Page 89 of Implode

I swallow hard over the announcement of games. I know how competitive the Hoffmans are, and I can already predict whose team I will be placed on. How am I going to survive the rest of this week when I still haven’t had a good chance to make sense of it all?

“It is perfect,” Angie announces, looking over all of the details that Donna put together. “You captured the essence of what I was looking for.”

“You did a great job,” I agree. “You really have an eye for making things pretty.”

Donna beams from my praise and shows us all up to our rooms. On each door, she has custom-made name plaques, and I can’t help but laugh when I see who is next door to me.

“Really Mom?” Graham says with a huff. “You are making Angie and me sleep in separate rooms?”

She makes a face at him. “Traditions, son.”

I look over as Germain whispers to Nic, “Hundred bucks says that ain’t gonna happen.”

I resist smirking over their exchange, just in case Donna notices.

“Did you not read any of the wedding books I sent to you?” she asks him.

“Not a single page, Ma.”

“Well, now that your evening is freed up,”—she chuckles—“maybe you can catch up on your leisure reading. I put a couple in your room on your nightstand.”

We all laugh and then head back downstairs, congregating in the kitchen. Germain pulls open his liquor cabinet, and the men chat while serving themselves up some drinks.

“So, ladies, would you like to have tea with me?” Donna offers.

Penny and I nod.

“Sounds great,” Angie says, speaking for all of us. She appears so thrilled with how things have turned out for the celebration.

We follow Donna into the living room where a tea cart is already set up. She serves up the tea, and we all add in our own sweeteners. Through my research, I have found that a little caffeine is fine for the baby, as long as it is consumed in moderation. I forgo the artificial sweeteners and just use a bit of honey and lemon slices. Angie pours in some flavored whiskey to spice her cup up a bit, and I laugh at Donna as she moves Angie’s hand so more falls in.

“You guys want to get me drunk so I can lose at these epic family games,” she fake whines. “You all see me as fierce competition.”

I laugh. “We are all a bit competitive, aren’t we?”

“And I would say I am the least competitive of the group,” Penny snickers. “For me, it isn’t about always winning. I just hate to lose.”

“Don’t we all,” Donna agrees.

We relax on the sofas and chat about the plan for tomorrow. I sip my tea and sink into the cushions. It feels good to be in Hillsboro. The town is beautiful and quaint, which seems perfectly suited for Donna and Germain’s personalities.

The guys join us as our conversation shifts to being less wedding business-y and more casual. I cross and uncross my legs as I feel Nic’s gaze centered on me. I don’t need to look. I know he is staring, just like he did at the cafe when I attempted to plan the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

“How about I go order some high-calorie takeout, and we can all relax? Tomorrow is a fancier dinner, but I thought tonight could be pajamas and games. How does that sound?”

“It sounds perfect,” Angie says with excitement. “And I’ve been practicing my skills so I can be a better competitor.”

“How did you know what to practice?” Germain asks.

“Oh, I just got better at bossing Graham around. So if it comes to any game requiring listening, he better nail it.”

Everyone laughs, and we head to our individual rooms. Donna and Germain have done amazing upgrades to their house, and the modern features are beautiful, yet cozy and warm. Collins already delivered my suitcase, so when I enter my room, I find it resting on the window seat. I imagine that despite being a groomsman to Graham, he probably is forever in work mode and can’t really shut it off. Maybe once the alcohol he consumed in the kitchen kicks in he will be able to unwind and have a good time. Even in a relaxed setting, he always looks ready to pounce.

I change into my soft velour pajama set with little hearts all over the fabric and freshen up in the ensuite bathroom. My room overlooks the back garden, which I am itching to explore whenever there is down time, and has a partial view of the pool. This trip already feels like a retreat, so maybe I will be able to relax and find some mental and emotional clarity.

When I arrive downstairs, Germain is already situating the score board. I am the first to arrive and notice that the teams are as I expected them to be. Angie is paired with Graham, Donna is with Germain, Penny partners with Collins, and I am teamed up with Nic.

Donna answers the doorbell and sets up a buffet between the living room and dining room. Three different types of salads, pizza, wings, and stuffed mushrooms are set out on the table, followed by a huge tray of miniature desserts. Everything looks amazing, and my stomach growls in anticipation of chowing down.

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