Page 64 of Zachary

No, wait. She said she wouldn’t do that.

But what if Ronan told her to?

Except Ronan wouldn’t have been the way he was tonight if he was expecting Zoe to break up with me for him… would he?

No.

So why’s Zoe here?

Standing here isn’t going to get me answers. “Sure.” I start toward her. “Uh, where are Asher and Garrett?”

“They went to bed. Asher tried to kick me out first, but I wouldn’t go.”

I nod like that makes perfect sense as she settles onto the couch. “Of course.” Joining her, I raise an expectant brow. “What’s up?”

“Ahhhh—”

The strident ringing of my phone cuts her off, and relief crosses her face. “You better answer that.”

“No, it’s…” I glance at the screen. Alistair. “Actually, if you don’t mind?”

She gestures for me to go ahead, and I answer.

“Hi, Alistair.”

“Cuz, I’ve totally got the goods.”

Cuz? Oh fuck, has he adopted me?

“The… goods?”

“Ronan’s birthday is soon, so you need to get things moving. Lucky for you, I am a party planner supreme, the king of soirees, the best-a at fiestas, so I can help.”

I’m suddenly regretting all the life choices that led to this moment.

“I don’t think—”

“That’s cool; I can do the thinking. One thing first, though—I’ve been told we gotta make it clear that just because it’s Ronan’s birthday doesn’t mean it’s Steffen’s.”

There is literally no reply I can give right now that would make sense.

“Okay,” I manage finally. What else am I supposed to say?

“I knew you’d get it. Hagen said you would.”

Who… wait, Hagen, as in Ronan’s friend from the chat?

“I wanted this kept a secret from Ronan!” My voice rises, but Alistair just scoffs.

“Please. This isn’t my first epic surprise party. Hagen didn’t give us away—bro code.”

Talking to Alistair is going to give me a migraine.

“Just… When is his birthday?”

“May second.”

Fuck, that’s soon. I’m probably going to need help planning a party that quickly… but not Alistair’s. My gaze goes to Zoe, who’s staring at her lap, pretending not to listen.

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