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I can only imagine what that party will look like. Probably something from out of a movie, with the amount of money the Herberts make. That house will likely be decorated top to bottom with shit you can’t buy at PartyCity. I bet the whole thing will cost more than my rent for the year.
And all their guests? Bet they’ll be equally decked out. Wonder if the crowd will lean more towards outrageous or elegant. I’m betting the latter, but in New Orleans you never know. Rich people can go all out too.
I can see why Paige called me.
“You want me to watch Pumpkin?”
“Umm, I mean, if you want to say hi to her, I’m sure she’d like that.”
Paige’s response was not what I was expecting, so I try to get on her wavelength.
“You called me because you’re worried about her at the party, right?”
“What? No. Pumpkin isn’t the driving force behind this conversation. You are. You being at this party.”
Me at the party?Now she’s not making any sense. Sure, Paige being okay with spending time with me at a bar tracks, but at her parents’ fancy holiday party?
That can’t be what she means.
“I’m not sure what you’re asking, Paige.”
Her frustrated groan leaks through the phone.
“I’m shit at this. Phone talking is even worse than normal talking. Do you have an email account? If I type this out, I can make more sense. I promise.”
I grimace, knowing she can’t see me.
“I do, but I’d have to go to the library to use a computer to check it. Can you text me? My phone does that at least.”
“Oh hell, and have my thumbs cramp up from typing all the words? No. I can do this. Just give me a second.” She sounds slightly desperate, which makes me want to reach through the speaker and soothe her. Instead, I give her what she asked for. At one point she starts talking, but it’s soft, like a mutter, and she’s clearly speaking to herself. “I can do this. Talking is like writing with my mouth.”
I hold back a snort of laughter.
She starts again, the formalness of her tone somehow charming. “Dear Dash. On Thursday, October 31st, my parents, Mrs. And Mr. Herbert will be hosting a party at their house, where I also reside. As you know.” Her deep breath is audible through the phone. “I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend the party as my guest. I find my parents’ friends to be tedious and dull, for the most part, while I find your company to be pleasant and engaging. Therefore, I would like to spend the night talking to you, rather than them. Costumes are recommended but not required.”
It takes me a moment to realize she’s done, and then another moment to reign in my shock.
Paige didn’t call because she needs me to do something for her. Nothing other than showing up at a party and being her friend.
It’s been a while since someone asked me to do something with no ulterior motive. At least, I don’t think she has one.
“You called to invite me to their party? You don’t need me there for anything?”
“Well, for company. But if you have other plans it’s no issue if you turn me down. I know this invite is a little last minute, but I’ve been trying to avoid thinking about social gathering.”
Is Paige really that uncomfortable around people?
“Yeah. I’ll come.”
“Oh, Dash. You are a fantastic human being. Food and drinks are provided, so just bring yourself and show up any time after six. Pumpkin is going to be so happy! And I’m happy too, of course. Bye.”
Paige hangs up before I can respond, which just makes me smile all the more.
Then my expression falls when I realize that I, the ex-con car thief, may have just agreed to meet the classic Chevy mechanic and a judge.
Shit.
Chapter Sixteen
