Page 101 of Home Game

“I’m over my head and I need this to be special.”

“Look, Sugar. I adore you. But you need to use your PA. Bianca can plan a spectacular party, and if you don’t want her to stay, then you ask her to leave.”

“The party is for Zoey. Her birthday is on Friday.”

“Well hell, why didn’t you tell me that in the first place?”

“You’ll help?”

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

I let out a breath. “I need a cake and those sparklers and…”

“Darling, leave it to me. I’ll make this Zoey-worthy. How many people?”

“Zoey, you, Mica and me are confirmed — and maybe the rest of the team and their plus ones.”

“So anywhere from four to fifty?”

“Approximately.”

“Has anyone told you that you’re a walking disaster?”

“Isn’t that what I pay you to tell me?”

“Okay, here is what will happen. I will take Zoey out for a pampering spa day on Saturday and you can stay at home to let in the caterer, the cleaners and get the bartenders set up.”

My idea of a party was a bunch of guys showing up with cases of beer. Krista knew how to put the sparklers on the cake. “Whatever you need. Just make it special.”

“Special is what I do.”

“Thanks, Krista.”

“Not doing this for you, Sugar. I’m doing it for our girl.”

After watchingZoey buy out half of the IKEA store, I considered I might do well buying stocks in the company, but watching her shop had made the trip worth every single penny. Now we sat in the corner of the IKEA restaurant, celebrating our success. I ordered the salmon lasagna and Zoey wanted the Swedish meatballs and fries.

“How’s your meal?”

“I adore Swedish food.”

God, she was cute.

“So do you think we bought everything we need for the bathrooms and the living room?”

“Yes, but I don’t know why you thought you needed to hire furniture builders.”

“They’re better at it than me. Besides, I need the place in top shape by Saturday.”

She nibbled on a fry but didn’t ask me why. “Okay.”

“You don’t want to know why?” I pressed.

“Mica said he’s coming over.”

“He did? Did he say why?”

She shrugged. “I guess to hang out.”

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