Page 202 of The Art of Almost Losing It
“Ugh, Lulu. Were you Mr. Popular with your employees?” I ask him as we drive down the snowy streets.
“She was Ms. Popular. She kept the pigeons off the roof deck.”
“Lulu, you did exercise?”
The dog yips.
“You spoil that dog, Dani.” But he smiles and takes my hand.
When we get back to the penthouse, Graham’s siblings are digging into the Chinese food strewn out on his oversized dining room table.
Lulu runs to beg for treats.
“I feel like the only reason we’re having this meeting is for the free food.” Sean stuffs an egg roll in his mouth.
“I’m okay with that.” Max dumps two-thirds of the lo mein container on his plate.
“Of course you are,” Hannah snaps at the teens. “You guys have done literally nothing for this party. You didn’t even get a haircut! You know how Dad feels about long hair.”
“I’ve got hair appointments for them at the salon next door. All you have to do is show up here. There’s snacks for you after, if you can manage it,” I tell the siblings.
“Food!” his brothers cheer.
“Yes! You ordered the green beans! Thank you, Graham.” I almost lean over and kiss him, then I catch myself.
Fake relationship.
Right.
“Wait,youordered the food?” Shawn demands.
“I know how to work a phone,” Graham says with a slight roll of his eyes.
“Wait, youcalledit in?” Max is appalled.
“How else are you ordering?”
“An app, bro.”
Graham flicks a pea at him.
Lulu gobbles it up.
“I don’t think Dani wants a food fight in her home, boys,” Claire chastises. “Also, give me a crab Rangoon before the boys eat them all.”
“Did you add a pickle fountain to the caterer’s list?” Hannah asks me.
“Is Mom still talking about that?” Bridget snickers.
“She invited us to a Pinterest page about pickle fountains.”
“Oh, I just made it myself,” I tell them. “So I’ve definitely got that on my list. I decided to set up a martini fountain right next to it—you know, I like to link my art with Graham’s synergy. I’ve got the brine in the fridge.”
“What about the fresh pasta bar?” Ryan asks. “Sorry for all these last-minute adds, Dani, but Mom was so stoked about the food at the couples shower.”
“So I went over to the caterer in person, and she’s happy to squeeze us in. Apparently, she thought your mom was amazing.”
“Yeah, Mom’s always like that—every stranger is just a friend she hasn’t met yet.”
