I double-check all of my stuff and then head back into the kitchen, where Mom is having a very serious conversation with the dogs over a piece of cheese.
“All set?” she asks.
“Yup. I got everything.”
“Good. I talked to Cristine like four times, so she should have everything set up for you. And you’re sleeping over there tonight?”
“Yup.” I ignore the butterflies in my stomach and try to relax. Saylor and I have been spending a lot of time together, but never at her house for obvious reasons. I feel like it means something that there’s gonna be a change of venue. I have to get through the party first.
“Your dad and I are going to the movies, but we’ll be back by ten. Call me if you need anything; come home if things get weird. And if you’re worried about anything with the tattoos, Kelly’s at the shop. She said she’s finishing another large piece, but she’s on standby.”
“Okay. Thanks, Doc. I’m gonna rock this,” I say. I’ve been trying to hype myself up for the actual job at hand for like four days. I think it’s kind of working. I’m faking the rest.“Mrs.Ford is going to write my apprentice recommendation for Kelly herself. Heaven Goo-Campbell is so professional and confident with a bunch of twelve-years-olds. No doubt she can handle potential customers. You’d be silly not to take her on.”
Mom laughs. “I’m pretty sure you are not gonna have any problems getting in at Ink & Pearl, but I am proud of you for trying this. I’m sure at least three of my patients will be there, and you’ll get to see just a fraction of what I deal with. But you got this, it’s in your blood.” She winks at me. It’s go time. I head out to my car and drive over to Saylor’s house, reminding myself the whole way that I got this. I’m gonna be amazing.
I pull up to the Fords’ house and park behind a white cargo van. Before I can hop out, I hear the front door slam and turn to see a very happy Mrs.Ford and her new bob practically running down their front walkway. Saylor’s mom is moving so fast, I’m actually shocked she didn’t smack her face on the car door frame as I’m trying to roll the window down.
“Heaven, you made it!” She beams. “You ready?”
“I did and I am. Everything good to go?” I ask as I climb out.
“Oh, you know I’m ready. It looks like a balloon factory exploded in there, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. None of the kids are here yet so you have plenty of time to get all set up. Let me help you with your things.”
I just nod and give her my overnight bag. The faster we get inside, the faster I can see Saylor. I know just talking toher will calm me down. I follow Mrs.Ford into their home. As soon as I step inside, it’s clear that she really has decorated the whole house. There are pink and purple balloons by the door and this fancy sign that saysLeave Shoes HerewithMidsummer Slumber Partybelow those instructions in delicate script.
“We got you all set up in your own tent out back. You can keep your shoes on for now,” Mrs.Ford says.
“Okay.” I follow her through the house and try to act normal as I take in all the decorations and the food-serving staff standing around the kitchen. She hired waiters for a sleepover. There’s a craft table with piles of folded T-shirts, a tent where a DJ is almost done setting up, and a tent for me. There’s also an ivy leaf step-and-repeat with aMidsummer Slumber Partypurple neon sign and this photographer sitting by in one of the deck chairs. There’s more balloons and other themed decorations pretty much everywhere. Even the chairs are wrapped and draped in color matching tinsel.
“Marci, Lupe, this is Heaven,” Mrs.Ford says. “She’ll be doing some fun temporary tattoos for the kids. Marci will be providing some sick tunes, and Lupe will be documenting this lovely event for us so that I can be a present parent.”
“Hi,” I say, and get a round of hellos back.
“Here, I’ll show you your setup.” I follow Mrs.Ford down the steps toward the tent where she has everything Miss Kelly told me to ask for. “I have to go change, but Saylor should be right down. Let me know if you need anything else and I’ll get it for you.”
“That sounds great. Thanks.”
She flashes me that Ford smile and then disappears back into the house with my duffel. I start unpacking my backpack, suddenly nervous. I know the Fords do over the top, but for some reason, I thought this party would be kinda normal. I mean the twins are only twelve or something. I forgot how influencer moms do things, though. She must have a lot to prove to her followers.
I start setting up my stuff. I’m glad Miss Kelly suggested the plastic frame to showcase my flash, so I don’t have to let the junior partiers touch my table.
“So, Heaven.” I turn around as Lupe makes her way over to me. She tilts her chin toward my T-shirt. “You look a little young to work at Ink & Pearl.”
“I am. I’m seventeen. I’m just doing little pen designs. My friend’s parents own Ink & Pearl. Kelly Yeun? She helped me get ready for today.”
Lupe picks up my flash sheet of kittens at the beach and gives me one of those nods of approval as she looks over the four designs these tiny terrorists can pick from. “I see why they hired you. These are good.” I take Lupe’s word for it. She has a really detailed half sleeve of a snake wrapped around a rabbit weaving up her arm.
“Thanks.”
Marci the DJ makes her way over too, looking at the sheet over Lupe’s shoulder. “Aww, these are hella cute. Let me get that cat buried in the sand if we have time.”
“Sure. I’d be happy to,” I say, hoping my voice isn’t shaking.
The back slider opens and they both snap back to attention and start heading back to their stations. I look around Marci as she goes and see Saylor coming down the porch. My face goes hot the second I see her, and she smiles at me. She’s wearing this CCHS basketball T-shirt and another pair of super-short shorts. Her red curls are up in a braid crown. She looks so cute.
“Hey, sorry.” She skips down the stairs and kisses me on the cheek.
“Hey.”