Page 133 of Power Move

“David!”

Mum’s voice rang, its tone judgmental. I walked on eggshells as I checked my watch and wondered if this would happen. I tried so hard to bring it all together and keep it low-key. I wasnota party planner. Thankfully, there were enough women in the family assisting.

“Yes, Mum?” I winced.

“A couple in aPriusjust arrived. Could they be Eva’s parents? Don’t they drive a Honda?”

The way she noted the vehicle’s model made me snort.

“Mum, you’ve been here five times asking about people’s cars. These are Eva’s friends and family. I do not know theircars. Can we stop judging people by daring to choose reliable Japanese cars. Also, a Prius is a Toyota.”

She rolled her eyes. “How would I know? No, I am not trying to judge them. I want to ensure I greet Eva’s parents warmly and try to make them feel at home. I amtryingnot to run them off.”

I made eye contact with Lanie across the room, as if pleading with her to save me. She rushed over to talk, followed closely by Chloe.

“Lanie, can you help Mum figure out when Eva’s parents arrive. She really wants to give them a warm greeting but cannot spot a CR-V.”

“Oh, wow,” Chloe said. “Lady Danna, we can hook you up.”

Lanie knew the drill.Keep her on a leash.

I watched them depart, turning my attention to Daphne and Dahlia as they ensured all the food ordered was on hand.

“It looks great. So much cheesecake,” Daphne clapped her hands. “I love it.”

“I think it is incredibly sweet that you decided to just make this a cravings buffet,” Dahlia said.

“For real. I wish I’d had something like this.”

“Mum hates it,” I said.

“No. She doesn’t care. She hates the idea of showers but wants Eva to feel loved. And, believe it or not, she isveryexcited to meet Eva’s folks,” Dahlia noted. “The caterer did a beautiful job with all of this. No notes.”

“Also, we got your girl some alcohol-free wine because she wasnotabout the fake bubbles last night,” Daphne said.

“There is an alcohol-free liquor store in GR,” Dahlia added.

“It’s a faux-liquor store,” I said.

“Well, I bought her a case of options after doing their tasting. They have an alcohol-free Somme guide. I liked it.”

Only a chef would feel the need to go to that trouble, but Dahlia hadn’t failed me yet. Her eyes moved from my face to beyond me.

“What?” I asked.

“It’s the arrival of a gay icon,” Dahlia gasped.

“You invited Leah Roughy?” Daphne asked.

“Well, Eva knew her through her ex beyond that, no comment other than Lanie knows her through work. I’m guessing Leah was visiting her dads. I have no clue.”

“She also has twins,” Daphne pointed out.

I did a double-take. “That woman has twins?”

“She’s basically a princess and she’s a genetic freak,” Dahlia said. “Eva isbeloved. And I’m so jealous.”

“Why?” I laughed. “I barely know her. We’ve met, but only briefly. She’s Lanie’s boss. I am sure that is why she came.”