“Except for…” Bridget grimaces.
Hannah flashes Graham a guilty look.
Ryan clears his throat as Claire looks uncomfortable.
“Well, we will have all the food there, and my grandmother has been sleeping with a bartender who desperately needs money, so he’ll be in charge of the bar.”
“Do you have confirmation from your grandparents’ friends yet?”
“Everyone is superexcited—they’re all bringing gifts even though we said no gifts.” Bridget suddenly seems nervous.
“I already figured I’d have a table for gifts.”
“They also said—”
“Bridgie!” Hannah hisses.
“What?” Graham snaps.
“Nothing.”
“What.”
Hannah looks uncomfortable again. “Well, some of Mimi and Pop-Pop’s relatives didn’t really like the idea of Graham being there.” Her voice rises on the last few words.
Graham doesn’t say a thing.
“I think they’re all talking about it.” Now Ryan looks uncomfortable.
“Yeah, they mentioned to me that it might not be a good idea for Mom to have him there, because, you know…”
Graham’s expression grows darker.
“Yeah, Uncle Gino basically said it would be a betrayal to have him there.” Sean nods.
“I understand. However, Graham is paying for this party, therefore, he will be in attendance.” I’m really channeling my mother here. “He can’t not be at a party he’s paying for.”
“Right.”
“Yeah.”
“Totally.”
“Agreed.”
“Just…” Hannah shifts in her seat. “People are going to be weird.”
“Yeah, like Kraig. He hasn’t answered anyone’s text messages, and he didn’t even show up to this planning dinner, so maybe he won’t show?” Ryan shrugs.
“I might have to travel that weekend anyway,” Graham says quietly.
“It would be weirder if you weren’t there,” Hannah says in a rush.
“Once everyone starts drinking, no one will care.” Max shrugs.
“And we’ll just tell the band to play louder,” I tell Graham brightly, though secretly I’m wondering just what exactly I’m walking into here.
“But, like, am I crazy?”I ask Graham as I set out a glass carafe over a candle with more of that delicious tea. “She literally told me we had to go to Cabo!”
