“True, but it doesn’t sound as good. We’ll have to work on it.” I point to her. Smirking, I take out five margarita glasses and set them on the island. “So how were your nights?”
“Ugh! I willnevereat brussels sprouts ever again! Do you know how hard it is to take care of a toddler when both his parents are stuck on the bowl!?” Cece says, looking mortified.
“She’s right, that was brutal. Aubrey couldn’t stop laughing at me every time I ran back to the bathroom.” Ronnie gives Aubrey a disapproving glare.
“Hey! It’s not my fault. I warned you not to eat too many.” Brey giggles softly as she takes a seat at the kitchen island.
“Clay officially banned me from cooking any for the next year. So you’re all safe for now,” Morg laughs.
“I wonder how the guys are doing today. I know Noah and Gabe devoured a lot more of them than the rest of us,” Aubrey says with a worried expression.
“From what Greyson told me, Gabe spent most of the flight in the bathroom. So I can’t imagine they’re doing too well. Let’s hope that clears up before their game.”
“Can you imagine having diarrhea in the middle of a game? What do they do when that happens?” Ronnie questions after my comment.
“You know, I’ve never even thought about that. I’ll have to ask Clay if it’s ever happened,” Morg states while pulling out her phone, likely to text her husband.
“Okay, enough poop talk, please. I can’t deal with any more of that. Let’s talk about why we’re really here. BIRTHDAY PLANS!” Cecilia shouts as I pass her a glass, then deliver one to everyone else.
“Mmm, that’s delicious. Yes, what are we doing for your birthday, Em?” Morgan asks.
I’m about to answer when I feel a little hand tapping on my leg. Looking down, I smile when I see Gracie stretching out her arms my way. I pick her up and place her on my hip. “Hmm, I don’t know. What should we do for my birthday, Little Tulip?” I rub my nose against hers and giggle when she tries to pull my hair.
“Why not have a themed party? I love those,” Ronnie suggests, looking all excited.
“Oh, yes! But what theme?” Cece questions next.
“What about movie characters? And the couples could go as iconic movie couples?” Aubrey offers with a shrug.
“Oh my God! You’re a genius, baby Brey! Let’s do it!” I bounce on the spot with Gracie, which makes her giggle and squeal in delight.
“Are we letting Morg take care of the food?” Ronnie asks with a snicker.
“Hey! I’m a good cook, okay!” She frowns and crosses her arms, gaining a laugh from all of us.
“Yes, Morgan is still in charge of cooking. But no repeats of yesterday! The mess I had to clean off Gracie is something I don’t plan on doing often!”
“It won’t happen again, I promise,” she assures us all.
By the time I’m done with my margarita, Gracie and Dante are due for a nap. So Cecilia and I settle them down while the girls get more drinks made and lay out some snacks on the island. When we get back down, the girls are talking about summer plans.
“Brey, are you gonna be allowed some time off since you just took on the manager position?” I ask her while sitting down on one of the empty barstools by the island.
“Clara said I could still have my two weeks off during the summer since I’m doing her a big favor.”
“What about you, Ronnie? Are you taking time off work?” Cecilia asks her. Apparently Ronnie dropped out roughly around the same time as Aubrey and has been working odd jobs here and there.
“Well, that will depend on if I have a job by then or not,” she snorts.
“Wait, you don’t have a job? I thought you were bartending at that nightclub in New York City?” Morgan looks at her confused.
“I was, up until two nights ago. Apparently punching a perverted asshole in the face for sticking his hand down my shirt is against their policies. So I ended up getting fired, and he got a free drink. Explain to me how that makes sense?”
“You’re kidding right?!” I ask incredulously.
“Ha! I wish I was kidding. But it’s okay, I left there with a bang. I waited out of sight until he had his free drink, walked back up to him and grabbed it, threw it in his face, and smashed the glass on the floor. Then I ran out of there before they called the cops on me. I’m good friends with one of the bouncers, so he let me slip out.” She smirks as she tells her story.
“Veronica, you’re my idol. Who knew we had such a bad A-S-S in our group?” Morgan stares at her with admiration.
