I point at him. “Exactly.” I don’t admit it’s a birthday. Let him think what he wants.
“Who’s grandma? Do I know them?” He massages his chin. Ethan’s not dumb. He grew up around here and knows everyone. He’ll be expecting an invite.
“It’s a surprise celebration. Low key. Private. Can’t risk the word getting out.”
He scoffs and leans forward. “Come on. I’m not going to tell anyone.” He crosses his chest. “Cross my heart.”
I sigh. Ethan’s a born salesman—no wonder he’s the marketing manager. He could sell water to a fish. “Do you remember Mason?”
His eyes go wide. “Mason? Oh, Mason, oh buddy, oh pal. The workaholic you tossed in the dumpster.”
I narrow my eyes, tilting my head. I’ll slap the side of his head if he says one more word. Boss or no boss. Ethan’s such a comedian.
Ethan holds up his palms. “Retract the claws, Lauren.” He smirks. “I went to school with Mason. He’s a great guy.” He clutches his shirt. “I was heartbroken when you ended it. You made the perfect couple.” He gestures to me. “You’re all sporty and adventurous.” He lifts a palm. “Mason’s logical and works too much, but you balanced him out. And you helped spend his money.” He winks.
My jaw drops. “Who told you that?”
He taps his nose. “That’s for me to know and for you to find out.”
My growl is playful. “Fine. The party is for his grandmother.” I won’t tell him she’s sick. The family seems to want to keep those details under wraps. If someone like Mrs. Baxter found out, there would be too much fuss, and Gran wouldn’t appreciate the sympathy. She’s proud and wants to appear strong.
“Granny Brooker.” His smile broadens. “I love that lady. Haven’t seen her out and about for a long time. She doing okay?”
“Gran is in good spirits.” I wriggle in my seat. “So, can you get back to me with a day and a time? We could hire it during a weekday if that’s easier.”
“How soon?”
“Ah. As soon as possible.”
He frowns. “It’s not for a particular birthday?”
I wave my hand, hiding a slight tremor. I avoid outright lying. “Just fit us in with the theater’s schedule. Sorry for the late notice. We recently thought of the idea. Gran will love it. I’m sure she has great memories of growing up in Georgetown. I believe she went to performances as a child.”
“I’m sure she did.” Ethan rakes a hand through his black hair. “No problem. I’ll check with Emily and get back to you.”
I stand abruptly. “Awesome. You’re the best boss.” I wink. Big suck up here, and he knows it.
“BBF. Best Boss Forever.”
I laugh. I refrain from telling him how ridiculous he is. I’m sure his wife tells him all the time.
“Say hi to Mason for me.” There’s a lot more he’s saying by the smug look on his face.
I ignore it. “Will do.”
I breathe in the crisp air and shield my eyes from the sun as I squint at Mason. We’ve finished at the bakery, testing all sorts of wedding cakes. I have to keep reminding myself that this is for Gran’s sake. Otherwise, I’ll get too excited about the day. Heck. Who am I kidding? I’m so excited about this wedding.
We took a shortcut across the field to reach the parking lot, and now Mason has stopped at the playground wearing a mischievous grin.
“Who says I can’t be fun and spontaneous?” Mason shrugs out of his jacket and hands it to me. He proceeds to roll up his pants to his ankles, then slips off his shoes and socks.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I say, draping his jacket over my arm.
“Demonstrating my fun side.” Mason hops on a swing, runs backward, and juts his feet forward, swinging back and forth, gaining motion.
I smother a laugh.
“Weeeeeee.”