For the next forty minutes, he sang, did a little hip-hop dancing, made balloon animals, and even performed some magic tricks he’d learned from watching YouTube videos. The last little girl eventually showed up, and he waved at her as she ran into the room and took the empty seat.
“Hi. Don’t worry. You didn’t miss anything.” His hands flew, and he presented her with a balloon flower. “Look what I have for you.”
“Thank you.” She gave a shy smile, and something niggled at his memory. She looked familiar, and he tried to think where he’d seen her before, but it must’ve been the playground.
“I want one too,” Lexi yelled out, and the other nine girls and boys also clamored for their own flowers. His fingers were sore by the ninth one, and he sent a thank-you to the cake gods when dessert arrived.
Reagan carried in a tray of cupcakes, each decorated like a flower with a butterfly on top, and Sean said, “Okay, kids. I’m going to take a break while you have your cupcakes, and then I’ll come back with the big finale.”
“Yay,” they all chorused, faces already smeared with icing.
They were really cute, and he made a mental note to call Charlotte. His nieces and nephew needed to come to the city. He and Tristan could take them to the zoo and let them play in Central Park. Maybe they could meet up with Monique and her daughter.
He slipped into the kitchen, where the housekeeper was preparing a pitcher of apple juice for the kids. “Could I have a glass of water, please?”
“Of course.”
She gave him an ice-cold glass, which he drained, and she refilled it. “Thank you. I needed that.”
“You can sit right here, honey. Those kids will take their sweet time.”
“Sounds good to me. I just have to change into my costume. Is there a place where I could go?”
“Sure. I’ll take you to the exercise room. There’s a full-length mirror in there. Follow me.”
“Thank you. That’d be perfect.”
He followed her past the large living room, where the parents were all gathered, sipping wine and nibbling from a huge charcuterie board. The housekeeper led him down a hallway and opened a door for him.
“Here you are. Just close the door behind you when you’re done.”
“I will.”
He stripped out of his jeans and T-shirt and had just wiggled into his tights when the door opened. He quickly picked up the pandanus skirt to slide it over his hips.
“Don’t cover up. Not on my account.” His jaw dropped as Chad strolled into the room and shut the door behind him. “Surprise, baby.”
Heart hammering, Sean managed to fasten the skirt so he felt less exposed. “What’re you doing here?”
“My niece was invited, and my sister couldn’t make it.”
He’dknownthat little girl looked familiar.Dammit. It took him a minute to get his heart out of his throat. “Can you please leave? I have a job to do, and I need to get ready.” He slid the crop top over his chest and pulled on the necklace he’d found in a thrift store that was similar to the one fromMoana.
“Since when did you start dressing like a girl?” Chad moved close enough for Sean to see he was a little high. Something in his hazy eyes set off alarms, and Sean sidestepped him.
“I’m an entertainer. This is a costume. And I need to get to the party and perform.” Pasting on a braver face than he felt, Sean walked past Chad, who put a heavy hand on his shoulder.
“Do you wear girls’ underwear too? Let me see.” With his free hand, he grabbed Sean’s waist.
“Let go of me.” He twisted away, the old memories of Chad putting hands on him resurfacing. A cold sweat broke over him, and he swallowed hard.
“I remember when you came to my place.” Chad’s lustful gaze traveled over him slowly, and he licked his lips. “You wanted me.”
“I didn’t want you then, and I don’t want you now.”
Head high, he strode away on trembling legs.
“Yes, you do.” Chad’s hand slammed on the door, preventing him from opening it. “Don’t lie. You still do.”
