Erin couldn’t even focus on what the woman on the phone was saying, because she was so overwhelmed. “It’s okay,” she said, trying to make it sound like she actually meant it. “We will figure something else out. I just need my deposit back.”

“Absolutely. I will make sure that gets put back on your credit card as soon as possible. Thank you so much for understanding. I hope you consider us for a party in the future.”

“Of course.” Fat chance. Erin sighed as she hung up the call.

“Everything okay?” Blair asked from where she sat on the bed in all of her naked glory.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Erin immediately shook her head, because she knew it was no use lying to Blair. She’d see right through her. “No. Not at all, actually. You know Nolan’s birthday party that was supposed to be happening in a week-and-a-half? Well, that’s ruined now. The venue was double-booked. I can’t do it at my house. There’s no way. I invited his whole class. Why the hell did I do that?”

Blair shrugged nonchalantly, as if this wasn’t a huge catastrophe. “We’ll do it here.”

“What?” Erin had to have heard that wrong.

“Seriously. It’s perfect. The pool will still be open. There’s a lot of space. Plus, Nolan loves it here. I’m sure he’ll be pumped.”

“Absolutely not. This is my responsibility. I’m not putting that on you and your family.” Blair got out of the bed, dildo still hanging between her legs, and walked over to Erin. She rubbed her hands up and down Erin’s arms, immediately making her feel more relaxed. “You don’t have to do everything on your own, you know. Let me do this for you.”

“Are you sure?” Erin really wasn’t used to someone taking care of her like this.

“Positive. We will have to put our talk on hold for a bit, though. We have a party to plan.”

We. Erin was really starting to love the sound of that.

Chapter 25

Erin

“Mommy! Mommy! How much time ’til my birthday?” Nolan asked from the back of Erin’s car.

Erin had to suppress an eye roll. If she had a dollar for every time Nolan asked about his birthday this past week, she could quit her job. “Soon! We’re going to Blair’s house now to get everything ready, and in a little bit, all of your friends will be there!”

“Not JP. JP say he not coming.”

“I’m sorry, bud. You’ll have a lot of other friends there, though.” Honestly, Erin wouldn’t know who JP was if the kid threw a toy at her head, but hopefully this party would allow her to get to know not just Nolan’s friends, but also their parents, much better.

“I know! And Bear  will be there!”