Page 18 of Defending What is Mine

Chapter Nine

Jack:Then—Last August

When Hank invited me to Vanessa’s birthday party, I accepted without thinking twice. I would do just about anything to see Sam again, and in the scheme of things, I can think of worse things than hanging out with a bunch of excited seven-year-olds for that chance. But now, listening to Sam try to talk me out of coming on the phone, I worry that I was wrong about the chemistry between us. Maybe it’s completely one-sided.

She pauses to ask Vanessa to play quietly in her room before turning her attention back to me. “I’m just saying. Barring the dad of one of her school friends being volun-told to chaperone for the day, I imagine Hank will be the only other man at the party. So please do not feel guilty about not coming. Okay?”

“Hey, Sam. Listen, if it’s a private…you know…familyonly kind of thing, I one hundred percent understand. And would never want to intrude on that. Family is sacred.” Unless you’re talking about Leo…in which case he has more of a do-whatever-you-feel mindset about family.

“No, nothing like that. Heck, private in a family as small as ours wouldn’t make for much of a party to a seven-year-old.” She pauses before delivering the words I’ve been waiting to hear. “Besides, I’d really like it if you were there.”

“Alright then, it’s settled. I look forward to another chance to spend time together…err…you know, all of us. You, and Vanessa…and Mollie…aww hell, you know what I mean.” I pull the phone away from my ear while I silently curse at myself for sounding like an idiot. “Anyway, I think the only question left is what I should bring?”

“Well, the party being tomorrow and all, I think you celebrating with us will be all the surprise she cares about. Besides…” Sam trails off and the line goes silent.

“Hey, are you still there?” I wait a moment but hear nothing. “Sam? What happened?”

She sniffles. “It’s nothing. Just—well, it’s embarrassing to have to admit, but her birthdays haven’t always been such a happy time.”

“Oh, no. Is it one of those inexplicable things where no matter how much you plan every year, something always seems to end up going wrong?”

Sam chuckles. “No, no. I wish. No, it’s more…you know, single mom, dead-end job.” She exhales a heavy sigh. “Sometimes the best I can do is struggle my butt off just to make rent or pay the gas bill, or whatever. But still, try looking a little girl in the eye on her birthday and explaining how next payday you’ll go shop for a present,” she explains through a cracking voice. “And with her birthday finally falling on a Saturday, I’m just excited to be able to give her a proper celebration. You know, with her friends from school and everything. A whole day where she gets to be the center of attention. No compromises.”

I nod along as I listen, but my heart breaks at the thought of such an innocent soul having to try to understand the stresses and struggles of the grownup world. I lean back on the couch and tuck the phone between my ear and shoulder. “Well then, tell me all about the party. What surprises do you have planned?”

“No surprises. Not really. Just friends from school, a big ole’ cake, and presents. Wrapped and waiting for her—on her birthday. I’m sure it sounds pretty basic but trust me, for her, this will be a first.”

“It all sounds great. It really does.” A thought pops into my mind and I’m so excited I blurt out the suggestion before I have time to think it over. “Listen, I just had this idea. It’s totally random, so maybe it’s not worth it…”

“Oh yeah? Do tell.”

“Well...and I’m just spit balling ideas here. But what if, instead of a present, what if I could add a little something to the party itself? Would you be okay with it?”

“What are we talking here, Wilde?” Sam asks playfully. “You moonlight as a clown, or a magician, or something?”

“Who, me? Ha! No, Hank’s the only clown in our family. And I wouldn’t even know where to start with the quarter-behind-your-ear trick. But I do know a guy who knows a guy. And, if I’m remembering right, he might specialize in children’s parties.” I now regret opening my mouth, uncertain if the whole idea might be an insult to the work and planning she’s already done. “Honestly, it’s been a while since I saw him, and I’m not sure he’d be available on such short notice. I don’t know. It was a dumb idea. Just forget it.”

“Well, you’re right, it is last minute. So, the chance that your friend is available is probably pretty slim. But…”

“But?” I give her a moment, but when Sam doesn’t say anything else, I attempt to finish her sentence. “As in…but you don’t mind if I give him a call just to see?”

“No, of course I don’t mind, but you really don’t have—”

“It’s no trouble. I’m just making a phone call. What time’s the party start again, two pm?”

“Yeah, but really. Don’t put yourself out.”

“No sweat. I’ll text you either way after I speak to him. Okay?”

“Sure.” Sam sighs. “But Jack, no pressure. Promise?”

“Understood. Scout’s honor. And, seeing as I was an actual member of the Boy Scouts, I’m fully qualified to say that. No cookie sales required.” I laugh. “Okay, I’ll let you know what I find out. Talk to you soon.”

As soon as we hang up, I call my buddy Steve to see if his brother is still doing children’s parties. Steve’s brother, Rob, is not only still in the kid party business, but as it turns out, has also branched out into ball-busting and bending a man over a barrel. Why? Well, in addition to his normal fee, he lops on a twenty percent penalty for the last-minute booking and another hundred in ‘fuel surcharge’ for driving up from Denver.

Asshole.

When the dust settles, my great idea ends up costing north of seven hundred dollars, but, if things go the way I hope, this will be a party Vanessa remembers fondly for years. After hearing how hard life has been for these girls up till now, that seems like a small price to pay.

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