Page 99 of Vain
“Fairy godmother Banner to the rescue,” I tease as he flips me off.
I walk ahead, knowing Blake is waiting on me. I’m the only person who hasn’t seen this place yet. And, I’ll admit, it’s perfect for us. It’s bigger than the last place, offering enough space for us all to have our own office. The reception area is three times the size of the previous place and the kitchen area is nice, big and equipped with enough shit to make Marley happy, including a fat-ass coffee machine.
“It’s great, Blake.”
“Yeah, I’ll admit, I like it too. Here’s your office.”
He opens the door, and I see the space is already set up. A large window looks out onto the quiet side street. On the far wall, a chunky wooden desk sits with a computer on top. Above that are a couple of rows of empty shelves. Across the room are two chairs turned slightly toward each other, with a low table just in front of them for drinks.
“If you need anything else, just let me know. It’s your space. You can do whatever you want with it.”
I nod and follow him out, back down to the reception area.
“So?” Felix asks, from where he is perched on one of the reception desks.
“It’s awesome. I’ll miss the large dining area, though. It kind of made us feel more like a family,” I admit, though it’s the only thing I will miss.
“I thought about that. There’s plenty of space to extend out back, definitely big enough for a dining area and another coupleof offices,” Blake says from behind me. “Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about tomorrow.” He rubs his hands.
“I can’t believe you managed to pull this off.”
“Ye of little faith. I roped all the guys in and a bunch of the locals were eager to help out too.”
“Where’s it happening?”
“Kellen didn’t tell you?”
“I got sidetracked over banoffles,” he calls out.
“What the fuck are banoffles?” Banner asks, but I hold up my hand before Kellen can explain.
“Don’t get him started. So, the venue?” I face Blake again.
“It’s at our new place. The backyard is huge and perfect for a simple ceremony.”
“Simple ceremony, my ass. I’ve never seen so many flowers and fairy lights in my life,” Arlo grumbles, making the guys laugh.
“How the heck hasn’t Callie noticed anything?”
“We haven’t moved in yet.”
“That, and she doesn’t know there is a new place. That’s her wedding gift from Blake,” Felix throws out. “He’s kinda setting the bar a little high for the rest of us.”
“She has bad memories attached to my apartment now and it’s not the place to raise a baby. Besides, Callie deserves a real fucking home.”
“Yeah, she does,” Felix agrees.
“Okay, just tell me where and when you want us there?”
“I’ll pick you up,” Kellen offers.
“Works for me.”
“The wedding starts at four, but now we just need to devise an excuse that will allow Callie to get all fancied up without getting suspicious.”
“I told you, tell her you’re taking her out for a fancy meal,” Arlo says.
“There is nothing fancy enough around here that will warrant a long lacy dress.”
