Page 133 of The Renter

“Where should I park?” The expansive horseshoe-shaped driveway is filled with cars.

“Park on the grass.”

I raise an eyebrow, and he nods. “If you say so.” I laugh, turn off the car, and quickly check my face in the mirror before stepping out.

“I love these pants,” Adam whispers, putting his arm around my shoulder. “Your ass looks incredible.”

“Tailoring.” I giggle. “I didn’t know how much of a difference it made until everything in my closet magically started fitting perfectly.” I smile, holding Lily’s present. Walking in, I’m surprised by how many people are here.

“Looks like this is all of her school friends,” I say, noticing the kids running around.

“Dani!” Lily yells, running up to me. I bend down to give her a quick hug before she dashes off.

“She could give a shit about me,” Adam whispers, and I laugh.

“Well, I taught her how to float. What have you done?”

He gestures, and I know what he means. He’s given her a house.

“Outside of buying her things, what have you done with her?”

“Can you take these?” a woman in her forties asks, pushing presents toward me.

“Sure.” My arms are now full of gifts as I search for the present table to drop them off.

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“Adam Harris in the suburbs. What a rare sight,” Heather Adler says after thrusting her gifts at Dani.

I politely smile as she extends her arms for a friendly hug.

“It’s not fair. You look better now than you did in high school.” I shake my head, surprised by her flirty tone.

“This is Dani, my fiancée,” I say as she reappears.

“Oh, hi! Sorry about giving you the gifts. I thought you were someone’s nanny,” Heather replies, glancing down at Dani’s hand. “Where’s the ring?”

“She insisted it would be a distraction from Lily’s big day.”

“If it’s anything like … I’m sure.”

Fortunately, Heather takes her cue to leave. “Sorry.” I grimace. “Suburban housewives are the worst.” I nudge Dani, and she rolls her eyes.

“Stop telling people we’re engaged,” she whispers tightly.

As we mingle with the guests, I love how Dani fits seamlessly into any scene. She’s gracious, helpful, playful—everything I could hope for. I know she’ll throw the best birthday parties when we have kids.

“Adam,” Eric says, getting my attention. “Help me in the kitchen.”

I follow him as he hands me dessert plates and silverware while grabbing the cake from the fridge. “Selfishly, I’m very happy you and Dani are still together.”

“Why’s that?”

“Lily would have been so mad if Dani hadn’t made it to her party. Ever since the pool day last month, she’s been obsessed with her.”

“She has that effect on people.” I smile.

“Congrats on the deal, too! I haven’t seen you since it closed. Three hundred million. That’s … Wow. I remember when you were excited about a five-million-dollar deal.”