Read Celebration for Free Online Page B

she asked, keeping her tone light. “Did you let her live, just so she could regret what she’s done to you?”
    Rex cleared his throat. “Did Julius tell you about the baby?”
    “He did.” Athena carried on before Rex had time to ask about that. “But as much as I think you’d be a great dad, she was a bitch to trick you into it. People should choose to become parents, Rex.”
    “You can tell me what you really think, you know.”
    Athena smiled at his joking tone. “Haha. I don’t like people taking advantage of you.”
    “It doesn’t happen often.”
    “But it still makes me mad. Tell me she’s not celebrating the fact that she manipulated her way into getting what she wanted.”
    “I don’t know but I don’t care. What’s done is done.”
    “And what’s important is the future,” she agreed, very glad she hadn’t had to talk him into this attitude. He’d made a lot of progress since his dinner with Julius. “What are you going to do next?”
    “I was thinking of accepting your invitation.”
    “Oh, you got it! I wasn’t sure. I’m considering this an RSVP and a firm commitment. I’ll see you here. You have to come a few days early.”
    “To help?”
    “To catch up. But mostly I want to put you to work.”
    “Doing what?”
    “You’ll see. You’re going to love this place.”
    “What kind of party is it?”
    Athena smiled at the curiosity he couldn’t disguise. “A surprise party. A revelation and a new beginning.”
    “Sounds mysterious—and interesting.”
    “Of course, it’s both. It’s my party.”
    Rex laughed.
    “Come on the Wednesday before.”
    “Consider it done. You’ve got to give me your address, though. Julius only gave me your phone number and I see that you’re unlisted.”
    Athena told him and he read it back to her, making sure he had it right. Everything was in the details, according to Rex.
    “If I remember correctly, a lot of the flights to London get in really early in the morning. I’m not crazy enough to knock on your door before noon. Any suggestions for a good breakfast?”
    “Come here. My cook will feed you and my housekeeper will show you to your room whenever you arrive. If you’re lucky, she might even tuck you in.”
    “Is she cute?”
    “She is gorgeous, particularly in latex.” Athena paused. “Demanding, though. You might like that for a change.”
    Rex cleared his throat. “Just what kind of house do you have, Athena?”
    “One of ill-repute, of course. I have some standards, you know.”
    He laughed again, sounding more like his old self.
    “It’s a house full of surprises, just like me,” she said then. Julius came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist and she waved him to silence. “Where are you, anyway, Rex?”
    “Back in town. In a hotel. I cleaned out my condo and it’s listed for sale. I was going to head out after seeing Julius last night but he told me about a party that some former Plume members might be attending. I thought I’d check it out first.”
    “Sounds great.”
    “Anyone you want me to say hello to?”
    “All of them!” Athena said.
    “Really?”
    “Really. I want them all to come here, for the party.”
    “Is there room?”
    Athena laughed. “I’ve got that covered.”
    “But they won’t all be able to afford the trip.”
    “Then as many as possible. Raffle off plane tickets or something, Rex. Be a sugar daddy, they love that about you. I’ve invited the ones I found, but it’s not nearly enough.” Amanda had already told Athena that most members wouldn’t be able to make the trip, but Athena was sure Rex could be more persuasive.
    It might be good for him.
    “Maybe I’ll host a little competition,” Rex mused, and Athena heard the anticipation in his voice.
    “Consider it prep work, Rex. You’re going to need all the stamina you can find for my party, so you’d better start building it up.”
    “And why is that?”
    “Didn’t I tell you? There will be party favors