“She said that?” I ask, trying to return the sentiment with the same bubbly excitement as my assailant.

“Mmhmm.” She releases me, taking a step back. “She’s a real bitch, right?”

“Heard that.”

My stomach drops at the sound of their manager’s familiar voice.

“What I was about to say, if you’d have eavesdropped just a little longer, is that you’re actually harmless and all bark once you get to know a person.”

Anika sneers. “Don’t believe a word she says.” She hikes a thumb at Raven. “I bite. Try me.”

“Ahem…” My husband appears at my side. “Can you tone down the cuntometer for the duration of our niece’s birthday party, please? This is low, even for you.”

Justly chastised, the brunette sucks her tongue over her teeth and nods. “You’re right.” She looks from my husband to me. “Enjoy the party, Mrs. Livingston.”

With that she stomps off, her stilettos clacking louder than necessary as she takes her leave.

“Woooo, girl,” Raven hoots. “She really doesn’t like you.”

“Don’t listen to Ray. She didn’t like any of us,” Korie offers. “Anika’s just protective of the boys. Once she realizes you aren’t here to cause trouble, she’ll be just as protective over you.”

I choke out a laugh because I don’t see that ever happening. “If you say so.”

“Come with me,” our hostess says, slipping an arm through mine. “I’m gonna borrow your beautiful wife for a bit, Lyle.”

He searches my face to make sure I’m okay.

“I’ll be fine,” I say, wiggling a few fingers in his direction as I’m dragged off to the kitchen.

“Holy crap!” I clap a hand over my mouth. “Sorry,” I add, “forgot there were little ones, but this is incredible.” There are Pinterest parties, which I’ve been to aplenty, and then there are celebrity parties.

The entire room is draped in crepe paper, balloons, and tulle. There’s an arch specifically set up for picture taking, neon letters forming the words “Hadley’s Groupies” on the wall. And I’m not talking about cut-out letters. This is a Vegas- style neon sign glowing bright pink. And if I were a betting woman, I’d say that’s a professional photographer snapping pictures.

There’s a section for face painting, and a paparazzi photo booth.

“Is that…are they doing tattoos over there?”

“Temporary ones,” Raven says, beaming. “The one in the hot seat, working on his second full sleeve, is my little guy, Alex. He’s obsessed.”

“Wants to be just like his daddy, huh?”

“Yeah,” she says with hearts in her eyes, as the man in question bursts into the room with their little girl on his shoulders. “Nicholas,” she calls. “Come over and meet Lyle’s wife.”

At the sound of his wife’s voice, he changes course, galloping over while Ava squeals with delight.