“Renae is my virtual PA, and she helps me do all the things I don’t want to do. Like my accounting, travel arrangements, stuff that needs done for the foundation. Anything I need.”
“So basically you hand over all the adulting stuff so that you can still play on the ice. That must be nice for you,” I tease. It is interesting, though, to think that Eli can just easily pass things along instead of dealing with them. “And what about the party? I thought I told you, keeping it simple, skating and cupcakes?”
“Oh, right. Well, you know, I got to thinking. This party thing could be a good income maker for the foundation, enabling us to give even more equipment and lessons away. If we can have a couple of birthday parties or events each month, that adds up. So I figure we use Aiden’s as a test, give him a nice party, all the bells and whistles, have a photographer present so we can have pictures to post on our website to advertise our event capabilities. I mean… if that’s okay with you, of course.”
I chew my cheek and think for a minute. “This sounds bigger than I’d planned. Not that I don’t want Aiden to have a nice birthday. And your idea for the foundation to make money is solid. But you’re not going too overboard, are you?”
“Who me? Go overboard in planning my first birthday party for a great kid like Aiden?” He scoffs, hiding his smile.
“Oh, brother.” I rest my forehead in my hand, elbow on the table. “Eli, I think what makes Aiden such a great kid is that he hasn’t been spoiled like many other kids are.”
“And I agree. Look at us, we both came from families with nothing. We’re awesome, you and me. Aiden will be too. It’s just one party.”
I side-eye him because he still sounds like he’s planning something big.
He winks. “Okay, fine. Look, I’ll scale back a little. It won’t be too over the top. I promise. In fact, the only week I can be there will be the same week you have finals, and I know that’s going to be rough on you. So leave all the planning to me and Renae. All you have to do is show up and be the sweet and sexy mother you are. You and Aiden will have a great day.” He can’t hide how excited he is.
Plus, he’s Aiden’s hero-slash-obsession right now, and I know he’s going to love whatever Eli has planned, and he’s my son, and I want him to have nice things sometimes.
I sigh and give in, nodding, partly from his reassurances, partly from his offer to take care of the party details, because yes, finals week is rough. But also because I’m still in that state of euphoria with Eli, in this fancy hotel room, and I don’t want anything to burst this bubble we’re in. He jumps up and smothers me with kisses and promises, nuzzling and tickling me until I’m laughing out loud.
Everything will be fine. It has to be.
I hear my phone buzz in my purse, and I stalk over to get it, expecting it to be Aiden calling. But it’s a text from Jerrod.
Jerrod: Good news. Deal closing early. When do you want to have Aiden’s party?
My stomach plummets. My eyes flick over to Eli, his thumbs clicking away on his phone, no clue my ex suddenly wants in on this. There goes the sweet bubble we’re in. How do I tell him to include Jerrod in the birthday plans?
CHAPTER 14
HOME ICE IS NICE
ELI
The long pauseRenae gives me makes me nervous when I text her my latest idea to support Stella behind the scenes. Finally she answers.
Renae: Are you asking me to commit light fraud or very creative philanthropy?
I grin at my phone.
Eli: Think more like civic-minded problem-solving. We’ll call it the Boulder Improvement Grant.
Renae: Is that a real thing?
Eli: It will be once we put my plan in action. I want to target the craft store building. But quietly.
Renae: That part I assumed.
Eli: Stella and her mom can’t know it’s me offering to buy the building. They’ll keep the shop. Keep living upstairs. Their rent ends up being a little less than her mortgage was. And I’ll have the entire building renovated on my dime. Death trap stairs gone.
Renae: Sir, how will you prevent them from knowing it’s you doing this?
Eli: I don’t know. Hoping you can figure that out for me. And hire a local contractor to begin all the repairs and remodeling.
Renae: There’s only so much I’m willing to do for love. This is not it. I think I have to put my foot down here. It’s time to be honest and say that you’re simply looking for investments and you’d like to buy the building and take proper care of it for them?
Eli: And alert them to the fact about my money? I don’t think that we’re far enough along yet. I am, but I’m not sure if she is.
