Page 105 of Roommate's Guide to Love

Simon swings the door back open and exits the bar, leaving us wondering what the hell we’ve gotten into.

“Ready for a party?”

Grace, on cue, starts clapping excitedly.

“All right, then. Let’s party.”

* * *

“We didn’t do anything. How is today so tiring?”

That one statement makes the entire table laugh, which consists of Simon and Charlie, Ainsley, Maeve and her husband Logan, as well as Stella and her boyfriend, Emmett.

“Because this is a different kind of tired,” Maeve explains. “You’re probably just getting used to normal parent tired. Operating on three hours of sleep, caffeine, and a sheer will to not have the day beat you. Your body is now used to that tired and can function normally.”

“But today…” Charlie cuts in. “Today has new activities. Not the normal day. And sometimes, those ones knock you on your ass more than a day where you change twenty diapers and the kid decides that she’s giving up naps for Lent.”

It makes sense. My body feels like it’s been through it, and all I’ve done is chase Grace around a bounce house, helped her open presents, and changed her outfit three times because my girl is playing, and eating, like it’s going out of style.

It’s fine, though. Gives me an excuse to try on all of her new bows.

It was a buy-one-get-one-free sale. And I’m learning that I can’t be trusted with a baby clothing sale.

“Well what about you two?” Stella asks. “When is our newest couple going to celebrate Quinn’s return home and new job?”

We look at each other and shrug. “Not sure. I think we both kind of figured this was it?”

“Plus, when are we going to do that?” Quinn adds. “Between Grace, the bar, and the move, we haven’t really had a free second.”

Quinn’s siblings all share a knowing glance before turning back to us.

“What are you plotting?” Quinn asks. “If this is another Quinn-tervention, I assure you, I’m healed from whatever it is y’all think you need to fix with me.”

Maeve shakes her head. “No interventions. Just a night out.”

I look to Quinn, who looks as confused as I do, before looking back to Maeve. “Night out?”

“Exactly,” Ainsley says. “You two have been through a lot over the past few months. And while we know you said this party was for both of you, clearly, the kids are having more of a time than y’all are.”

Everyone turns to the bounce house, which I didn’t realize there were going to be two—one for big kids and one for Grace—where I can see Wes’s oldest daughter holding Grace’s hand as she guides her out of her mini funhouse. Her cheeks are rosy, and she’s clearly having the time of her life.

“Yeah,” Simon says. “I probably went a little too hard into the kid activities. My bad.”

“But without my brother doing this,” Stella says, “it wouldn’t have given us the idea to give you two a much deserved night off.”

“Guys, I appreciate it,” I say. “But I don’t?—”

“Whatever you’re going to object to, we’ve got it covered,” Maeve says. “We already talked to Jenny, and she’s going to be at the bar helping Stella, Emmett, and Simon pour drinks.”

“I’m like a celebrity bartender,” Simon says, a big grin across his face.

“Make him stop,” Emmett groans into Stella’s shoulder.

Simon slaps Emmett on the back. “Nope! We’re going to have fun!”

“Wow, I…” I’m speechless. “But what about Grace?”

“I’m on Grace duty,” Ainsley says. “I’ll take her to Mom and Dad’s. That way when you get home from your night out in Nashville, you have the house completely to yourself. She’ll spend the night with me over there and then I’ll bring her back in the morning.”

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