Page 36 of The Game Plan

Reese

We could go to the boutique tomorrow afternoon and look for a dress.

Sutton

Oh, sounds good.

Reese

I’m sorry, I actually have one more question for you.

Sutton

Oh?

Reese

Could Jace Austin get an invitation? He wants to go, apparently.

His eyes rounded as she replied simply with the rolling on the floor laughing emoji a bunch of times.

Reese

What?

CHAPTER EIGHT

The next afternoon,Sutton joined Reese downtown at one of the most famous boutiques in Knoxville, Lo’s on Broadway. Named for Broadway, Laurenza De Lucio’s favorite street in New York, the boutique was one of few in the country.

“This is Lo’s,” Sutton said, taking his hand as they got out of the Tahoe. “How? Laurenza De Lucio is one of the most famous fashion designers in the world right now.Everyoneis wearing her designs.”

“My cousin Sean is a friend of Lo’s from college. I called him as soon as I got off the phone with you, and he called her to see if she had anything available here.” He grabbed the door to the boutique to hold it open for her. “They had a cancellation yesterday, and no one was on the waiting list, so they were able to get us in today.”

I’m glad I wore a cute outfit. I would die going into Lo’s looking like a gremlin.

She ran a hand down her navy pantsuit and sighed, hoping her nerves didn’t show on her face.

When Reese asked to join her at the ball, her first instinct was to tell him no, since it would be after the kids’ event, and hewasn’t obligated to be seen with her again. But then she changed her mind because she wanted him there, so she said yes.

Because you like him, silly.

She shoved that thought aside as they made their way into the building, the gentle scent of gardenia reaching her nose.

“It smells amazing in here,” she said, smiling as the stylist greeted them.

“Hi, I’m Emily,” she said, holding out her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you. Welcome to Lo’s.”

Sutton shook her hand, and she held it out to Reese.

“Nice to meet you, too, Emily,” he said, holding it briefly before he released it.

“I have to admit, I’m a little excited you’re here,” Emily said, guiding them back from the front of the building. The boutique was larger than Sutton realized, the space comprised of four small seating areas with identical pedestals and dressing rooms.

“Why is that?” Reese asked, drawing Sutton’s gaze back to them.

Emily’s face flushed pink. “Well, I follow you both on Instagram, and my boyfriend is a big Kings fan.” She motioned for them to take one of the seating areas, the space empty but for another appointment across from them. “So, to help you pick a dress for the ball is kind of exciting,” she said.

“Reese would be glad to give you an autograph, if you’d like,” Sutton volunteered, squeezing his hand still in hers. “Wouldn’t you babe?”