Page 98 of Romeo

“For Fiona? Absolutely. Sugar loves that girl. She’ll move heaven and earth to make this happen.”

“Good.” I exhaled. “I’ll leave that part to you and Sugar. Just make sure she has everything she needs. I’ll handle the rest.”

“What about Georgie?”

I paused. “What about him?”

“He’s not going to be thrilled about you showing up to take Fiona to prom.”

“Georgie can deal with it.”

“Romeo.”

“I’m not asking his permission, Josie.” I kept my voice level. “Fiona is eighteen. If she wants to go with me, that’s her choice. Not his.”

Josie sighed. “You’re going to give that man a heart attack.”

“He’ll survive.”

“You’re lucky I love you both,” she muttered. “Fine. I’ll talk to Sugar tomorrow. We’ll get everything ready. But, Romeo?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t spoil the surprise. Don’t text her about it. Don’t hint. Let her think she’s staying home Saturday night.”

“I won’t say a word.”

“Good.” The smile had returned to Josie’s voice. “She’s going to remember this for the rest of her life.”

I looked toward the dark window. That was exactly what I wanted.

“Thanks, Josie.”

“Anytime. Now get some sleep. I’ve got a prom to plan.”

“Wait.”

“What?”

“I need Martha’s number,” I said almost in a whisper.

Silence.

Then, “Martha Cohen?”

“Granny, Josie. I need to talk to Granny.”

“Oh.” Another pause. “OH.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“No,” I admitted, dragging a hand through my hair. “But my mama would kick my ass if I didn’t talk to hers first.”

Josie laughed softly. “You know what? That’s actually the smartest thing you’ve said all night. Hold on.”

She rattled off the number, and I grabbed a pen from the nightstand and wrote it across my palm.