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“I should iine he’ll be here for the weekend, at least And he’ll bring friends” And his butler and personal chef, laa-dee-daa “The castle will also be closed this weekend”

“Closed?”

She nods “To the general public I’rounds were used as a location on an upco Hollywood blockbuster Or so we all hope And Sandy is hosting a dinner on Friday night for the director and some of the stars I believe a nuh overtakes her “It’s been a while since we had a house party”

The only house party I’ve been to are the kinds that serve Cheetos as hors d’oeuvres, use red Solo cups, and offer an aperitif in the for beer I mean, I’ve been to parties, sure And dinner parties, but house parties conjure up visions of e days

“Should I grab some paper to take notes?”

“Oh No” She waveswith Chrissy They know the form of old Holly, I just wanted to say that I appreciate all your help, taking on extra work, helping with the boys, and so on”

“Honestly, it’s row to be the best kind of men” Maybe I should’ve kept that to myself as her eyes fill with tears almost immediately “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“No” She dabs at the corner of her eye “Thank you That means a lot to me”

“It’s only the truth” I shrug a little unco I had a little of Isla’s poise and dignity as she leans forward, setting the cup and saucer onto the coffee table

“With the castle closed, you’ll have the weekend to yourself”

Which is the polite way of saying I’m not wanted, I think cynically

“Would you like h, please say no

“There’s no need for that,” she replies evenly

“You won’t need the roouests?”

“What do you think?” Her eyes twinkle with mirth

“That you have space for a battalion or two,” I reply, “but—”

“The battalion will be housed, and you will keep your rooo as you please Perhaps you’d like to join the party for dinner on Friday night? Meet sohts?”

“That’s very kind of you, but”—that sounds like a night— “I already have plans” I’uest I mean, I’m not exactly a heathen, and I know a fork is supposed to be held in your left hand, but what fork do you eat souffle with? Or do you eat it with a spoon? I’ve exa room, the one set out for the tourists The ah to create an anxiety spike So, nope! Nope, thank you! “But thank you for the invite”