Chapter 23
TWENTY-THREE
Girlfriends Text Thread
Janie
Hey, can I ask a favor? What do we wear to this party at Mr. Marco’s house?
Lauren
WAIT. Did Rourke ask you to the party? When did this happen???
Victoria
Finally! Leo owes me $20
Jaz
You bet on them??
Victoria
The entire team did. I told Leo he’d ask her to the Christmas party.
Sloan
I had money on New Year’s. Thanks for nothing, Janie
Janie
This is our first real date. I’m freaking out.
Victoria
We know a thing or two about hockey players.
Janie
Okay, so what do I wear? How do I act? I know nothing about hockey.
Jaz
Let’s start with your outfit. The party is formal. Do you have a dress?
Janie
Okay, so that’s a problem. I haven’t worn a formal since prom.
Jaz
PERFECT.
Janie
***
Jaz
That means EMERGENCY SHOPPING TRIP!
Sloan
We’re going full-makeover mode.
Janie
I don’t even know what to buy, especially after having a baby.
Jaz
Honey, we will find you a dress that makes him forget his own name.
Victoria
Something formfitting enough to make him suffer a little.
Lauren
So that he actually drools when he sees you.
Janie
Only problem is he’s taking me to the arena afterwards…
Jaz
GIRL, HE’S PLANNING SOMETHING.
Janie
It’s just a hockey lesson.
Lauren
“Just a hockey lesson” The man has never invited anyone into his world before.
Victoria
This is huge, Janie.
Jaz
No wonder he was at the arena yesterday making “plans” with Brax.
Janie
I’M SORRY WHAT?
Jaz
Oops Wasn’t supposed to tell you that.
Victoria
JAZ!
Janie
What kind of plans???
Jaz
I was sworn to secrecy. But it might rhyme with “Sh-mistmas”…
Janie
I don’t know if I can do this.
Lauren
We’ll all be at the party as emotional support.
Janie
What if I mess this up?
Jaz
Impossible. That man is head-over-heels.
Victoria
We just need to find you a dress that is going to absolutely wreck him.
Janie
Is that a good thing??
Jaz
Let’s just say he’s never going to forget this night.
Lauren
Operation Wreck Rourke is officially on!