Page 77 of Time for Change

“Jack. This is Jameson.”

My heart stops beating. Why is Stevie’s brother calling me?

“Uhh, hi.”

He clears his throat. “Yeah. The reason I’m calling is to invite you to my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow.”

Okay, that’s not what I was expecting. I know all about the party, since Stevie has talked about it all week long. Plus, we went shopping for a gift this past Thursday night.

I step inside the door, grateful my kids are occupied with other things, and set the last of the bags on the counter. “Okay, I’m not sure I follow.”

“Well, Stevie is going to be there, and I figured it was a good way to get to know you better.”

The corner of my mouth curls up. “You mean a good way to interrogate and keep an eye on me?”

“That too.” He pauses before adding, “She wasn’t sure you’d want to come, because of your kids. I know you two aren’t exactly out in the open, though a little birdy did tell me you weremaking out with her in the middle of my fucking restaurant this past Monday.”

“Uhh…”

“Anyway, there are going to be tons of kids of all ages there, so your kids will have lots to play with. My wife rented bounce houses and all sorts of other over-the-top shit, so it should be a good time for them. You’ll come?”

My mind is reeling as I run my hand through my hair. “Uhh…” I find myself saying once more, willing my brain to catch up on the conversation.

He sighs loudly. “Come, Jack. Your kids will have fun, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better.”

The pounding in my chest starts to slow. “All right.”

“Stevie has all the info. Don’t worry about a gift or anything. Just come and hang out and eat.”

I don’t tell him, but there’s no way I’m showing up to a birthday party without a present for the birthday girl. “Thank you for inviting us.”

“Yep. See you tomorrow.” Then he hangs up without waiting for me to respond.

I set the phone on the counter and start pulling the food from the bags. I mentally run through what I need to do today, which now includes returning to the store to purchase a birthday gift. Before I take the kids out again, I decide to send a quick text message.

Me:I just received a phone call inviting me and the kids to a birthday party tomorrow.

Stevie:Yeah? What did you say?

Me:I accepted.

Stevie:Really? I wasn’t sure it was something you wanted to do yet. There’s a good chance your kids will really question it when they see me there.

Me:I’m not worried, and you shouldn’t be either.

Stevie: Okay.

Me:Big plans today?

I already know the answer, since we talked for a while last night after she got home from work, but I figured a lot can change in a few hours. Plus, I’m truly interested in anything that involves her.

Stevie:Ummm…I have a secret.

Me:Do tell.

Stevie:I’m meeting BJ for lunch and then we’re going to her shop.

Me:You’re getting another tattoo?

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