“Are you joking?”
Natalie shook her head. “Not even a little. Party starts at seven. We’re going to have food and drinks and take over the adults-only theater. I have no idea what movies Daisy has planned, but she’s been collecting all kinds of things that are going to have my face bright red all night.”
“Lots of penises.” Amelia laughed.
“Um, I’m not sure. It’s a school night, so my daughter is home.”
“Finley and Trent have already offered to have any of the kids who need a place to stay to come to their house. Andre and Daniel are going to be drivers for everyone so people can drink without worrying about driving home afterward. Everyone from book club is coming, and I think it’ll be a really good setup for your next article. Locals get crazy.”
I snorted at her less than stellar headline but knew she was right. It was definitely the kind of thing Gretchen would want in the paper. As long as I could find a way to do it that was both PG and a little scandalous.
“Let me talk to Melody. If she’s going, I’ll see if Mikayla can stay with her.”
“She’s going, but yes, talk to her. Let me know. You can ride with Sofia or Joelle since they both live in your building, and we’ll get you home at the end of the night.”
I contemplated my options and nodded. “Let me check with her right now, if that’s okay?”
“Of course.”
I stepped away to call Melody, knowing it wasn’t private, but it was slightly less rude than standing in front of Natalie and Amelia and talking to someone else.
“Hey, Case. How are you?”
“I’m okay. Listen, I’m talking to Natalie right now, and she invited me to her bachelorette party tomorrow night. Are you going?”
“I am.” Melody’s voice was hesitant.
“The article wasn’t me. I explained it all to Natalie. Gretchen changed it after I turned it in and didn’t tell me.”
“Oh, shit. Really? I was wondering what the hell happened.”
“Yeah. Natalie thought it would be good for me to go to the party and use that for my next article. Something that might appeal to Gretchen. I’ll explain everything later, but if I go, Mikayla?—”
“Can always stay here. I told you that before. Amber will love a weeknight sleepover.”
“So will Mikayla, but I hate asking you guys.”
“And Ramsey already told you he’s happy to have her here anytime. It’s totally fine. And it’ll be good for you to be around everyone and explain.”
“I know. Natalie is also insisting I come to book club every week.”
Melody chuckled. “Good for her. I knew I liked her.”
I snorted.
“Mikayla can come here for those, too. Don’t think twice about it. Please.”
“Thanks, Mel.”
“Any time. Hi to Natalie and Amelia.”
“I’ll tell them. Talk soon.”
“Bye, hun.”
“Bye.”
“She said yes?” Natalie asked, even though she knew the answer.
