Me: Yes, I’m going to freak if she comes!
My phone begins ringing in my hand and I see Emma’s name flashing onto the screen "Stop," she orders immediately.
"No way. I’m not coming if she’s there," I answer, putting the tape and scissors down.
"You’ve seen Jesse since that night and she married your ex-husband. I figured that would be way more reason to freak than Kara."
"Saying hi to Jesse is a far cry from hanging out with Kara at a twelve-person birthday party. Aren’t y’all doing a party with Brett and Jesse anyway? Invite them to that one."
"Yes, but Hunter and Alex are only in town this weekend. In my defense, I originally invited them to come up this weekend because Hunter was trying to avoid Kara. But apparently she found out he was in town and they got back together last night. I’ve spent the morning listening to him replay their sexual escapades. That girl’s a freak. I really think you’d like her." She laughs, but I find nothing humorous about this situation.
"How the hell, in a city the size of Chicago, does this group seem to be getting smaller and smaller?"
"The cool people have to stick together."
"Maybe Leo and I can just meet you guys at one of those kids’ places next week and do a mini party with just the four of us then."
"Sarah, come on. She’s nice. Plus, I asked her first and she said she would love to get to know you."
"You have no idea how awkward this is going to be for me."
"Oh stop and just promise you’ll come."
"Leo’s already on his way over here. I love the way you spring this on me fifteen minutes before we are supposed to be there."
"Well, I know you. I didn’t want to give you enough time to think of an excuse. Now, tell me you’re still coming. Collin would be so disappointed if you—"
"Fine! I’ll come," I resign and Emma actually squeals.
"Okay! Love you! Bye." She quickly hangs up before I can change my mind.
I toss the phone on the counter, and just as Emma predicted, I begin trying to think of excuses why I don’t have to go.
"Hey, ángel," Leo says as he walks into my apartment.
"Do you think we could make a quick stop at that little Mexican restaurant we went to on our first date?"
"The one that gave us food poisoning? Have you lost your mind?"
"No, it’s just that food poisoning would be the perfect excuse to get out of Collin’s party."
"I thought you were looking forward to this? You made me wait for an hour the other night because you couldn’t find the perfect wrapping paper."
"Hey, if my boy wants trucks, then trucks he shall have!"
He chuckles before leaning in to kiss me. "What’s going on? Why the sudden change?"
"Jesse’s best friend is going to be at the party. She’s dating Emma’s best friend, who’s up from Savannah just for the party."
"Jesus, you people really keep it all in the family."
"Right? That’s what I said."
"You nervous about seeing her?" Leo walks behind me and begins massaging my shoulders.
"I guess. I’m not sure why though. Maybe I’m more embarrassed than anything else."
"When I was in middle school, I had to give this speech in front of the whole class. I got so nervous that, as soon as I opened my mouth, I puked all over my shoes. I know it’s not quite the same thing, but I know you’re a puker, so I just wanted to tell you to at least aim for the carpet instead of my favorite heels."
I bust out laughing. "I think you might be the strangest man I have ever met."
"But it worked, didn’t it?" He kisses my neck and folds his arms around my waist.
"A little bit. Thank you."
"No. Thank you. I plan on fucking you with those heels on tonight. I’m going to need them to stay vomit-free," he responds making me laugh again.
WHEN WE pull up to Emma’s house, the butterflies begin again. Leo doesn’t tell me any more stories, but as we walk to the door, he grabs my hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
"Just breathe, ángel. I won’t leave your side. I promise."
I tentatively nod and knock on the door.
"Sawah!" Collin screams as soon as Caleb opens the door.
"He’s been waiting for you." He passes Collin over to me and extends a hand to Leo.
"Happy birthday, buddy!" I begin tickling Collin and blowing raspberries on his cheeks.
"Oh God, don’t hype him up any more than he already is. Caleb let him have a cupcake for breakfast," Emma says.
"It was a muffin with a candle," Caleb calls out in defense.
"Oh hush. It had icing. That makes it cupcake," she responds as Collin launches himself into her arms.
"Mommy! Sawah!" he says, pointing over at me.
"I see her. Come on. Let’s go put her present on the table." Emma grabs the skillfully wrapped gift from my hand and walks into the other room.
I glance up at Leo to find the oddest expression on his face. I give him a questioning look, but he just shakes his head.