inside, I pause, exchanging a conspiratorial grin with Priya.

Giggling, she rummages through her Louis Vuitton monogram purse and pulls out a lighter.

"Shh," I whisper excitedly, gently steadying the chocolate cookie dough cake in front of my cropped denim vest and matching high-waisted shorts. "We have to hurry!"

Priya shields the candles with her hand, flicking the lighter to life. One by one, tiny flames dance into existence—except for one stubborn candle that refuses to cooperate.

"Almost there..." she mutters, trying again. "It's fine, the boys are keeping him distracted."

Today is Noah's birthday, and we're kicking off the celebration in style—jetting off to Napa for our Babes Night In getaway. Originally, it was just Olivia, Darcy, Priya, and me, but when Noah offered us a ride on his private jet, we couldn't resist! Priya's boyfriend, Russ, and Noah are close, so naturally, Russ and Noah's right-hand man, Huggy, are joining us for the trip.

Things between Russ and Priya have escalated at warp speed. Who would've thought two anti-love, play-the-field types would fall so hard so fast? Then again...like I'm one to talk.

After weeks of nonstop chaos, I'm beyond ready for this vacation.

I lift the layered, cookie-infused frosted cake higher as Priya leans in for one final flick of the lighter.

"Yahtzee!" I squeal as the stubborn candle finally lights. With a giddy laugh, I carefully turn, stepping onto the plane with Priya right on my heels.

We step onto the Sports Digest private jet, and the vibes are immaculate. Darcy and Olivia got here early to help me decorate—and they absolutely delivered.

Soft ivory and metallic gold balloons tied with delicate black bows float gracefully along the cabin ceiling. A black-glitter custom birthday banner stretches along the side, shimmering with the words Happy Birthday, Noah. Along each seat, a plush black blanket sits neatly folded, tied with a cream ribbon—Noah's monogram embroidered on each one.

The energy onboard is pure bliss—easy, effortless. The girls sip champagne, the guys swirl bourbon neat. For the first time in a while, everything feels light.

But then, my eyes fix on Noah's—and in an instant, his expression melts into pure happiness. God, he looks incredible... though, let's be real, he always does. He's gone for smart casual—a pale blue shirt, perfectly fitted jeans, and butterscotch Italian loafers.

But there's something different about him right now. A calm. A carefree energy I don't often see. Despite getting older, he looks so young today.

My face lights up with joy, and without missing a beat, I start to sing, signaling the crew to join in.

Happy Birthday to you...

I step closer, my heart pounding, eyes locked on his.

Happy Birthday to you...

The candles flicker, casting a warm glow on his face as I set the cookie dough cake in front of him.

Happy Birthday, dear Noah... Happy Birthday to you!

The cabin fills with cheers. Noah offers a shy grin, the kind that says he'd rather not be the center of attention—but he's taking it all in, soaking up the love from his friends. And, for once, he lets himself enjoy it.

He leans in slowly, blowing out each candle with precision—until he reaches the last one. Instead of snuffing it out right away, he pauses, his gaze flicking up to mine, burning with something dangerously playful.