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“Our teammate Darius?” he asks, sounding morose.
Murphy whacks his arm with the back of his hand. “Dude, how many Dariuses do you know?”
“That sucks.” He shakes his head. “Here I was planning my future out with the perfect woman and now it’s been ripped away from me.”
“There. There.” I pat him on the shoulder. “I guess it’s a good thing you didn’t meet her.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Then I’d know if she sounds like an angel like I imagine she would.”
“How about we focus on the present and you guys help me finish setting up. Rori’s best friend Serena is keeping her occupied for two more hours. We have ninety minutes before guests are due to arrive.”
Murphy claps his hands together. “Let’s get to it.”
I have the guys fill balloons with helium from the tank I rented and hang them up outside. I don’t know how many balloons there will be when they’re done. I know the two of them will inhale half the tank so they can laugh at how funny they sound.
I had a lawn sign made that says in giant letters: RORI, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW JOB! It’s colorful with block style purple letters surrounded by multi-colored flowers. I insert the long metal spikes into the front lawn, so she’ll see it as soon as she pulls up. As soon as she sees all the cars in the driveway and along the street, she’s going to know something is going on.
Ryder and Murphy are working somewhat diligently blowing up and hanging the balloons on the front railing. Their focus on the task impresses me. These two usually act like a couple of twelve-year-olds on the best of days.
I have them move out to the back patio to add some balloons to that area while I set out some extra chairs and tables around the pool area. I didn’t invite many people, but I want everyone to be comfortable while they’re here.
I also blew up a few floats and inflatable balls for Rori’s niece and nephew. Valentina and her husband accepted my invitation, surprising me. But now that Mrs. Russo is making an effort to change, I figured Valentina also could. And if she doesn’t, I’ll find a way to somehow make it up to Rori.
Murphy and Ryder are a huge help in knocking items off my to-do list. When everything’s done, I run upstairs and change into my swimsuit and a clean t-shirt. I’m on my way back down when the doorbell rings. Opening the door, I find Mr. and Mrs. Russo. We exchange hellos and I introduce them to Ryder and Murphy.
After that it’s a steady stream of guests arriving until everyone is here except Rori and Serena. I make sure everyone helps themselves to drinks and appetizers before I go out to the front porch and sit on the top step to wait. I want to see her expression when she realizes what’s going on.
About five minutes later, I see Serena’s red car coming down the street and I rise to my feet. Right before they pull into the driveway, I notice Rori’s huge smile before she covers the bottom of her face.
Serena parks at the top of the driveway. Rori climbs out of the car, shaking her head at me. But her wide smile is genuine. “I can’t believe you’re having a party for me. Kaiden! You didn’t need to do this. The day at the spa and the flowers were more than enough.”
“Shush,” Serena scolds her. “Don’t say that. Nothing is too much for the woman he loves.”
“She’s right, baby. Nothing is too much when it comes to you.”
Her hands move up to cup her mouth and nose. “Stop it, or you’ll make me cry. I don’t want to look ugly for my party,” she says, sniffling. She slowly climbs each step until she reaches me. She throws her arms around my waist, clutching on to me. I fold her into my embrace and press a kiss to her temple before I step backward.
“Get in there and see all the people who came here to celebrate with you.”
She nods. “I love you.” She walks inside and I turn to Serena.
“I hope she remembers that when she sees Valentina.”
She gasps dramatically. “Oh no you didn’t.”
“Yeah, I did. I’m hoping their mom has been working on Valentina and she won’t be such a…” I flounder for the right word.
“Bitch,” Serena supplies without hesitating.
“Yeah, that,” I agree.
“Let’s get in there in case we need to save Rori from her,” Serena suggests.
“Oh shit.”
Hurrying inside, we search for Rori and find her on the back patio. Surrounded by people on both sides, she’s laughing, and thanks to Murphy and Ryder, already has a drink in her hand. When they told me they were going to make sure everyone drank too much, I thought they were joking. But since then, I’ve seen them handing out beverages to anyone with an empty hand.
“She looks happy to me,” I say. “Want to help me set out the rest of the food?” I ask before I realize Serena’s not paying attention. She’s too busy checking out all my friends. Laughing to myself, I walk back inside the house and grab a pan of lasagna.
