“They spent the whole day in this house falling more in love with each other than they already were.”
Kaya looks around the living area we’re standing in with an odd look on her face.
“It better not be this room.”
“I’m not sure exactly where,” I laugh. “I know this sounds crazy, but I think this house has a romantic soul and played an important part in cementing Kyle and Dena’s love for each other. Having a party for them here would be a full circle moment.”
“Full circle moment? Who are you? I had no idea that cold piece of stone in your chest had the capability of being romantic.”
“Oh, I’m very capable,” I say, feeling myself being pulled more and more into Kaya’s orbit.
“So, where do we start?” Kaya asks, her voice tinged with trepidation. She’s nervous, I can tell, and I half-expect her to bolt at any moment. But how could I blame her—my own stomach is in knots?
I scan the room for ideas, trying to come up with something that would make the party unforgettable and to distract me from spreading Kaya’s pretty ass across the dining room table in the next room.
“Strippers wouldn’t be a good idea, right?” I say out loud.
“Nope.”
“A deejay, though?”
“Yes.”
“A catered dinner?”
“Perfect, but I’ll choose the menu.”
“Maybe some games?”
“Like a game night? That might be cool.”
“But dirty games,” I add.
“Yeah, um, that’s a hard pass for me. Remember, I’m playing these games with my brother. I don’t want shit to get weird.”
“Right. Sorry, I should have thought of that. What about a karaoke machine and some alcohol? That combination is always a great time.”
Kaya nods slowly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, and I inadvertently lick the corner of mine.
She nervously averts her eyes from me and considers my suggestion. “That’s a good idea.”
I grin and give her a thumbs up. We have our first original plan of action as a team.
I’m stoked.
***
There are fifteen of us in my grandmother’s house (even that damn Tre) and we’re already halfway to drunk. Kyle and Dena arrived at the party a little late, already a bit tipsy from the couple of beers they had at a bar in town.
Everyone is in a great mood, which makes the rules of tonight all the more simple to follow.
1. Roll the dice, then pass them along.
2. Sing with the person who rolls the same number as you.
3. Pick a song and sing it.
4. Take a chug of Kaya’s signature cocktail after you’re done.
