Jennifer,
I’m just writing to make sure this party will be a safe environment for Graydon. Have they done a sweep for nuts and dust? Or should I send him with his mask?
Shirleen
* * *
I roll my eyes. I’d feel sorrier for that child if he wasn’t so much like his mother. I send my mom the address, tell Shirleen that a mask is always a good idea (that’ll teach Graydon to call my son a liar), and then send Asami the news she has been waiting for.
* * *
To: AChang
From: JDixon
Date: 3/10
Subject: Operation Who Is She?
Hi, Asami,
I think I’ve figured out a way to smoke out Sasha. Let’s meet at Starbucks before pickup on Monday.
Jen
* * *
I close the laptop and look at my watch. Yeesh! Nine fifteen already. I’d better get my ass in gear. I run up the stairs two at a time (’cause that’s how I roll these days) and holler to Ron, who’s in the shower.
“I’m heading out. Remember, get Max dressed and over to Emerald City by ten forty-five.”
“You got it!” he yells back. I can smell his musky shampoo from the hallway.
I charge back down the stairs and grab my keys from the hook by the kitchen door.
“I’m on my way, buddy. Dad’s going to bring you to the party.”
“Where are you going?” Max looks up from Ron’s iPad.
“I’m going to set up for the most awesome ninja party ever.” I give him a kiss on the head. “See you in a while.”
“Ninja!”
*
I have to give myself snaps. Max’s party is a bona fide hit. Seven boys from his class and three from his Cub Scout Troop all arrive in various forms of ninja dress and start running around Emerald City like it’s on fire. I told everyone it’s a drop-off party, but there are always mothers who want to stay. Today it seems everyone wants to hang out, so I’m treated to time with Peetsa, Ravi, Hunter’s two moms, Shirleen, Trudy Elder, Jackie Westman, and, to my delight, Jean-Luc Baton, whom I have not seen since curriculum night. Still gorgeous, I’m happy to report. I have to say that as much as I love my husband and happen to think he’s the bee’s knees, nothing can put a spring in your step quite like a good-looking man in your midst. Jean-Luc is the only dad here besides Ron, so they’re huddled in a corner, talking about work no doubt. The moms are sitting sipping coffee and looking happy to be doing nothing for a minute.
The party room looks great, thanks to my decorations and the ministrations of Brandon and Kayla, my Emerald City ambassadors. They were able to make magic with my Party City purchases and the black, green, and gold balloons I picked up this morning.
A flurry at the door catches my eye: my girls have arrived with their beaux. Does anyone say “beau” anymore? I picked it up when I was ten and reading Anne of Green Gables and it stuck with me.
“Mom, sorry we’re late. Seventy was a parking lot getting into the city.” Laura gives me a quick hug.
“That’s okay, baby. You haven’t missed much.” I look past her and wave to Vivs and Raj. “Where’s Travis?”
“Parking the car. Where should I put these?” She holds up a couple of presents wrapped in ninja paper.
“Over in the corner. Do me a favor and circulate with your sister—introduce yourselves to people. I have to go talk to my guy about the food.”
As if on cue, Brandon walks in.
“I think the boys are getting hungry. Should I bring the food out in about ten minutes?”
“Perfect. Thanks.”
“Would you like something besides pizza for them?” He nods toward the mothers.
Since I hadn’t been expecting eight moms, I hadn’t made any arrangements for them.
“Um … how about a couple of large Caesar salads with chicken?”
Brandon nods and heads off to the kitchen.
I walk toward Vivs and Raj and give them both a welcome hug.
“Thanks for driving in for this, you guys.”
“Like I’d miss Maxi’s birthday party!” Vivs snorts.
“Are grown-ups allowed to play out there, too?” Raj wonders.
“Why? You want to go play, little boy?” Vivs teases him.
He blushes. “Well, it looks like fun.”
“I think you can, Raj, just take your shoes off and watch out for rug rats.” I smile.
“Oh, rats don’t bother me. When I was a kid, I spent every summer in India.” He heads off, yelling for Travis to join him.
Vivs and I look at each other and burst out laughing. The moment is cut short when Max comes running into the party room. I see Ron has convinced him to wear plain old jeans and a T-shirt to his party. I’m thinking that might be why he storms over to me crying angry tears.
“I hate this party!” he yells. “Why did we have to have it here?”
“What on earth are you talking about?” I get down on one knee and hold his arms.
“I want another party somewhere else.” He’s sobbing now, and has a bubble of snot coming out of his nose. I look up and notice the whole room has gone quiet. I so love an audience when I’m having a bad moment with my kid. I give Peetsa a pleading look, and she nods.
“Does anyone need to use the bathroom?” She sounds like she’s asking a group of preschoolers. Most of the moms get up with her, but Trudy and Shirleen stay put. I turn back to Max.
“Max, calm down and tell me what happened,” I say in the nicest voice I can, considering I’m dying inside. Vivs and Laura have moved to stand behind Max in an attempt to make this moment more private. Ron has joined me on the floor.
“We … we … were at the mini r-r-ropes course.” He’s having trouble getting his words out. “And G-g-graydon wanted to do the grown-up r-r-ropes course…” He takes a deep breath as I rub his arms. “And they said no and Graydon said this is the worst party he has ever been to.” Max starts up a fresh round of sobs.
“He what?” I can see Shirleen charging over to where I’m kneeling with my son. Max moves into the safety of my arms.
“Shirleen, it’s okay. I’m handling it.” I’m hoping my look conveys how much I don’t want her to interfere. Apparently it doesn’t.
“Where is Graydon now, Max?” He shrugs. She stomps out of the party room.
“Is Graydon going to get in trouble?” Max asks, wiping his nose on his sleeve.
“I think he might, buddy,” Ron says.
“Good,” Max says firmly. “He says mean things.”
“Why don’t you hang in here, sweetie? The pizza is coming out soon.”
I hug him and get up off my knees to see that Nina and Garth have arrived, gifts for Max in hand.
“Hey, you guys! I’m so glad you could come. Max, look, Aunt Nina and Garth are here.” I send him over to give them a hug, which gives me the opportunity to take a huge “serenity now” breath. Ron puts his arm around my shoulder and gives me a squeeze.
“Best mom ever,” he whispers in my ear.
Hardly, I think, but I take the compliment with a smile.