His phone buzzed with a call, and seeing it was Monique, he stopped at the doorway to his office and waved farewell to Owens.
“Hi, Monique. I’m sure you’re calling to remind me about the party tomorrow, but I didn’t forget.” Scanning the floor, he thought about how to ask if he could bring a guest, then laughed to himself. Who was he kidding? Monique would dance a jig if she knew he was dating. Plus, she’d love Sean.
A despondent sigh filled his ear. “No, it’s not that. I’m not even sure we can have a party. Certainly not the type Nadine wanted.”
“Why? What happened?” He sat at his desk, watching the closed-circuit monitor. A delivery of a large amount of foreign currency had arrived, and he noted the process with approval. Two team members met the couriers and accepted the shipment, while two others waited by the door, at the ready, hands by their weapons. The goodwill was short-lived, though, as he watched Christianson hang back to chat with one of the couriers. Not only was it a breach of protocol, but it was fucking dangerous as hell. It left his partner unprotected and himself vulnerable to a potential attack. Tristan made a mental note to talk to him.
“Our princess canceled,” Monique was saying. “She’s got the flu. And it’s such a late date, I can’t possibly find someone else to take her place, so now I’ve got fifteen three-year-olds coming, plus grandparents, aunts, uncles…the whole crew. I don’t know what to do.”
He grinned to himself. “I might be able to help you.”
* * *
“Monique will love you. She’s been after me for years to date—every week she’d have a new friend she wanted me to meet.” He squeezed Sean’s hand as they exited the Uber, then let go. They’d spent the night before scouring all the party stores within a ten-block area of the apartment to find balloons and other things Sean said he needed after Tristan had explained what he’d signed him up for.
“You still haven’t told her about me?”
“I just told her aboutmea few weeks ago. As close as Terry and I were, I never told him I was gay. Not because I didn’t trust him, but I don’t like talking to anyone about my personal life.” Tristan pulled his hair into a low bun with a hair tie. “But don’t worry. She’ll have your vital signs and blood type by the time you leave today.”
The front door of the neat, brick, two-story house opened with Monique sporting a broad grin. “Don’t think I didn’t see you two through the window holding hands. Tristan McDermott, you come right over here and introduce me.”
Tristan caught Sean’s eye. “Told ya. Okay, Monique. We’re coming.” They reached the paved walkway, and she ran down the steps to hug him.
“You big jerk.” In his ear she whispered, “How dare you hold out on me? He’s adorable.”
Sean hung back during Monique’s greeting, but she approached him with her beautiful, warm smile. “Sean? So nice to meet you. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful we are to have you help us in our hour of need.”
“Not a problem at all, although I’m afraid I’m a sorry replacement for a Disney princess.” With a rueful grin, he glanced down at his pink shirt and purple pants. “When Tristan called to tell me, I ran out and found what I thought would be a good replacement.”
Monique hooked her arm through Sean’s. “You’re a prince just to come. I don’t know how much Tristan has told you, because it’s obvious he keeps things to himself.” She stopped and glared at Tristan, but he just stood there with his lips twitching. “Don’t think because you’re looking all cute and have a hot boyfriend now, I’m going to let you get away with this.”
They walked into the house, where Tristan, who was already familiar with both sides of the family, was greeted with the kind of warmth he didn’t feel he deserved. Monique, still holding on to Sean, introduced him to everyone.
“This is Sean. He’s saving us because he’s a singer and a master balloon toy maker.”
Shifting his attention to Tristan, Sean fixed him with a glare. “Master? Did you make me out to be something I’m not?”
Tristan shrugged. “So sue me if I pumped up your qualifications. To me, you’re the best.”
Monique sighed. “That’s so sweet. And I’m sure you’re fantastic. Thank you for helping us out on such short notice. Tristan sent me pictures of the creations you made for your nieces’ party, and they were incredible. We have a bouncy house in the backyard and some games too, so it’s not all on you.”
“I used to work as a singing waiter, and the birthday parties at the restaurant, especially children’s, were my specialty.”
Nadine ran into the room, wearing a sparkly, pink, fluffy dress and a Happy Birthday crown on her head, promising to be as much of a beauty as her mother when she grew up. When she saw him, she waved and ran right over. He crouched and gave her a gentle hug.
“Nadine, come meet Sean.” Monique held out her hand, and Nadine took it to walk over to Sean, who gave her a big grin. “He’s going to sing and make balloons for you.”
Tristan watched as Sean kneeled to her eye level. “Is pink your favorite color?”
“Uh-huh.” She sidled closer to Monique.
Sean reached into his bag and blew up some balloons in several shades of pink, and with his fingers flying, deftly made her a flower bouquet. He blew up some more and made her a dog and an elephant. She held out her hands and giggled when he placed all the balloons in her arms.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Anything for you, princess.”
“It’s my birthday. I’m three.”
