Page 8 of The Sweet Part
“You can get a late start if you have plans for New Year’s Eve,” May says.
Sophie gets excited. “Come over for New Year’s Eve! Mommy and I watchSurprise Princessparts one, two, and three and have sparkling water with potato chips.”
I smile. “That sounds like a rocking night.”
“I’m sure Mason has other plans,” May says.
Sophie stares up at me with big puppy-dog eyes. “Do you?”
I clear my throat. “Yes, actually. I’m going to my cousin Owen’s wedding.”
Sophie grabs the end of her dress on both sides. “Ooh, I’d love to go to a wedding and dance.” She twirls several times and stops suddenly. “I’ve never been to a wedding, but Olivia H. says you get cake and dance like crazy.”
May puts a hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “Weddings are planned well in advance. Mason can’t add someone at the last minute. Besides, we don’t want to miss ourSurprise Princessmarathon.”
Sophie’s shoulders droop, her expression falling. Happy to devastated in a flash.
“You can both go as my plus one,” I say impulsively.
Sophie lights up, a big smile on her face. “Really?”
“You don’t have a date?” May asks.
I shrug. “Some women get the wrong idea when you invite them to a wedding. You don’t date, so we’re good. Sophie’s excited. What do you think?” I tense, suddenly really wanting May to go with me. And Sophie too. I like making her happy.
May’s brows scrunch together as she thinks it over.
“Puh-leeze!” Sophie starts. I hold up a hand and shake my head. She instantly quiets.
“Owen won’t mind,” I assure May. “It’s a ritzy affair, and believe me, they can afford it. It’ll be here in town at Ludbury House.”
May looks at Sophie, who clasps her hands together in prime begging fashion.
I continue, “Owen’s marrying Shayla Adler. Have you seen her work? Movies, TV. Probably the best-known one is—”
“Breakdown,” May finishes for me, eyes wide. “Your cousin’s marrying Shayla Adler?”
“Yeah.”
May nods once. “I’ll think about it.”
Sophie leaps in the air, arms up in a V of victory. “Yay! Thinking means yes.”
“Thinking means thinking.” May turns to me. “Can I let you know later today?”
My lips curve up. “Absolutely. Let me give you my number.”
She pulls out her phone, does the code, and hands it over. I grin at the pink phone case. “You a fan of Hello Kitty?”
“My great-grandmom was, and she got me into it when I was a kid. I guess now I just like the reminder of her.”
I hand back the phone. Her expression is a little sad.
“Grandmom Maggie was a badass!” Sophie exclaims.
“I told you we don’t say thebword,” May says. “It’s not polite.”
“Aunt Alice says it,” Sophie says. “Is Aunt Alice rude?”
