Jill paced in her kitchen, trying to think of a way to surprise Reagan and her mom. Reagan had texted her that morning and said they should be home around four. She looked at the clock and realized that time was creeping up on her. She’d already vetoed a couple ideas. A sign seemed too cheesy and way over the top for just a week away. Reagan didn’t seem like the flower type, and she had no idea if her mom liked them. Jill figured they’d be exhausted after the long and emotional week. She stopped as the right idea hit her. If they were tired, they probably wouldn’t want to cook. At least, I wouldn’t. Although, I never want to.

She opened her drawer containing the takeout menus and pulled out the one for the Chinese restaurant. Reagan had liked the food when Jill had ordered it the last time. But when she opened her phone to call, she realized she had a major problem. She had no clue where Reagan’s mom lived. “Well, fuck,” she muttered.

Plopping down on a stool, she rested her chin in her hand and thought about other options. When she thought about who could help, one person came to mind. She opened her phone again and pulled up the website for Wren. She browsed their menu, picking out a salad and entrees she guessed Reagan and her mom would like. They’d have to like the food from their own restaurant, right? She hoped so.

A chipper voice answered after the second ring. “Thanks for calling Wren. How may I help you?”

“Hi. Is Gwen there?”

“She is. Do you need to speak with her? I can transfer you.”

“No, thank you. Can I place an order for pickup?”

“Sure. What would you like?”

Jill gave her order and received confirmation that it’d be ready in thirty minutes. She breathed a sigh of relief that one part of her plan was in motion. Now, she had to convince Gwen to help her out. If she couldn’t, she figured the food she ordered would cover her dinners for the week.

When she walked into Wren, the same chipper voice from the phone greeted her. The woman at the host stand wore a wide smile. “Welcome to Wren.”

“Hi. I have an order to pick up for Jill.”

“Right.” She looked to the table behind her before turning back with an apologetic smile. “Let me go check on it.”

“Could you ask Gwen to bring it out?” She cleared her throat. “Please.”

“I’ll see if she can step away.”

Jill nodded as she watched her walk away. She fought the urge to pace again and clasped her hands behind her back instead. A few moments later, the woman returned with Gwen trailing behind her.

Gwen held out the large bag, confusion written across her face. “Hey, Jill. What can I do for you?”