“Reba’s apparently smuggling in some stuff.” Remi tapped her phone screen as they waited in the lobby for Reba to show up.

“Stuff?” With Reba, that could mean anything from booze to sexy entertainment.

“Drinks to pregame. Something sweet? Who knows? She’s being all cagey about it. So expect birthday surprises.”

“Surprises? Father God, don’t let this be a repeat of last year.”

Remi busted out laughing, entire body shaking. “Listen, I didn’t think she’d actually come through with that.”

“You put it on the list!”

Last year, Reba had told them to make a list of things they’d want at a party. They’d gotten the surprise of their lives when a sexy dancer had shown up at the joint birthday party. Luckily, it had been just friends, no parents. The dancer had come complete with an old-school boombox and a costume that ripped easily away.

“It was a joke, a challenge. Reba’s always talking about her connections, but I didn’t think she’d actually hire that woman. Who even owns a boombox anymore?” Remi waggled her brows. “I don’t know ‘bout you, but I had a good time.”

She sure had. Her bestie had enjoyed her lapdance lots. Cherisse had just watched on, amused. There was no official party this time—at least, not being thrown by them. She could be certain her mother’s party would be tame, but who knew what shenanigans Reba would get up to? They’d forgone the list after that, but it didn’t mean Reba wouldn’t shake things up.

“I miss the list. We could’ve kept it.”

“No damn way.”

Remi pouted. “But I was so looking forward to sexy break-dancing firefighters this year.”

“Maybe next year. Thirty should ring in with a bang, right?” She winked.

She had no doubt Reba would somehow come through with Remi’s very specific request. It was one of the reasons Cherisse had hired her. She was connected. Her resume hadn’t hurt either. Reba didn’t talk about the details surrounding why she’d left her last job, but Cherisse suspected it hadn’t been an amicable split. She was grateful for her, and they’d meshed well, becoming friends along the way. Sometimes, the lines blurred between work and friendship, but Reba never pandered to her, which Cherisse appreciated.

Reba told her if an idea was shit or if something just wasn’t going to work. Plus, she got stuff done. She was an asset because Cherisse would have fallen behind on updating any social media related to Sweethand. Not to mention, Reba’s pastry skills were a gift.

Reba arrived at the Hyatt with her bags casually slung over her shoulder and a small suitcase. Cherisse eyed her bags. “Do I even wanna know?” she asked as they went through the check-in process.

Reba grinned. “All shall be revealed when we get to the rooms. We got separate rooms for you and Remi since I don’t know what after-party plans you birthday girls may get up to. Don’t wanna cramp any potential sexy times. Ava and I’ll share.”