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There’s a fine line between elaborating and flat-out lying. In my rush to alleviate Lillith’s concern, I’ve drifted into the latter territory.
“I’m glad things are working out. Greg misses going to the office, although he’ll never admit it,” she says.
“You can tell him he’s missed by many—myself included.”
“I’ll do that. Knowing he may be gone but he’s not forgotten will be nice for him to hear.”
“Trey told me about the retirement celebration and he asked for my help. Is there anything you had in mind? Do you want it to be a black-tie affair or something more casual?”
“Preferably black tie, but that will depend on what venues are available on such short notice.” She shakes her head. “You’d think with all the time I’ve been waiting for him to retire, I would’ve planned this party well in advance.”
“Don’t worry. Trey and I will find the perfect place to hold it.”
She smiles. “I already feel better knowing the two of you are working on it together.”
Trey walks into the kitchen and moves up beside me. His arm brushes mine, making my skin tingle. He glances between Lillith and me. “You two look like you’re up to no good. What are you plotting?”
I snicker. “Don’t be paranoid, Trey.”
“We were discussing your dad’s party,” Lillith says.
“Mom, I told you it’ll be taken care of.”
She pats his cheek. “I know you did. And now that I realize Maeve is helping you, I feel less concerned.”
Trey glances at me and shakes his head. “Do you believe this?”
I laugh. “In your mom’s defense, guys aren’t usually the best party planners.”
“That might be true, but I was smart enough to ask for your help,” he points out.
I nod. “Fair enough.”
Lillith unwraps two pies she must’ve baked earlier. “Would you like some, Maeve?”
Glancing at the clock on the wall, I check the time. “Actually, I hate to cut out early but I need to get going.”
“I’ll send some pie home with you, then,” she says, adding some to a plastic container before I can object.
“Thank you. I’m sure Niall will be trying to get his greedy paws on it before I can.”
“I sent enough for both of you.” She winks.
Greg and Gwen wander into the kitchen to see what’s going on, giving me the perfect opportunity to say my goodbyes to everyone at the same time.
I hug everyone, with the exception of Trey, and profusely thank Lillith for the delicious meal.
“I’ll walk you out,” Trey offers.
“There’s no need. I can find the door.”
He opens his palms. “Help me out here. My parents will kick my ass if I don’t.”
My gaze swings between Greg and Lillith, finding them both nodding. “Fine,” I relent.
“Thank you for sparing me,” Trey says, wrapping his hand around my arm.
“Bye, y’all,” I call out just before we disappear from sight. Their shouts of goodbye follow me to the front door.