Page 42 of Chase
Next comes out a woman dressed in a sexy clown costume. She takes the lead for the dog and heads into the crowd to show everyone the “tiger”.
The mime starts performing and both Rhys and Chase shudder. I laugh at their reaction.
“Mimes are creepy as fuck.” Rhys whisper-yells at Arden.
“I know, he’s great, right?”
“No. I can’t believe you did it even though we said no.” Chase says to him.
“Of course, I did. The more you said no, the more I knew I had to do it.”
“Wait, does that mean there are going to be…?” Ally starts to ask before backing away slowly, turning away from the stage.
“Yep. Little people.” Arden fills in the blanks.
“You fucking prick!” Ally yells at him. “You know I have Lollypopguildophobia.”
“You have what?” I ask confused.
“Lollypopguildophobia, it’s the fear of little people.” Ally pushes her way over to the bar orders a shot and throws it back before coming back to us. On the stage there are two little people putting on a performance.
“Lollypopguildophobia doesn’t even sound like a real phobia.” Arden laughs. “You love me Ally, you know me, I couldn’t not do it.”
“That’s not the point. You are still an asshole. You owe me the new GHD straightener now to make up for this dick act.”
“Done, it’s worth every penny.” He says pulling her into his side and hugging her. “Come one there’s still more to see.”
We watch as a progression of performers put on acts on the stage, entertaining the crowd.
Waiters walk around handing out food. There were burlesque dancers, monkeys, magicians, and even some male dancers to keep the females in the crowd happy.
Suddenly, the spotlight goes out on the stage and moves to Arden. Ralph hands him a microphone.
“Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate mine and Chase’s birthday. Most of you have grown up with us so you know the drill by now. Eat, drink and be merry. Anyone who misbehaves will be sent home, no exceptions,” he says, and the crowd is captivated.
“Shortly, there will be a beer pong competition and jelly wrestling. To make it interesting, the winner of the jelly wrestling competition will win a date with yours truly. Have fun, we’ll be down soon to make the rounds. In the meantime, enjoy one final surprise.” He gestures to the stage.
It lights up again.
Get. The. Fuck. Out.
No way.
“You hired The Chainsmokers?” I scream.
“Yep. You can thank Dad. He called in a favour.” Arden has the biggest smile on his face. It lights him up. I don’t know how he managed to keep it a secret from us.
The crowd goes wild as they notice the band.
“Happy Birthday to Arden and Chase,” Andrew Taggart says into the microphone before they start to perform “Closer.”
Chase holds me close as we watch the band.
Chapter Fifteen
Chase
I’m standing on the balcony watching Yasmin and Ally play beer pong. They’re terrible at it but seem to be having a good time, each of them holding a fancy cocktail Arden had designed just for them.
