Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42942 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Lucas smirked as if he were reading my mind. Suddenly, the thought of working on this with him was too much to even think about.
I drew in a slow breath and exhaled before focusing back on Rose. “I’m sorry, Rose, I won’t be able to help out.”
She frowned. “Drat. Do you have something else planned for that day?”
It was only then that I realized I had no idea when this was supposed to be. I was about to say yes when I noticed Lucas lean forward, suddenly very interested in my reply. When I looked at him, I wanted to slap the smug look right off his face. He knew I had no idea when it was and had just lied.
“Yes, Hollie, do you have something planned for then?”
“When is it again?” I asked Rose as I glared at Lucas.
“They both love Halloween so much, so he’d like to ask her on Halloween. I’d like it to be Halloween-themed. Greg is going to tell her they are going to a custom party.”
I loved Halloween-themed parties, especially when costumes were involved.
“Will it be a party also?” I asked.
“Yes, Greg wants it to be just them alone when he asks, with us close by, of course. Then everyone will join in on the celebration,” Lucas said.
“I’m so sorry, Rose, but I already have two events that I’m organizing for Halloween day. I honestly don’t think I could take on this project as well.”
“Hollie, you’re the only one I trust to make this special for Greg and Janet. I’ll pay you double.”
I shook my head. “It’s not about the money, Rose. It’s honestly about me not having enough time.” It was the truth. I had two Halloween-themed parties I was helping plan: one kids’ event and the other, a very adult-themed party. I did have a small handful of employees, and I knew if I had it all planned out, I could do the surprise engagement and celebration after.
The heartbreak on her face nearly did me in. She forced a smile and gave me a slight nod. “I understand.”
Lucas must have seen it as well because he took his mother’s hands and brought them up to his mouth, kissing the back of both. It was the sweetest thing I’d ever seen him do.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I promise you it will be special for them. If anyone deserves it, it’s Greg.”
I closed my eyes and struggled internally. Greg had fought for a number of years as a child with leukemia, and there was a moment in time when it wasn’t certain whether he would make it. He fought like hell, and I remembered how torn up Lucas was over it. It was the only time we’d ever called a temporary ceasefire.
“I know you don’t want to hire Wendy, but she plans all kinds of parties, and I’m sure she’ll do a great job,” Lucas stated.
Wendy would do a terrible job, and we all knew it. I was going to regret what I was about to say.
Forcing the words out of my mouth, I said, “I’ll do it.”
They both turned and looked at me—Rose with a smile and Lucas with a look of relief. Maybe he hadn’t really wanted Wendy to do it after all.
“Are you sure? We don’t want to stress you out, and if you’re just doing it so Wendy doesn’t get the job…,” he started to say before I held up my hand. Anger pulsed through me.
“I could give a rat’s ass about Wendy, Lucas. I’m doing this for your mother and Greg. That’s it.”
Rose threw herself into me and hugged me. “Thank you so much, Hollie! Thank you!”
Lucas sighed and ran his hand threw his hair. He had clearly not wanted Wendy to do the job—that much was obvious—but he also had tried to make it seem like he hadn’t wanted me to do it either. The man was confusing as hell.
Rose stepped back and took my hand and her son’s. “Now, you two figure out the best time to get together and plan this.”
“What?” we both asked in unison.
“Greg asked you to do this, Lucas. Now, you’re in great hands. I’ve got to go! I have a book club party to get back to!”
Lucas and I watched as Rose disappeared back into her house.
We looked at one another and realized at the same time that Rose had put our hands together. I instantly pulled my hand away.
“This should be fun,” Lucas deadpanned.
“I have an idea—why don’t you just let me make all the plans, and we can say you helped?”
He let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, hell, no. I want this to be perfect for Greg and Janet. And you already said you have other parties you’re planning.”
My arms folded across my chest. “Are you saying I can’t do the job without your help?”