It’s not like I don’t care anyway, I do, and he clearly had an amazing time. So even with the nerves bubbling in my belly, I still go to sleep with a smile knowing tomorrow we’re going somewhere together, and surely nothing bad will happen at a kids birthday party, right?
January 16
“Holy shit.”
I’m grateful Lex is whispering because the event hall is full to the brim with kids, and I really don’t want to get on the bad side of any of the many... adults.
Okay, it’s only women.
Why is it only women?
“Seriously,” I mumble looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Tucker.
For a second, the terrible thought flashes through my mind that he might not even be here, but then I catch a glimpse of him.
Through the windows the playground outside is visible, and despite the shock of the huge party, a smile tugs at my cheeks.
He’s running away from a gaggle of little kids, looking back and shouting something that has them all screaming in glee.
A whiny, just grating enough voice steals my attention back.
“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”
The woman can’t be over twenty-five, but she’s dressed like she’s fifty, in a crisp, tight, baby-pink dress and heels that match the dress perfectly. Her face is a bit frozen in that fake smile so many women who’ve had work done get, but I recognize the fact that she’s not actually happy to be talking to us.
“Hi, uh. Yeah, sorry,” I stammer, and suck in a deep breath when I feel the warmth of Lex’s hand on my back. “We’re—” I stop myself and suddenly remember I’ve been dealing with women like this my whole life. “I’m Eli Ellsworth, Tucker invited us.” My voice comes out sharper than before, certainly more confident.
It shows when the woman—I’m guessing Tucker’s stepmother—straightens.
Her eyes light up with a predatory glint that tells me exactly how she’s survived—willingly—in a marriage with Jim Barclay. Her blue eyes are too sharp, too cold.
It’s freaking scary. But I survived middle school with girls from the Upper East Side, I can survive this too.
“I’m Amanda Barclay,” she says, and offers her hand palm-side down as if I’m going to kiss it or some shit.
I shake it with way too much enthusiasm instead.
“Thanks for having us,” I tell her simply. “Where should we leave these?” I hold up the huge bag with the boys’ presents, and miraculously, her lip twitches with an almost-snarl.
I bite down on my lip hard to stop myself from laughing, and right then is when Tucker arrives.
“Hey guys, thanks for coming. Oh man, I bet you got them something good,” he says, not waiting for us to greet him. “Come on, I’ll show you where you can put it, and then we’re going outside. The kids are gonna love running you ragged, Lex.”
He’s walking away before he’s even done speaking, so we just... follow him.
After putting the bag on a mountain of presents, Tucker drags us outside and speaks very low all of a sudden.
“Sorry, I wish I could’ve saved you from that, but number five is especially feisty."
“Number five?” I ask.
He nods but he’s looking around the playground... Is he making sure the kids are safe? That’s kind of adorable. “Yup. That’s what my sisters and I call the wives. She’s wife number five.”
“That’s...” I trail off. What is that exactly? One of those five is his mom... number four, I suppose?
“Sad? Yeah, but you know we get our fun where we can get it.”
Thankfully Lex knows what to say.
