Page 61 of One Night with Number Nineteen

She has something for everyone.

Well, two somethings—one present that’s thoughtful (everything from new batting gloves for Nate who’s obsessed with baseball to a toy from the crime-fighting dog show Ollie’s obsessed with to a signed copy of a book all of the women want to read for their next book club session), and another that’s pure fun (silly board games and funny hats and socks that are ridiculous…and yet all of us guys are pulling on anyway).

“Jesus,” Gray mutters, “these are actually nice.”

“I know, right?” Smitty wiggles his toes, currently covered in fluffy pink material. “I think I need a few more pairs.”

I don’t agree aloud.

But I am thinking about buying a full week’s worth.

“Whatcha think?” Ollie asks, sitting beside us and stretching out his feet.

He’s got fuzzy socks on too.

“Epic, little man,” Smitty says.

Ollie looks at me.

“Epic,” I agree.

He grins. Then yawns.

“I think that means it’s time to be getting home,” Lainey says with a laugh.

“Aw, man,” Ollie says, but his eyes are practically closed, he’s so wiped.

“It’s time for me to be heading home myself,” I murmur.

“Me too,” Smitty says.

“Before you go,” I hear and look up to see Vi standing in front of Smitty. She’s holding out a small box wrapped in teal paper, her expression serious.

Smitty nods at the box. “What’s that?”

“My present to you.”

He jerks upright then slowly accepts the box, his expression uncharacteristically solemn. “What is it?”

“Wouldn’t be a present then, now would it?” A nod. “Open it.”

He rips off the paper, slides the lid off the box, and pulls out a blue folder⁠—

“Holy shit,” he whispers—yup whispers. “Is this what I think it is?”

Vi’s blue eyes dance with amusement. “Consider it a…trial run.” Ace comes up behind her and does something to her hair that has it falling, dropping from its bun to swing around her shoulders. She sighs, shakes her head, but doesn’t chastise him for messing up her hair—this time, anyway. “When you’re ready,” she tells Smitty.

“I’m ready!” he says.

Her mouth kicks up. “All right.” A nod at the folder. “Then consider that your first assignment.”

With that, she lets Ace lead her away.

“I’ll have my people call your people!”

She waves her hand, hugs the women goodbye then follows Josie and Nate outside.

I leave Smitty to his examination of the folder—and Ollie curled sideways on the couch, mostly asleep—and make a quick sweep of the room, picking up a few rogue dishes and cups.