“Yeah,” I agree, and Raven’s twisted face fills my mind.
“What?” Reese squints her eyes. “Did something happen?”
I look around to make sure the staff can’t hear and then fill her in on the whole day, including Raven’s guarded introduction, then her blatant hostility.
“What the fuck? Isn’t she supposed to be one of his best friends?”
“I guess. When we left, she invited everyone back to her house, but I used this party as an excuse to get out of it. Finn was upset but said he understood. Ember took me back to my car, and I went home.”
“AND?”
“And what? I worked on a few articles last night.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“I almost did when he called last night, but he was so excited about the bike, and Max was there. They were going to go riding this morning, so I kept my mouth shut. He told me he missed me. Then he texted this morning and said he’d see me around noon.”
“How do you feel about this?”
I start to answer, but the door flies open and Winnie comes in wearing a flashy princess dress with an attached tutu that takes up the width of the doorway.
I give my dad a raised eyebrow, and he shrugs, ignoring my smirk. Johnny follows them in carrying the cake. I point to the table for the food and brace as my niece launches herself at me.
“This is so pretty!” she screeches and scrambles into Reese’s waiting arms. “Thank you.”
My nose starts to prickle, and my eyes water. Reese catches my eye, and her own lips start to quiver. She takes a deep breath and walks away to show Winnie the set-up, while I get a hold on my emotions.
“Did you pick the girliest place in the fucking city?” Johnny scoffs as he kisses my cheek. “Next year, I’m in charge.”
“Gladly. You think it’s easy, but I give you two days of planning until you’re begging me to help.”
He gives me a grin as Dad comes up and surveys the place. “Did you bring beer?”
“Yes, Dad, there’s a keg in the back… along with chicken wings and baseball,” I answer sarcastically. “NO!”
He kisses my forehead and chuckles. I give his waist a squeeze as the door opens and a slew of little girls dash in, swarming Winnie and Reese in excitement.
The next hour flies by as the manager gets each girl set up in a rotation of pedicures, manicures, and make-up sessions. I peek at my watch nervously and wonder if I should text Finn about the pizza when a caravan of cars drives up front.
Finn, Ember, Robbie, Max, Tripp, and Evelyn walk in with huge bags and trays. My dad sends me a questioning look, and I can only shrug in surprise.
The instant I see Finn, my heart starts to race. He gives me a quick wink and then focuses on Winnie, who is wide-eyed and shocked. She squeals when he tilts a tray and shows her the mega-size serving of Chick-fil-A nuggets.
The poor woman doing her make-up is interrupted as Winnie rushes away and runs
straight to him. He is able to hand off the tray before she barrels into his legs.
I watch in awe as he lifts her up and gives her a wide smile then whispers something in her little ear. Her smile spreads so wide the room lights up, and she wiggles down and comes running to me.
“He got us Chick-fil-A!”
“I see that, honey.”
“How?”
“I don’t know, but how about I find out while you finish your make-up?”
She agrees and runs back to her station, while I go over to the crew that is now unloading an entire buffet of food. Finn gives me a look I’ve come to know well, but I shake my head and dart my eyes to his mom and my dad. He doesn’t seem to care and lifts my chin, leaning down to kiss me.