Page 79 of Fixer for the Billionaire

"I can think of better ways to spend the rest of the night."

She stares at me, at my smirk. "Quentin…"

"What?"

"No. No. No. We can’t. We can't abandon our own party. We threw this entire thing together!"

"Exactly. Our fae-like party planners Puddle and Glitter would be very disappointed if we didn't christen the joint before the night is over." I look over Carmina's shoulder. "That door locks, right?"

"Let's find out."

She grins and takes my hand, leading me towards the door. I laugh as she pulls me toward it, her eyes on fire as she shuts it behind us with a resounding click.

Chapter Thirty-One

Two weeks later

CARMINA

"Jenny, I swear, if I have to try on one more dress that cinches, pinches, or squishes, I'm showing up in pajama pants and a fuzzy hat," I grumble into the phone, kicking off my shoes at the door.

The foyer is clean, a far cry from the chaos of two weeks ago. Even the madness of being in the homestretch—a week away from Jenny's wedding and just days from Danity's "Love in Seattle" release—feels more manageable.

The frenzy of fittings, tastings, and last-minute details has calmed down. All except one detail that makes me ready to turn in my maid-of-honor badge.

Especially since it's movie night tonight and I'm already late for our new weekly ritual.

Jenny's laughter crackles through the speaker. "Don't you dare! You'll ruin our perfectly coordinated bridesmaids' outfits."

"Ugh, don't remind me. How did I let you talk me into wearing a neon pink ruffled dress?"

"I couldn't make up my mind! But it's fashion forward and secretly your favorite color," she reasons.

"I'm pretty sure it was just a ploy to make everyone focus on how ridiculous I look instead of on you—the bride. Clever move, Jen. I'd badger you about being pregnant with all these fashion mood swings, but I saw your moves at the bachelor-bachelorette party. No way you were pregnant doing that split on the dance floor," I tease, heading toward the living room.

"Ha ha... very funny." She pauses. "But actually, I've been meaning to tell you something..."

"If you say there's a tutu attached, I will come over Liam Neeson style. I have no problem—oh crap." I pause as I round the corner into the living room. "The girls are already set up. I gotta go."

"Wait, what about my news?!" Jenny protests.

"Trust me: I want to hear all about it. And I will, after the movie. Love you, Jen!"

I quickly hang up and toss my phone onto the couch where Gabi and Val are already settled, remotes in hand and TV on.

Next to Val's newly-crafted fanny pack EpiPen holder, Pork Chop, the newly adopted ball of orange fur and sass, is curled up on my eleven-year-old sister's lap, looking far too innocent for the horror promising to unfold onscreen.

I lift a brow. "The Shining? Really? Are we trying to ensure none of us sleep tonight?"

"It's the unedited version." Gabi throws a popcorn kernel at me. "Come on, Carmina. It's a classic! Plus, Pork Chop hasn't seen it yet. We figured it's about time."

Val, looking up with wide, innocent eyes behind her big glasses, chimes in. "Pork Chop needs to know what kind of bravery is required to be part of this family."

I point at the ball of orange fur in her lap. "If that cat starts hissing at empty hallways, I'm blaming all of you." The smell of something delicious from the kitchen draws my attention. "Speaking of bravery, which one of you is making dinner?"

"Well... why don't you go check out the kitchen?" Gabi suggests.

Val nods in agreement. "Yes, go see for yourself."

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