Page 285 of Manhattan Bossholes

“Natasha,” Aiden said as we walked up. “Good to see you again.”

“Nice to see you too.”

“This is my fiancée, Cora,” he said, introducing the pretty redhead at his side.

“I’ve heard all about your drink-making skills,” I said to Cora. “Stacy will be thrilled to meet you. She’s followed you on Snug for a while.”

Cora shook her head, rolling her eyes at Aiden playfully. “That’s supposed to be a secret, but this guy can’t stop telling people I’m the Masked Mixer.”

“I can’t help it if I’m proud,” Aiden said.

She patted his hand. “It’s supposed to be anonymous, babe.”

“Who’re they going to tell?”

Vincent and Piper walked over with their baby. “Baby Violet in the house,” Vincent said.

“Can you stop announcing her like a DJ?” Piper said.

Trent and I laughed.

“This is Piper,” Vincent said, introducing his wife. “Piper, this is Natasha.”

Piper gave me a hug. It was surprising but not unwelcome. “Welcome to the madhouse,” she said, smiling kindly.

“Go see your fifth-favorite uncle,” Vincent said, handing the baby off to Trent. Despite the huff he gave at having a baby thrust at him, Trent looked like a natural, holding Violet on his hip. Though I supposed he’d been through all of this with Hailey already. The baby gurgled, chewing on a cookie that she mashed into Trent’s shoulder. It was ridiculously cute, as was Trent’s playful glare.

“How the hell am I the fifth favorite?” Trent grumbled.

“I’m the first favorite, obviously,” Aiden said, tickling Violet under the chin. “Dominic comes second, with his baby whispering skills. Paul’s third, because Violet likes his hair.”

“And fourth?” Trent demanded.

“Jimmy,” Vincent stated simply.

“Betrayed by my own brother,” Trent muttered before pressing a kiss on top of Violet’s head. “You don’t really like Jimmy better than me, do you? He never does laundry until his socks are stiff enough to stand on their own, you know.”

“Sure, but he’s better at making funny faces than you are,” Piper explained. “How’s he doing, anyway? I thought we might see him today—I wanted to ask how school was going.”

Trent winced. “It’s…going. Adjusting hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing, but once he gets his feet under him, I think he’ll be fine.” His eyes met mine and we shared a smile.

Aiden smacked him on the shoulder. “Speaking of funny faces…” he said, gesturing at Violet. “Incoming.”

“I just changed her,” Piper said. “It’s probably just gas.”

“Gas for her fifth-favorite uncle,” Aiden snickered.

Trent glowered at Aiden. “Seems like she really wants to get in on the action.” Violet kicked her feet, screeching at the party shenanigans. An actress in a princess costume drifted across the terrace, and there were dozens of shrieks of delight from Hailey’s friends. Violet cooed louder.

I spotted Hailey at the front of the pack, now wearing Stacy’s dress. She beamed, shoving a too-large crown up her forehead. I turned back, squeezing Trent’s hand. Stacy must have been thrilled at Hailey’s reception to the dress.

A man walked over, giving me a friendly smile.

“This is Paul,” Trent said. “And his wife, Chloe.”

“Glad Trent finally has someone to bring to all these things,” Chloe said, nudging my shoulder. “I promise they’re not all this hectic.”

I smiled at her. The last I’d heard, Trent’s friends knew we were playing at this relationship for Dee’s sake, but from the way they greeted me, it was like they believed we were a real couple. It was reassuring in a way.