Page 69 of Crazy In Love

I drop my gaze and go back to studying the secrets of the universe and all that nonsense. “Hmm?”

“Tiles, I can understand. Maybe. Not really. But a whole new shower?”

“Well… Um…”

“Once you remove the existing tiles, you remove the seal,” Chris jumps in, saving the day.Again.“Can’t reinstall the same shower glass once the seal is broken.”

“Yup.” I hook my thumb in his direction. “That’s why.”

Alana does a slow blink, drawing bright blue eyes up until I feel them on my skin. “Did you order a new sink?”

“No, there’s nothing wrong with the sink.”

“So you’re putting in new tiles and shower glass,” Tommy quips, “but keeping the same ugly sink?” He’s too clever—or maybe I’m a terrible liar—so he smirks and fills his mouth with lasagna. “Seems kinda weird that you’d go to the trouble of replacing some things and not others.”

“Now, who is high maintenance?” I put my fork on the table and grab my wine glass instead. “You’re getting new tiles and a new shower, plus six weeks of free bookstore labor, and all you can focus on is that youdidn’tget a new sink?”

His eyes dance with humor, flickering from me to an overly casual Chris. “Forgive me. I never meant to sound ungrateful. I’m just a curious person.”

“I think I’m gonna fall asleep sitting up.” Alana sways in her seat, tilting to the side and resting her cheek on Tommy’s broad shoulder. “If I choke on my dinner, will someone clear my airways?”

“I’ve got you, babe.” Tommy reaches around and holds her up. “You can head to bed in a sec.”

“But Hazel?—”

“Is doing just fine.” He presses a kiss on Alana’s forehead. “She’s asleep and won’t wake for a few hours yet. When she does, I’ll bring her to you so she can eat, then I’ll change her diaper and put her down for the night. You hardly even have to wake for any of that.”

“But Franky?—”

“I’m going to the movies tonight with Aunt Fox.” He straightens his fork and glances up with a smile. “We’re gonna watch the new Spiderman, since it’s almost the weekend, and I only have one more day of school before having two days off.”

“You’re heading to the movies?” Chris searches the side of my face, his stare warming my flesh like a physical caress. “I didn’t know that.”

“Guess we didn’t tell you.” I set my wine down and grin. “Figured you were all about routine and predictability, and seeing as how this is a work night, I assumed you wouldn’t be interested.”

“I was wondering where the bickering had disappeared to,” Tommy chuckles. “Things were a little too quiet. I was starting to worry.”

“We’re not bickering. We’veneverbickered. Oh, and,” I check Alana to make sure she’s most of the way out, before bringing my eyes back to Tommy. “We’re having a party at the gym in a few weeks. I need you to block out the schedule and leave the building available for that entire Saturday. And probably hire a cleaning crew, sinceeau de sweaty balls,isn’tit.”

He scowls. “My gym smells like hard work! Not balls.”

“Smells like Satan’s butthole. Have someone disinfect the place. And send me a list of invitees, so I can coordinate catering.” Then, I bring my focus around to Chris. “Did you order the cake yet?”

His eyes flash with guilt. “Yes?”

“Really?” I hold his stare and watch his Adam’s apple bob with nervousness. “That’s what you’re rolling with?”

“Okay, no. But I’ll go to the bakery tomorrow and do it. I promise.”

“Good.” I come back around to Tommy. “I expect at least a hundred bodies in attendance.”

“Woman, I don’t evenknowa hundred people! My entire graduating class was, like…”

“Nineteen,” Chris grumbles. “Nineteen people graduated with us.”

“So find eighty-one more. I’m carrying most of this party, inviting people I don’t even know. Meanwhile, you’ve lived here your whole life, and you’re telling me you can’t findanyonewho might like free cake and a cute baby to fawn over?”

“Guess I’ll find eighty-one more people.” Moping, he drops his gaze and stabs his dinner. “I’ll stand on the freeway with a sign if I have to.”