Avery leaned against her kitchen counter, her phone clutched in her hand as she scrolled through her list of contacts. The final—and most important—item on her planning list for Ryan Hayes’s surprise birthday party was to gather his friends and family.
“This has to be perfect,” she muttered to herself, opening a new message thread.
She drafted a group text:
Hey everyone! I’m organizing a surprise party for Ryan’s birthday next Saturday at 6:30 PM at our place. Please arrive by 6:00 PM so we can surprise him when he walks in. Dress code: smart casual. Let me know if you can make it! Shhh, it’s a secret! :)
After triple-checking the details, she hit send and let out a breath. The first step was done, but now came the hard part: coordinating everyone.
Avery decided to call Ryan’s parents first. She knew how much he valued their presence and wanted to make sure they could be there.
“Hi, Mrs. Hayes,” Avery said when Ryan’s mom picked up. “It’s Avery.”
“Oh, Avery! How are you, dear?” Mrs. Hayes’s warm voice instantly put Avery at ease.
“I’m doing well, thank you. I’m calling because I’m planning a surprise birthday party for Ryan, and I’d love for you and Mr. Hayes to come.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Mrs. Hayes said excitedly. “When is it?”
“Next Saturday at 6:30 PM. But I need everyone to arrive by 6:00 so we can surprise him. The dress code is smart casual.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Mrs. Hayes assured her. “I’ll even bring a small gift for him. He’s been talking about needing new paintbrushes.”
“That would be perfect,” Avery said, smiling. “Thank you so much!”