Violet considers this for a moment. “Hmm. I’d suggest you keep your expectations low, at first, if the guy’s never done it before. From what Dax has said, the basics of the technique are always the same, but every woman is different, so there’s a bit of trial and error needed with a new partner. I haven’t seen Keane’s video, like I said, but he’s a huge bullshitter, in general, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he exaggerated about how easy it is to make it work.”
“Oh.”
“But don’t worry, the technique does work, once your man figures it out. It’s incredible.”
Alessandra nods, still blushing.
“So, yeah, if you find someone you like, and he’s willing to watch Keane’s video and figure it out with you, then you’ll eventually get to experience something that will blow your mind, girlie. You won’t believe what your body can do when your partner knows what he’s doing.”
Again, Alessandra nods. But the poor girl looks like a vine-ripened tomato at this point.
“Thanks for the info,” I say, trying to sound calm. When I raise my drink to my lips, my hand is shaking so violently from adrenaline and excitement, I have to quickly put down my cup to keep from spilling. But it’s too late. Both women have noticed me wigging out and are now buckled over laughing.
After a bit more talking, Violet, Ally, and I return to the living room—and to my delight, during the ensuing conversation with the full group, I feel every bit as comfortable as I did last weekend at the wedding. Even more so, because Jackson has apparently anointed me his new favorite person.
“Jackson never sits on a new person’s lap!” Violet says, after Jackson leaves Fish for me. “Daxy, look!”
Dax marvels with Violet at how quickly their son has taken to me, with Dax saying, “Usually, if Fish Taco is here, nobody else, including me, exists.”
“I hope you know this makes you my arch nemesis,” Fish says, wagging his finger at me with mock menace, and everyone in the room chuckles.
The conversation shifts to something new, but I’m too engrossed in conversation with the cutie in my lap to participate. As Jackson talks to me, I run my hand through his soft, blonde hair and steal an occasional sniff of his kiddie shampoo. Suddenly, Jackson surprises me by sliding off my lap, grabbing my hand, and commanding me to come play Legos in another room.
“Au revoir,” I say to the room, doing the Queen’s wave with my free hand. “I’m off to play.”
“Auntie Amy isn’t your babysitter, honey,” Violet says to her son. “When Mrs. Sampson gets here, she’ll play Legos with you a little before bedtime.” Violet looks at her watch. “Speaking of which, where is Mrs. Sampson? She’s never late.”
“I’ll play with him until she gets here,” I offer. For one thing, Jackson hasn’t stopped pulling me out of the large room, despite what his mother said. And for another, I’m a sucker for a cute kid who likes me.
“Are you sure, Amy?”
“Absolutely.”
By chance, my gaze meets Colin’s before I exit the room, and the look on his face as he watches me with Jackson sends warmth oozing into my core. I can’t read his expression with confidence. But it sure seems like he’s looking at me the same way he did on that patio last week, right before leaning in to kiss me.
When Jackson and I arrive in the playroom, he retrieves a box of Legos from a shelf, and we get settled onto the floor and begin building. A few minutes later, Violet appears and sits next to her son on the floor.
“Mrs. Sampson isn’t coming, Donut,” she says. “So, I’m gonna play Legos with you tonight, okay?” She whispers to me, “Her daughter was in a car accident. She’s okay, thank God, but Mrs. Sampson doesn’t want to leave her tonight.” She touches Jackson’s blonde head. “I’d certainly stay with my kid, too.”
“Thank goodness she’s okay. How scary, though.”
“I can’t imagine.”
“Do you have another babysitter you can call?”
Violet shakes her head. “I tried and struck out. But that’s okay. Jackson and I will have a fun Mommy and Me Night. Right, Bubba?”
“Why don’t I watch him?” I ask. “Go to the party, Violet. I insist.”
Violet pulls a face that tells me she’s not having it. “You came to LA early, specifically to go to this party with Colin.”
“Yeah, I know, but I don’t even know Laila. This birthday party was nothing but a networking opportunity for me, a fun thing to do—but I’ll still have lots of chances to network next week on Colin’s movie set. Laila’s your friend. You should be there to celebrate her birthday.”
My logic seems to be making headway with Violet, so I pile on. “I love kids. I grew up babysitting everyone on my street. Honestly, I’ll have more fun playing Legos with Jackson than trying not to embarrass myself in front of a room full of celebrities, while also trying to pretend I don’t feel anything but platonic friendship for my ‘date.’”