Chapter 23

Crystal POV

I am so nervous about the party tonight. Thankfully Liam has been here since last night. Jamie is so busy getting everything ready, so he invited Liam to stay with us last night and keep me company. Jamie has no idea how much it means to me when he looks out for me.

Jamie is up early to deal with caterers, decorators, and last-minute guest issues. Trey and Andrea come to help. I am happy she will be here for the event. Liam and I go downstairs to offer our help, but Jamie refuses.

“Liam, Trey, and I want you to take Andrea and Crystal to the spa. We need you to keep them occupied for the day,” Jamie says to Liam.

“Sure, I can manage that,” Liam says.

“I made appointments for the three of you. I called about your tux it will be delivered here this afternoon. Margie will pick it up when she brings Crystal’s dress,” Jamie says.

“Thanks, man,” Liam says.

The two shake hands. Andrea and I follow Liam out of the house. We go into the garage to pick a car for the day's outing.

“We cannot take the convertible; I am not messing up my hair after I get it done,” Liam says, laughing.

I run my hand over Liam’s bald head. “Funny, asshole,” I say to him.

I grab the keys to the black SUV. “We can take the SUV,” I say.

“Well, then I am driving. I do not trust your driving in that big ass truck,” Liam says.

Andrea and I get into the backseat, and Liam gets into the front to drive us. “I guess I am the chauffeur for the day, but don’t be expecting me to open doors for you two,” Liam says.

“Why not? You know you love me,” I say to Liam.

The three of us head out on our adventure. The day is starting wonderfully. I have my best friend and my new friend with me.

“Which spa are we going to, ladies?” Liam asks.

“The uptown spa on Deerborne,” Andrea answers him.

“I should have known,” Liam says.

Liam drives us to the spa. He looks like he is holding a secret, and it is about to drive me nuts. Liam has never been able to keep a secret for long, at least not from me. Whatever he is hiding, I will get it out of him.

Liam pulls into the spa. He opens our door to let us out and gives the keys to the valet. “Okay, so I lied; I opened your door, don’t get the big head about it,” Liam says.

The three of us go into the spa. Andrea checks us in, and we wait for someone to come to get the three of us.

“Liam, what is up with you? You look like the cat that ate the canary?” I ask him.

Andrea shoots him a keep your trap shut look. “Oh, I see, so the two of you are both in on it. Is that why we are at the spa instead of having my hair done at home?” I ask.

“No, Jamie thought you would enjoy this,” Andrea answers quickly.

“Sure,” I say.

A petite blonde comes out to greet us. “King, the party of three,” she says, looking at us.

“That is us, one king and two queens,” Liam says.

“Are you Mr. King?” she asks Liam.

“No ma’am, I am Liam, that is Andrea, and the feisty one is Crystal,” Liam answers pointing out who each of us are to her.

“Okay, well, I am Angel, and I will take you three back to the nail room first,” Angel says.

We follow her from the waiting area back to the nail room. The three of us line up in chairs to get pedicures. I sit in between the two of them. I want to keep an eye on them and maybe find out what the two of them are hiding from me.

Six ladies come in and go to work on us. Three at our feet working on our pedicures and three working on our manicures, it is relaxing, but I am so curious about what is going on that it is hard for me to relax.

“Could one of you please tell me what you two are hiding?” I finally ask.

Liam doesn’t open his mouth. He knows he will spill it if he does. Finally, Andrea speaks up. “Look, just so you will relax and enjoy this, I am going to tell you what I know,” Andrea says.

“At least it is not me spilling the tea,” Liam says.

Andrea shoots him a shut the hell up look again. “Look, Jamie has a surprise planned for you tonight. Neither of us will spill it; just know it is delightful,” Andrea says.

“Yeah, what she said,” Liam says.

“Okay, I will let it go, but I don’t like surprises,” I say.

“Oh, you are going to love this one,” Liam says.

“Shut up, remind me never to tell you anything,” Andrea barks at Liam.

The three of us laugh. Obviously, Jamie had no idea that you can’t tell Liam anything. If I get him alone, I could get it out of him, but I will let Jamie have his surprise.

The ladies finish our nails. Andrea and I go back to the hair salon to get our hair and makeup done. Liam goes to the other side of the spa to get a massage. I am sure he is in heaven.

A young man comes in to do Andrea’s hair, and an older woman comes in to do mine. “Any idea how you want your hair for the night, Mrs. King,” she asks me.

“It’s Crystal, please. I have no idea. I want it down and curled, maybe. I will let you decide,” I say to her.

“Yes, ma’am,” she says.

Mrs. King that felt good, not Jamie’s live-in but Mrs. King. I know that will never happen. Jamie does not seem like the type to ever settle down again. He says he wants me forever, but that is not a step I expect him ever to take.

“You okay?” Andrea asks me.

“Yes, I think so. I am worried about tonight,” I answer her.

“Don’t worry about tonight; I can guarantee tonight will be memorable,” Andrea says.

“I hope so; I want it to be perfect. I know Jamie has been stressed over tonight,” I say.

“Honey, you have no idea how excited he is about tonight and you being at the event with him,” Andrea says.

All I want is for tonight to be perfect for all of us. No drama, No ex-wife, and no bullshit, just a party all of us can enjoy.