She rolls her lips in and a sense of relief settles inside me. I’d 100 percent rather see her smiling than crying.
“She probably wants to.”
I laugh. “Yeah, knowing her.”
“I’ve got all kinds of things planned,” she continues. “Trivia night. Card games. Afternoon tea. Crafts for the kids. Family Olympics out on the skating rink and maybe tobogganing races. Nonna’s favorite birthday cake, tons of decorations.”
“Jesus. Who’s paying for all this?”
“All the aunts and uncles are chipping in.”
“But you’re doing all the work.”
“Well… yeah. But I don’t mind. It’s fun.”
“You’re letting your family walk all over you again.”
Her eyes shoot open. “I am not!”
She so is. She loves her family and would do anything for them. And does do anything for them. All the time. And I’ll bet at the party, she’ll be the one running around doing everything then.Shit.
“Okay,” I say with a sigh. “If you’re determined to do this, I’ll come to the party.”
She stares at me. “Really?”
“Yeah.” I sigh and rub my forehead. “I’d like to see Gia and wish her a happy birthday.”
We eye each other.
“Thank you,” she says quietly. “Really. I appreciate it.”
I nod. It’s crazy and in one way, I hate being part of it, but in another way, I feel good about helping Ayla. And I’m kind of looking forward to seeing Gia.
“I’ll be driving up there on the twenty-ninth,” she says. “Wednesday. Does that work for you?”
“Yeah. Coming back when… Sunday?”
“Right.”
I nod. “Okay. We can take my car.”
“If you don’t mind. I’ll have a bunch of stuff: gifts, decorations. I need to pick up balloons in Heppawa on Saturday morning. And Rachel is bringing the birthday cake on Friday.” She pauses. “Um. The dress for the party is formal.”
“What does that mean? A suit?”
“Yes. Or a tuxedo, if you want.”
“Okay.”Jesus.“Should I get Nonna a gift?”
“No, you don’t have to! I’ll have one from both of us.”
“Got it. Anything else I can bring? Or do?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m working with the resort on the food and beverage situation. Just pack for what activities you might want to do: ski, skate, snowshoe, hot tub.”
I purse my lips and nod. “Okay. I’ll go start packing now.”
Her expression is like sunlight. “Why not? I already have.”
