Page 97 of Imogen

“I can’t guarantee it, but we can always add a QR code for the R.S.V.P. They can either attend the event in person and pick up a goody bag whilst they are there or they can have it sent out to them. But personally, I think they’ll want to go sooner. Free stuff always lures people in. You should see what other merchandise you can scrounge up for the game to add into the bags. Which I can help put together at mine. You’ll just need to add the demos in at the company.”

“We have some pens, postcards with discount codes, gloves and headsets. Someone actually over ordered so we have plenty. And I think there are a few hoodies and T-shirts lying around.”

“Perfect,” I reply. “You already have a catering service on site so all you need to do is hire a bar for the night. I can send you a recommendation later.”

“This is amazing of you,” she breathes.

“It’s not a problem,” I tell her before glancing at George. “You need to call the voice actors and see who can confirm for the date you choose. I can’t get the invitations made up until we know who has confirmed.”

He quickly gets out his phone, probably adding it to his calendar. “On it.”

As we talk more about the party, the pang in my chest grows. I miss working there. I miss George. And yeah, Laura. We might not have been close but I still liked her. I’ve learned a huge lesson throughout all of this though. You cannot trust anyone.

The door flies open and Hayden and Mark come stumbling inside, like dogs after a treat.

“Food!” Mark breathes.

“I was here first,” Hayden snaps, and pushes him out of the way.

“I brought plenty,” George offers warily, pushing the food closer.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Hayden pokes Mark in the ribs. “She’s talking to you.”

“She could be asking you too,” he snaps as he takes the container of tikka.

“I don’t need to explain myself. She likes me.”

“She likes me too,” he argues.

“Guys, these are my cousins. Mark and Hayden. Hayden actually works at the radio station you guys have on in the staff room.”

“Oh my god, I knew I recognised your voice,” George gushes. “You helped me get revenge on my ex-boyfriend. He cheated on me with a yoga instructor whilst I was nursing his sick nan to health. I had to wipe her arse.”

Hayden’s eyes widen. “I remember. I told you to give him that tablet that makes your junk stink.”

“The one you gave to Liam?” Mark asks, scrunching his nose up.

“Yeah. Whoever made that shit was clearly someone scorned,” she replies.

“I did,” George boasts. “And the laxative worked a treat. My neighbour was in his yoga class and she said he shat himself.”

Hayden high-fives him. “Love it. I don’t get to hear about the aftermath often.”

“I need you to sign the merch T-shirt I got from your store. I’ll give it to Imogen the next time we meet up.”

“Hey, give me your number. You can bring it the next time we go out.”

There is hero worship in his eyes. “I so wish I wasn’t gay,” he murmurs.

She grins. “I like you too, pooch.”

He turns to me. “She called me pooch.”

I roll my eyes before turning to my cousins, who are close to demolishing the food. “So… are you going to explain what you are doing here?”

Hayden gives Mark a pointed look. He snorts. “I came to give your dad some cookies Mum made.”

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