Chins held high, they walked across the rooftop, ignoring the curious looks they got from the partygoers, refusing every single canape offered by the catering staff. They had every right to do what they were doing. Annika refused to let herself be intimidated by superficial flashiness. The whole party might as well be a metaphor for Break Up. All flash, no substance. Those canapes were probably 90 percent air.

The east side of the L-shaped rooftop was dominated by a pergola, under which stood a small trestle table and folding chairs. Red and silver heart-shaped balloons Annika had tied up an hour ago fluttered from the pergola beams, the foil catching the late-afternoon sun. June set her bags down on the table and fished out take-out containers full of food, as well as a set of plates and glasses for each of them. After kicking off her shoes, Annika stood on the chairs and hung their banner from the pergola, then stood back and admired her handiwork.

“This is gonna be good.” June waggled her fingers at Ziggy, who’d been watching them with a small frown on his face. He gave her what he probably thought was a breezy wave back and ended up soaking his sleeve with his drink. June didn’t seem to notice. “I don’t see Hudson, though.”

Annika scanned the rooftop. “I’m sure he’s around here somewhere. Let’s just do our thing. He’ll find us.”

June nodded, and then looked toward the entrance and grabbed Annika’s arm. “Oh, here they come.” Her voice was high-pitched with glee.

Annika watched as the mariachi band she’d hired—expensive, but definitely worth it—filed past the partygoers, all of whom stopped to watch, their faces a hilarious mix of confusion and surprise.

“Ms. Annika?” the bandleader said to her. “Shall we set up here?”

“Yes.” Annika gestured to the space beside the trestle table she and June were sitting at. “Please begin playing whenever you’re ready.”

The bandleader hesitated, looking at the other people on Hudson’s side of the rooftop. “There is already music playing.”

Annika smiled her sweetest smile. “But I rented this part of the rooftop, so we have as much right to play our music as they do.” She’d made sure of this when she’d spoken to the landlord earlier. “Please begin whenever you’re ready. And if you could, play the loudest, most disruptive song you can think of.”

The bandleader shrugged and nodded to his fellow bandmates, and they struck up a beautifully deafening melody. Hiding a smile, Annika watched as Hudson’s party music was completely swallowed by the mariachi music. His guests stood, mouths open and drinks in hand, staring at the mariachi band and Annika’s side of the rooftop. A few of them were gesturing and talking among themselves. Even the juggler had stopped to watch.