Page 38 of Promise Me Ever After
The bouncing dots next to both Curtis and Justin’s names went into overdrive at my admission. Apparently they were both writing essays.
Justin: You what?
Curtis: I thought you had and that’s why you were doing this party thing.
Justin: And you’ve bought her a birthday present?
Curtis: Wait until Amber hears this.
Alex: So what do I do?
Justin: A present and a party? You’ve set the scene well, mate.
Curtis: If she doesn’t fall into your arms by the end of the night, I’d suggest giving up on all women…
Justin: You clearly like her enough to do all this stuff for her. Go for it.
Alex: But what if she doesn’t want anything more?
Curtis: We’ll be here to give you ALL THE ADVICE.
I threw my phone onto my bed. Sometimes I wished I didn’t ask for their help.
Shortly after six,Amber, Curtis, and Darcy were in the Ealynn Arms with me, setting up for the party.
“Georgie has absolutely no idea about this,” said Darcy, standing on a chair to pin up the Happy Birthday banner. “She’s going to be so surprised.”
“I can’t believe you went to all this effort.” Amber raised an eyebrow, watching me. “Particularly for someone you aren’t officially having a thing with.”
“Shut up, sis. You’re not helping.” I sprinkled a pack of glittery decorations in the shape of the number thirty over the table. “Do you think she’ll like it?”
“She’ll hate every second of it when she first arrives. She hates being the centre of attention — thankfully she has me as a sister, so I can take that on for her.” Darcy laughed, jumping down onto the floor.
I stopped what I was doing. “Shit, seriously? Have I fucked up?”
She gave my arm a reassuring squeeze. “Once she’s got over the shock, she’ll be fine.”
“What time are you picking her up?”
Darcy glanced at her watch. “In about an hour. We should be back here around seven fifteen, as long as she’s ready when I get there. I’ll need to go in a minute. I can’t turn up to the party looking like this.” She smoothed a hand over her pristine white jeans.
I glanced down at my own jeans and wondered whether I should go home and change too. If I wanted to make a decent impression on Georgie, then I should. “Yeah, I’ll do the same when we’re finished.”
“I think we’re pretty close,” said Amber, coming over to us. “Why don’t you head off now, Darcy? We can finish up here.”
“Thanks.” Darcy broke out into a grin. “Shewilllove it. I’ll see you all later.”
With that, she picked up her coat and handbag and headed off out of the door. I surveyed the room. It had been transformed from a drab beige to a riot of colour. Some tables were positioned for the arrival of food, while all the others were strategically placed for guests.
“Do you want a quick drink?” Curtis offered.
“We deserve one after finishing this. I’ll have a spritzer.” Amber sat down.
“Pint of orange juice and lemonade for me,” I said, joining my sister at the table. “Need to keep a clear head, at least at the start of the night.”
“When are you giving Georgie her present?” asked Curtis.
Amber’s head whipped around so fast I was surprised she didn’t get whiplash. “Present? What present?”
