Page 44 of The Sweet Part
Mason looked like a deer caught in the headlights for most of the party. I did warn him. It’s kinda sweet that he made the effort to show up for Sophie. Also sweet that he rushed in to save the chips for her. Just because he has a sweet side doesn’t mean I forgive him for treating that poor pregnant woman so callously. He was my first and last one-night stand. Probably not his first or last. Obviously, we could never be compatible.
Okay, yes, I initiated having a night alone with him, and it was great, but that’s the end of it. In the harsh light of day, the reality is I’m better off without him.
He catches my eye and points his fork at the cake. “Did you make this?”
I nod. It’s a three-layer chocolate cake with chocolate mousse in between the layers, topped with fudge icing.
“Amazing,” he says, digging back in.
I help myself to a slice of cake, watching Sophie enjoy her day. I might be tired and cranky about Mason, but seeing Sophie so happy makes me feel good. She’s enjoying her party with her friends.
“If you’re done eating, raise your hand,” Sophie says.
One by one the girls raise their hands, though some of them aren’t done.
“Time for opening presents!” Sophie exclaims. She pushes back her chair and rushes from the room. I follow, keeping an eye on things. The girls gather in a circle on the floor of the living room while Sophie grabs a present from the gift table and sits with them to open it.
Mason’s voice sounds near my ear, startling me. I didn’t hear him approach with the girls’ noise. “You’re a good mom. So patient. You never yell.”
“I’ve yelled before. I just have to be pushed enough to get there. Like yesterday when she decided to take a joyride in your pink Cadillac.”
Our eyes meet, and we laugh. My heart kicks harder. No. I refuse to fall for this man.
“How much is the Cadillac worth?” I ask, thinking of Sophie damaging it.
He names a number so outlandish I can’t find my voice for a moment. I never could’ve paid him back if there was damage. All I thought about was making sure Sophie was safe. That car has great value for his business.
“Guess you won’t be inviting us back to the shop,” I say.
“She won’t do it again. She learned her lesson.”
He says that so confidently it makes me want to laugh. “Did she, really?”
“I hope so.”
The doorbell rings. Alice lets them in.
“Olivia H.’s mom’s here,” I announce.
Olivia H. throws her head back in anguish. “Why do I have to be first? Please can I stay longer, Mommy?”
Olivia H.’s mom, Cara, is the alpha of the parent-teacher association at Clover Park elementary school. Her honey-blond hair is perfectly highlighted and falls in soft layers around her perfectly made-up face. “We need to get going. Tell Sophie and her mom thank you.” Her eye catches on Mason, and she gives him an appreciative once-over. See? He’s handsome and sexy to all women not just me. That’s why he’s on TV.
Cara lifts her brows at me in question.
I shrug one shoulder. She knows Mason’s not there for my mom or sister. They’re both married. This is going to make a splash with the mom grapevine.
Mom gives Olivia H. a party-favor bag full of quiet toys—a top, bubbles, and fairy stickers. I wouldn’t be so evil as to send them home with candy and whistles, which another mom did at a preschool birthday party we went to last year. All I can say is nightmare car ride home with my sugar-addled kid. Though not as bad as the Lecture and Sex Talk ride home we enjoyed yesterday. My Lord, I sweated through that one.
“Thank you, Mrs. Herman,” Olivia H. says sweetly.
“You’re welcome. Thank you for coming. Sophie!” My daughter hasn’t stopped opening presents.
Sophie waves. “Bye, Olivia H.! Thank you for the present, even though I haven’t opened it yet.”
“I’ll come over tomorrow to play with—”
“Don’t tell her; it’s a surprise,” Cara says.
