“Okay. I’m going to set up the Boozy Chocolate Bar.” Veronica scanned my space. “Where’s a good spot?”
I pointed to the small dresser. “That should be fine right there.”
“I have everything. This Boozy Chocolate Bar is going to be epic.” She pulled out bottles. “I’ve got the rum and horchata. It’ll be a cinnamon hot chocolate blend. People call it RumChata.”
Park headed over. “Do you need help setting up? That’s why I’m here.”
“Oh. I have an assistant tonight?” Veronica gestured to the other bags. “Thanks. Go ahead and get everything out and I’ll organize it over here. Oh yeah. Get the Kahlua and red wine too.”
Anna put on her coat and came over to me. “I love it.”
I checked Anna’s arm length and wished it were an inch shorter, but she loved it so I left the coat alone. “Wait. Veronica, did you say red wine?”
“Red wine hot chocolate is becoming a thing.” Veronica snapped her fingers three times as if she were listening to a song. “Last year Trevor made me one. I thought he’d lost his mind. As soon as I tasted it, I had to have more.”
“I’ll have to try that.” I went over to Emma and checked her coat, happy with the fit.
“I’ll make you one,” Veronica said. “If you prefer a sweeter drink, go for a strawberry wine, and if you prefer something a little drier, I’ll add merlot.”
“I’m excited about the Kahlua.” Anna giggled. “That sounds so tasty.”
Park carried over bags of marshmallows to the table.
“I brought white chocolate too.” Veronica pulled out more bottles. “My Trevor loves it with vanilla vodka so I brought that too.”
Park brought over a double burner. “Should I plug this in now?”
“Yeah. The pots are over there so we can start melting chocolate.” Nodding, Veronica picked up another bag. “Guys, look at these.”
I turned her way. “Aww.”
Veronica held campfire mugs in her hand. All were red with our names and titles in green lettering.
Groaning, Emma closed her coat as if she were cold. “I’m allergic to chocolate.”
“No, you’re not.” Anna kept on her coat and twirled in the mirror. “You’re allergic to fun.”
“That’s not funny. I am allergic to chocolate.” With a deep frown, Emma wore the hat and coat, looking like the saddest elf in the world. “Remember that time I broke out in hives after eating that chocolate bar?”
“I don’t remember any such thing.” Anna waved her sister’s comment away. “In fact, you were eating a chocolate chip cookie on the plane yesterday.”
“That cookie had a small amount in it.”
“Fine, Emma.” Anna rolled her eyes. “Then don’t drink anything.”
“What? It’s Holly’s big day. I have to participate.” Emma turned Veronica’s way. “I just wish my feelings were considered when coming up with these activities.”
Veronica snorted. “Well, when it’s your wedding we’ll think of you.”
Emma let out a long breath. “I’ve already had a wedding.”
“Exactly.” Veronica returned to the bags.
Anna walked over to Park and helped with setting up. Shrieking, she raised a bottle in the air. “Tequila!”
“Had to bring the Patron.” Veronica snapped those fingers again. “Back in college, Holly and I would study for fall exams in our cold-ass dorm room. To keep us alive, I would have to whip us up some hot chocolate del diablo.”
I smirked. “I remember some stories about that special drink. Wasn’t she arrested once after you made them?”
“Girl.” Veronica shook her head and laughed. “Not just once. You know she don’t know how to handle her liquor. Holly likes to pop off at everybody like she isn’t a tiny thing.”
Emma sat on my bed. “So, should we even let her drink tonight, Ivory?”
“It’s her bachelorette party. She has to drink.” I placed Holly’s coat on the bed. “My job tonight is to keep her out of trouble, especially out of jail.”
Park lifted a bottle of Malibu rum. “This will be yummy.”
Veronica nodded. “The Malibu gives a nice coconut flavor.”
Anna had four bottles of whip cream and a bag of dark chocolate sprinkles. “This really is going to be an epic bar.”
I checked my watch. “Okay. She’ll be heading over soon. What can I do?”
“Grab the Black cherries over there and the bourbon.” Veronica gestured to her side. “I’ve got ice cream too for the super sweet fanatics.”
“And what about food?” Emma asked. “Are we just going to load up on sweets and liquor?”
Veronica eyed her. “What did you bring again?”
I cleared my throat. “Emma, we’re eating after the drinks. I made reservations. Why don’t you handle the music? I have some Bluetooth speakers over there. You can plug your phone up and do a playlist.”
“Oh no!” Anna rushed over there. “Emma will have us listening to Nine Inch Nails all night. Trust me, Ivy. I’ll get the party started.”
“What?” Emma followed over to the other side of the room. “I have great taste in music.”
Veronica looked at me and kept her voice low. “Girl, I don’t know if Emma is going to make it tonight. I’m pretty close to digging a hole in that frozen sea and putting Emma in it. They’ll be looking for her body all morning.”
I laughed. “Let her live, Veronica.”
A knock came. Holly’s voice sounded next. “Ivy, are you dressed? I can’t wait to see you.”
“Shit.” I rushed for her coat and hat. “She came too early. Everyone get together.”
We all lined up. Park joined us.
“Come on in, Holly,” I yelled. “I didn’t lock the door.”
She opened it, spotted us, and screamed. “What?”
We laughed.
“No way!” She held her hands out and took in our beanies and coats. “What are you all doing?!”
“I know you said that you weren’t going to do a bachelorette party because this week would be so busy, but. . .” I shrugged. “I couldn’t let you go out like that, girl.”
“Oh my God!” She rushed over and hugged me.
When she let go, Veronica embraced her. “We love you, Holly.”
“I can’t believe you all are doing this.” Shocked she shook her head and hugged Anna.
I presented Holly with her Bride beanie.
“Aww!” Holly grinned. “It says bride. That’s me.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”
“This is so cute!” Holly put it on.
“And don’t forget this.” Veronica showed her the dildo crown.
“Oh, God!” Holly fell on the floor laughing. “No! I am not wearing that!”
That reaction was worth that ungodly crown.
“You’re wearing this.” Veronica bent over and put the dildo crown on her head. “You’re the Bride.”