Page 67 of Forgettable in Every Way

I couldn’t help but smile. It was normally me behaving in such a manner. “Shall we go celebrate the best kid in the world?”

“Yes, even though the real celebration will be next week.” Simon wagged his brows, alluding to the fact that we would jet off to LA and Disneyland, just the three of us, in a couple of days—on Jack’s actual birthday. I couldn’t wait to share that piece of my life with them. It would only be a quick trip, as Simon had to work and I needed to be back for Calista’s wedding.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too. Now let’s go and get this over with,” he sighed.

I grabbed my gift from the back seat before exiting the car. It was just some of my favorite children’s books and a stuffed Bluey toy. I was waiting to give him my big gift on his actual birthday. I had gotten us all matching Disney shirts and Mickey Mouse ears to wear in the park, as well as the perfect backpack for our magical adventure.

We walked hand in hand toward Penelope’s, each of us holding on for dear life, wondering what awaited us.

“How does she afford such a big place in such an exclusive area?” I asked. It just seemed odd to me, considering Simon’s place was much smaller and the dance studio wasn’t even open yet.

Simon grimaced. “Her parents bought this place for her, and she rents it from them.”

“Wow. I can’t imagine how much the rent is.”

“Minimal, I’m sure. They enable her every chance they get.”

That wasn’t surprising. All she had to do growing up was whine enough and her parents gave her anything she wanted.

Simon raised our clasped hands and kissed mine as we silently trudged on like we were headed for a disaster.

I tried to think positively, meaning I kept repeating in my mind that it was only two hours of my life and I would survive, but it wasn’t helping.

We took our time walking up the steps of the porch, lined with humongous balloon garlands in shades of blue and silver. When we made it to the door, we looked at each other like, It’s not too late to turn back now, but we refused to retreat. Jack needed us.

Simon squeezed my hand before he rang the doorbell.

I squeezed back, praying I didn’t vomit. My stomach was unnaturally twisting and turning.

It didn’t take long for Penelope to throw open the double doors with gusto, like she was pulling back the curtains and it was showtime for her. There she stood, wearing a tiny, hot-pink, sequined party dress that left no doubt she was in fantastic shape. She swirled a mostly empty wineglass in one hand. This wasn’t good. A tipsy Penelope had an even more wicked tongue than the sober version. “Oh look, it’s the daddy and his girlfriend.” Her refusal to say my name told me exactly how this day would go. She wanted to erase me, but I wasn’t going to give her the chance.

“Hello, Penelope. Thank you for having me.” I made myself known.

She finished off the wine in her glass and stomped off in her stilettos.

We stepped in, and Simon closed the doors behind us. I suddenly felt like I was trapped in the Haunted Mansion.

“Here we go,” Simon whispered.

“Be careful,” I whispered back.

Simon chuckled.

But I had never been more serious in my entire life.

Jules

WE WALKED INTO PENELOPE’S GREAT room, and at least thirty adults turned and gawked at us. They were all dressed like they were going to a nightclub. Apparently, we had missed the dress code memo. I thought this was supposed to be a child’s birthday party. Where were all the children? And why was there a montage of Calvin Harris songs thumping in the background? All the place needed was a disco ball and bar. There kind of was a bar. A vast assortment of alcoholic beverages lined the sofa table. And I was sure I could hear a blender in the background above the club music. No doubt it was Margaritaville in the kitchen.

Tracy and Veronica were among the crowd of gawkers. They were tittering between themselves and not so surreptitiously pointing at me. My first instinct was to turn to Simon for protection, but while he could offer comfort, I knew only I had the power to fight off the insecurity running through me. So I reminded myself I wasn’t the girl from high school who craved acceptance at any cost. I found the courage to wave at them and smirk before Simon pulled me through the crowd in search of Jack.

I only caught a glimpse of Tracy and Veronica’s astonishment. It felt like one obstacle down, but who knew how many more to go?

We made our way through the kitchen, where it did indeed feel like five o’clock somewhere, with fruity cocktails waiting for guests on the counters and the smell of lime and rum penetrating the air.

Once we made it through the back door onto the deck, covered in more massive balloon arches, I took a deep breath of relief, despite Penelope’s presence in the backyard, giving instructions to the ponies’ owners. The house felt suffocating with so many eyes on us.

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