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I laugh. “Of course I have.Sleepless in Seattleevery Christmas.”
Dad sighs wistfully. That was a mom tradition. It’s been a while since we’ve watched it. Maybe we have to bring that back this year. “Well, if you learned one thing from your mother, it should have been her spirit for life and romance.”
“I think you knew Mom way differently than I did,” I laugh.
“Well, I have some stories to tell you.”
“Please make sure they’re stories she’dwantyou to tell me.”
Dad waves his hands. “We’re getting off topic.” He grabs my shoulder and looks at me deep in my eyes. “Go find her. Now.”
I followmy dad’s instructions to a tee, for better or worse. Most likely worse because I’m halfway to the Seton Playground by the time I realize I didn’t even shower before leaving the gym. I’m sticky with sweat and probably smell horrendous.
And this is how I’m expecting to win Kira back? What a fucking joke.
When I get to the lot, my heart falls when I see all the festivities have wrapped up. Now there are only kids trick or treating with their parents, wearing elaborate Halloween costumes.
The “grand opening” is packed up and done with, leaving only the state-of-the-art play lot and community center in its wake.
You’re such an idiot, Orlie. Such a coward.
I flick my mind back to the phone call when Axel invited me. There was something else he said. Something after the playground invite…
“And if you’re up for it…” I half remember him saying. “The family is…”
Shit. I was halfway tuned out by then.
But Quincy! Quincy will know.
I’m trying to be less of a tyrant when it comes to running my company. Not calling my employees after hours is definitely a habit I’m trying to instill in myself. However, I know Quincy will pick up. Force of habit. I find his contact on the console of my car and press his name.
He picks up after the first ring. “Well, I haven’t gotten a call from you after five in –”
“The invite. Forward me the invite.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Slow down. What?”
“For the Playground Halloween Celebration Extrava-whatever! Forward the invitation to my email. I need it.”
Quincy is silent for a moment and then says. “Done.”
I pull my phone off the passenger seat and open the email.
Yes, there is the fancy e-vite explaining all the logistics of the grand opening. And then there’s an addendum at the end, something written by Axel.
Orlie is welcome to join us at Ricks Tavern for a private get-together with my family.
“Ricks Tavern! Yes, this is – oh, Quincy, I could kiss you!”
“Please don’t,” my assistant says dryly.
I thank him again, hung up the call, and put my car into gear.
I’ve got to get to Ricks Tavern.
However, as I speed down the residential streets, trying to get to the central Silver Lake corridor, my stomach twists. I don’t want to surprise Kira, not when she’s with her family. I should let her know.
I should…call her.
