“No, don’t worry. I can do it.”
I check my watch, noting we have twenty minutes before the party starts. “Let me help you. There’s no way you’re going to have the set up done in time.”
“You sure? I don’t want you to ruin your dress.”
“It’ll be fine.”
He points back into the kitchen. “I’ve got a helium tank and some balloons in there. If I get them out, would you be able to blow some up?”
I lace my fingers together and push forward in a stretch. “You're talking to a pro balloon blower.”
He grins. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
We spend fifteen minutes getting the place ready, and although it's not usually in my job description, I'm always happy to help.
When the place is set up with blue and gold decorations, we take it in.
“You know, when my parents said you were the best entertainer in Covey, I thought they were being polite. Turns out, they know what they're talking about. Who knew?” he jokes.
“Ah, well, I'm not sure about that, but I'll definitely put all my effort into making sure Junior has a great day.”
“Fantastic. He lovesIced Out.I can't wait to see his face when he sees you. It's going to blow his mind.”
Why does he sound so familiar? I try to think about where I've heard it before, but the pins in my hair are itching my scalp and the corset of this dress threatening to cut off my oxygen supply, means I don't have the mental bandwidth to figure it out.
“I hope so.”
He checks his watch and then looks at his phone. “Oh, you know what, I've just got a text that Junior is on the way.”
He points his thumb to the double doors he came through. “Would you mind hiding in the kitchen? I don't want to ruin the surprise for him. Thoughtmaybe we could go big and introduce you with the lights off, carrying his birthday cake.”
“Oh. Usually we do the cake at the end. I do games and a few songs before it.”
“Cool. I think my parents wanted to do the cake first because my brother will be less distracted by the cake.”
“Okay, sure. I'm happy to work however you'd like. Once the lights are back on, I'll do all the games and sing a couple of songs.”
“Great. This is going to be perfect.”
I follow him through to the kitchen, frustrated that my feet are still aching, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I need to stay in character.
The food for the party is laid out in the kitchen, and there’s a Princess Blanca-inspired cake with the words 'Happy Birthday Junior!'
Well, at least they seem better prepared for the party on the food front.
I place my bag on top of one of the counters and turn back to Junior's brother. “I’ll need about ten minutes to warm up my voice,” I tell him. “Then I’m ready whenever you are.”
“Perfect.” He points his thumb over his shoulder. “I'm going to check out front and see where they are so we don't spoil the surprise.” He checks his watch. “They should be here any minute now, but I’ll come and get you when it’s time.”
When the doors shut, I shake my hands and neck out, limbering up for an afternoon of entertaining kids.
While I’m doing my vocal exercises, I pull my phone out and send Scotty a quick text.
Laura:I hope you're doing better at concentrating than I am. All I can think about is you…and when you’re going to pick me up.
Then I quickly stuff my phone into my bag and start to sing again. I stop when the brother—I’ve already forgotten his name—pokes his head back in. “Ready, Princess? It's showtime.”
Chapter 11
