Page 70 of The Wrong One

“You won’t have to.” Izzy grinned. “I’m done playing the nice girl. I’m not taking shit from anyone.”

We ordered lunch and talked a bit about the grant and the pitches Ramsey was working on.

“I need you guys’ help with something,” Ramsey said.

“What?” I asked. I felt like I owed him. I would help him with anything he needed.

“I need some ideas for Lily’s ninth birthday next month,” he said.

“A party?” Izzy smiled.

“Yes.” Ramsey nodded. “We’ve done princess parties every year. I feel like it’s been done. I need some ideas.”

“Why not a shopping trip?” I asked.

“She’s a little young for that,” Izzy said.

“No, she’s not,” I argued. “She’s nine. That’s old enough to shop with an adult.”

“What kind of themed party?” Ramsey asked. “I’ll take her shopping, but should I do princess again?”

“Did you ask her?” Izzy asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

“And?”

He groaned. “Unicorns, princesses, and mermaids.”

“Oh, that sounds fun.” Izzy laughed. “You could have a total fantasy party. Mix them all into one. Imagine Candy Land, but in the fantasy world. You could have fairies and mermaids. A castle for the princess and of course, the princess would have a pet unicorn.”

“She would love it,” Ramsey said.

“Just do that,” Izzy told him. “That’s the best idea. She’s going to have fun. It’s going to be lame to have the same-old boring princess party when she’s nine, but you can make it fun. Find her a nice dress and a tiara, with some long hair to put it in. She’ll be the belle of the ball. Make it a real deal event. It’ll be fun. You’ll see.”

He nodded and smiled. “And every court has a jester,” he said.

“Yes, for entertainment.” Izzy nodded.

I had a feeling I knew where he was going with this, and I didn’t think I liked it. I knew Ramsey too well. I was reading between the lines.

“If you guys really wanted to make this up to me, you could indulge me a little,” he said.

How could I say no? I owed him. “What did you have in mind?” I asked.

“Jesters, but the kids probably wouldn’t know what that was, so maybe a couple of clowns. A dunk tank maybe. A pie-throwing contest.”

“You really want to make us pay.” Izzy laughed.

“I really want to make my daughter happy,” Ramsey replied.

“I’ll do it.” I shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

I was willing to do what it took to prove to him I was serious. I had to even the slate. If he wanted to smash pies into my face, I would take it. It was better than him actually hitting me, which was no less than I deserved.

“Are you going to have it at the house?” Izzy asked.

“Of course,” he answered. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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