“Group text from Cari,” Eden said, reading the text. “They’re headed to Six Flags.”
“We’re picking up Analise and will meet them in the parking lot,” Randi said.
“Tennie just replied that she’s on the way, too.”
“All systems are go,” Randi said. “Hey, will it be odd for you and Tennie since it’s not a date?”
“Nope,” Eden replied. “We met one morning this week for coffee like we’ve been doing and honestly it was better. There were nodateexpectations. It was just two friends having coffee before work.”
Randi nodded. “She and Analise can ride all the roller coasters to their hearts’ content.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Eden said.
“You know, I wonder about Analise,” Randi said. “Maybe she needs to go out with a woman. It might change her outlook on dating.”
“I agree with you, but, um, I’m not sure we’re the best at matchmaking, are we?”
Randi laughed. “No we’re not.”
They picked up Analise then finished the drive to Six Flags, meeting the others in the parking lot and walking through the entrance to the park.
“Before we lose anyone let’s get a picture,” Paige said, holding up her phone to take a selfie of the group.
Cari corralled the girls in front of her while Analise and Tennie stood next to her. Eden pulled Randi to the other side of Cari and rested her hand on her shoulder. They all smiled and the Six Flags adventure began.
“We’re going to Looney Tunes Land first,” Paige said, holding her younger daughter’s hand.
Maggie was seven and her older sister Alice was nine.
Eden smiled as the little girl skipped next to her mother. She noticed Alice had a frown on her face.
“You don’t like Looney Tunes?” Eden asked, walking next to her.
“It’s all baby rides,” Alice complained.
“Did you know,” Randi said, looping her arm through Eden’s and looking down at Alice, “I’m a grown-up but I’m scared of some of the rides? My friend, Eden”—she smiled at her—“rides them with me so I’m not scared. They end up being fun.”
“I imagine you have to ride those baby rides with your little sister,” Eden said.
Alice nodded.
“It probably makes it fun for her that you’re riding with her,” Randi said. “Like Eden does for me.”
Eden watched as Alice contemplated Randi’s words.
“She smiles a lot and laughs.” Alice scrunched up her face. “I guess it does.”
“I’m sure you’ll get your turn to choose the rides later,” Eden said.
“Yeah, I will.” Alice smiled. “What rides are you scared of?”
“Um, all the roller coasters,” Randi said.
“The Mini Mine Train is fun,” Alice said. “You have to try it. Eden will ride with you.”
Eden raised her brows and chuckled. “It won’t make her sick?”
“Nah, it’ll be fun,” Alice said. “You’ll see.” She skipped away to catch up with her mom and little sister.
