True, I prefer tea, and usually let Nick make his coffee with his special coffee beans.
Nick takes a sip. “Pretty good—and because before we met, you could lift a wallet or sell a line of bullshit like a pro. So, what gives?”
“I can assure you, I’m not after your wallet.”
Which is the truth. I could easily fund the entire party, but that wasn’t the point. I want him on board too, or at least to be home the night of the party so we can host it together.
“What then?”
I take my time pouring my own mug of tea. “We never finished talking about having the holiday party.”
“I thought we decided last night we didn’t have time for it.”
I turn from the counter. “No, you decided. I’m still for the idea.”
“I don’t see where either one of us needs the extra work.”
“But that’s the beauty part.” I gear up for the hard sell. “It really won’t be extra work if we plan it together. I was thinking we ask Marcel Creations to cater it. They supply all the tables, glasses, cutlery, then they take it all away when the party is over.”
“Marcel Creations—he’s one of the most expensive caterers in Vegas. He’s done parties at the club for the Hollywood crowd, and when I saw the bill, I nearly choked. Thank fuck, some studio exec was paying for it.”
“Will you please just listen and stop talking about money?” I lay my mug on the kitchen counter and head for the dining room. “We could have ice sculptures in the shape of snowflakes in here.” Then I point to the family room. “And maybe even a Frozen theme for the kids. I’m thinking we’lllet people bring their kids since it’s a holiday party. Marcel will supply everything we need, plus the food, and he’ll also suggest and hire all the extra staff we’ll need.”
“Staff?”
“Yes, I’m sure you don’t want to spend the night making drinks behind the bar, and I’m not spending it in the kitchen. That way we can enjoy our own party.”
“I don’t know.” He gulps at his coffee. “Sounds like a lot, and I barely have time to do the shit I have to do.”
“Afraid you’ll miss a night at the club?” I sound snarky, but I can’t hide my disappointment, especially when I laid out how easy it would be to host.
“Yeah, that’s it exactly.”
“You mean to tell me you can’t come home early one night next week?”
“On one of the busiest weeks of the year? That’s exactly what I’m saying. We got big company holiday parties in the VIP, smaller groups in the main room, and just the general public looking to kick back on their days off. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is a busy time in Vegas, and a huge moneymaker for Wicked.”
“So, you’re saying even if I fund the entire party, you won’t take a night off?” My stomach knots with anger, but I keep my voice level.
“Won’t you and Izzy be busy at Selective that week too?”
“All the events we have coming up are already scheduled. We’re completely booked, so I can’t add any new events.” I close the distance between us and rest my palms on his chest. “I’m asking for one night, Nick.”
“Let’s not start that again.”
“You’re telling me it’s too much trouble to set aside one night for me?”
“You’re twisting my words again.” Hescrews up his lips. “I know what this is all about. You’re still pissed ‘cause I missed Portia’s concert last night, huh?”
My hands drop to my sides. “It’s not about that, but you have missed quite a few things over the last couple of months.”
“Shit, it’s not like I’m out pissing our money away. I’m working, making us more money.”
“I understand that, but you said you wanted to be a father to Portia.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” The little vein on the side of his neck begins to pulse. “You know I do.”
“You couldn’t make Portia’s parent/teacher conference, Back to School Night, or the Halloween parade, not to mention dinner dates with other couples I’ve turned down because I know you’ll say you’re working.”
