Harper giggles. “I’ll let you go so you can deal with Lucas.”
They say their goodbyes and end the call. Harper tosses the phone on the coffee table, a smile still on her face. “Those boys are like big kids sometimes. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She slaps her hands on her thighs. “Now, I have things to show you before the party planner arrives.”
“I wouldn’t call Penelope Aldin a party planner.” More like Martha Stewart on steroids. This woman is a global phenomenon. “How did you manage to snag her?” She’staken on the world with her cooking, decorating, crafts, and organization skills. There is nothing she can’t do.
“She’s a client of Finn’s. She wears Alessi Fashion to all her major events. I still can’t believe Finn asked her to help with such a small party. There’s nothing newsworthy about Avery’s name day. She’ll get no publicity out of this.”
“I’m sure Finn will make it up to her with a gorgeous gown. I can’t wait to meet her. I’ve watched her Netflix series and want to redo my apartment, learn how to cook, and make Christmas decorations.”
Harper laughs. “Good luck with that. I’ve seen you cook—you can burn water.”
I feign an offended expression. “A girl can learn.”
“Just practice a few hundred times before you ask me to sample anything,” she teases.
“When I get good at cooking, you’ll be begging me to cater your next event.”
Harper laughs. “I’m sure I will.”
While we wait for Penelope Aldin to arrive, Harper shows me the soft pink, pale gold, and white color scheme for the party. It’s pretty and girly and perfect for the occasion. Why she needs my help I don’t understand. There’s nothing I can add that Penelope hasn’t already thought of. Although, I love being included in Harper’s family. She’s more like a sister to me than my own. There’s so much love and affection for one another. This is how a real family behaves.
Growing up with my parents and Christina felt more like a business. Perform well and there was praise. Underperform and you aren’t worth associating with. Climbing the ‘performing’ ladder is the goal. Reaching the top is where the ‘love’ is. Is it love though? It’s all I’ve ever known. Until I see Harper and Finn together and witness how a family really loves. There’s no way they’ll make Avery into something she’s not.
There’s a knock at the door. “That will be Penelope,” Harper says.
Harper leaves to let her in, and I’m surprised to find I’m nervous about meeting someone so famous. Finn and Hayden are famous in the fashion industry. My parents are famous in their performing world, but that doesn’t compare to being a household name. I should have dressed up for the occasion. Worn my best black cargo pants. The ones I’m wearing are fraying at the seams. Oh well, there’s nothing I can do about that now.
As they enter the living room, my breath catches. Penelope Aldin is gorgeous. It’s true when they say people are better-looking in person than they are on TV. She’s shorter than I thought and wearing a navy-blue skirt that flows to her knees with a pale denim shirt tied in a knot at her waist. Her long, auburn hair falls in soft waves down her back. Blue eyes shine from her alabaster, smooth face.
“Penelope I’d like you to meet my best friend, Alyssa Martinez. Alyssa, this is Penelope Aldin.”
I jump to my feet, wipe my clammy palms down my pants, and hold out my hand. “I’m a huge fan. I can’t wait for your next series to come out.”
Shaking my hand, she smiles and it lights up her face like it’s the first time she’s heard the compliment. “Thank you. It’s lovely to meet you. Harper tells me you’re a dancer. How exciting. I wish I could dance. I have two left feet.”
I blush and giggle. Am I fourteen meeting my rock star celebrity crush?Get a grip, Alyssa.
“Let’s take a seat. Can I get you a drink, Penelope?” Harper asks.
“No thanks. I’m all good. And please, call me Penny. All my friends do.”
We take our places, and I’m not too ashamed to say I beat Harper for the seat next to Penny—my new friend. Harper rolls her eyes with mirth and takes the armchair opposite us. I listen as they discuss the details of Avery’s naming day, piping in when Harper wants my opinion on something. Really, what more can I add? The celebration is in two days, and everything looks perfect.
“I’m so happy with how it all looks,” Harper says to Penny. “Thank you so much for taking the time to do this.”
“It’s my pleasure. It’s been fun doing something like this. You’re not demanding and wanting a million things done in the smallest amount of time. I’ve missed doing smaller events.”
“Will you and your fiancé be joining us?” Harper asks.
Penny picks up a folder from the coffee table. “This is a family occasion. I’d hate to intrude.”
“You’ve done so much for us, and we’d love to have you.”
Before Penny can reply, the sound of the front door opening and closing echoes in the distance.
“Why is Finn home so early?” Harper frowns.
A moment later, Finn walks into the room, followed by Hayden and Lucas. Harper jumps to her feet. “Why are you all home? Is something wrong?”
