Recap
I had just worn my shoes when I heard James knocking on my door.
I opened the door for him and he stepped inside.
He took in my appearance and nodded.
"The jumpsuit looks great on you but I would suggest not wearing combat boots to a birthday party where the hosts are going to announce a pregnancy."
"Fighting is easy in boots." I shrugged.
"I don't think you'll have to fight someone in a house party where people are going to enjoy."
"You never know where you'll find a prick. It's better to be prepared."
"Okay, it's your wish. You do know that I'm a Sargeant right?"
" I do know that, yes."
"Ryan and Naomi are cops too."
"I know that."
James sighed and smiled at me.
"You are a dork."
" How?"
"You just are now let's go crash a party!"
" I am invited there, can't say about you."
We laughed and climbed down the stairs. We entered my car and James gave me the directions to Ryan and Naomi's home.
We arrived a little early to help them out. Thank Goodness, everything was a mess here.
"Hey there Mia!" Naomi ran and hugged me. She was still in her PJs
"Happy birthday girl!!" I hugged her back.
" Naomi don't run!" Ryan came rushing towards us and glared at Naomi.
She shrugged and pointed towards me. "Mia's here."
Ryan just shook his head and looked at James. "Now we have two of them brother."
James patted his back, "I know I know."
Naomi and I gave them a funny face and went back towards the house.
The decorations were going on, I turned to ask Naomi what help she needed.
" I will ask James and Ryan to get stuff done. Come let's sit by the pool."
"Really? I thought we were going to help set up?"
"They'll do it don't worry."
Ryan was also not ready and the party was about to start in about an hour an half.
" I and James will get it for you don't worry. You both need to get ready there is no time. Go."
"Are you sure?"
"That's why we are here. Get ready, it's your day. "
"Okay, thanks, Mia. You are a lifesaver."
" Thank you so much, James, you are here to help too. Why do I even bother now?" James muttered and started to climb the stairs.
We all burst into laughter. "He is a big child." I giggled.
I and James started to place the decorations in their places, James seemed to know where everything went. He said that Naomi had already instructed him what to do. He also went to check what was the menu and I was curious too so I followed him. When the inspection was over and everything seemed to be at its place James snuck back into the kitchen. He said that I could join him too. When I saw him searching for something, I asked him what was he doing.
"I'm rewarding myself. You can reward yourself too, search with me." He motioned me towards him.
As he was opening one shelf and then another I understood that he was searching for his Cookies or anything that involves sugar and baking.
I just stood there seeing James getting into full detective mode for searching sweets. I had to smile at him. He was just so sweet and childish sometimes, well most of the time.
"AHAH! Found it. She thinks she is smart. She may be a lieutenant but I am a Sargeant too." He smirked.
"You want some sugar, Sugar?" He asked showing me one cookie.
"If Naomi has baked those, yes." I smiled.
"What do you say when you want something, sugar?"
"Give me the cookie or I'll punch you in the nose. " I said giving him my palm.
He laughs and gives me 5 cookies and turns the jar towards himself.
"What about the remaining? You haven't distributed the cookies evenly."
"Who works hard gets more rewards. You were just standing there. I never share my rewards with anyone."
I chewed on two cookies at a time and asked him, "Then why me? Why are you sharing those with me?" Knowing James I know he was telling the truth so I was genuinely curious.
"You are special." He whispered.
Before I could swallow the other cookie and ask the reason I heard Naomi shout, "YOU FOUND MY COOKIES YOU MONSTER!! I HAD BAKED THEM THIS AFTERNOON!!!"
I quickly shoved the last two cookies down my throat and wiped my mouth to remove any crumbs. I carefully stood near the corner trying to blend in.
"You didn't do a great job at hiding it, it's your fault."
"Next time I'll poison those. End this for good." Naomi sighed.
"I'll first give it to your dear husband. You can't kill me."
"We are talking about cookies and murder in the same sentence?" I asked laughing.
"Welcome to the party girl. " Ryan said sliding his arm around Naomi's waist.
We shared a generous laugh when the doorbell rang indicating the first guest had arrived.
Naomi said us to go freshen up and come downstairs.
***
The party was going in full swing, everything was just as Naomi and Ryan had planned.
People were talking about random stuff and laughter could be heard across the house.
Then the hosts announced their pregnancy and the joy was doubled.
Naomi was cutting the cake and we were cheering for her. She turned and gave her husband a bite then turned towards me and gave me a bite too. Then she turned towards James and grinned wickedly.
"Come here, James. Have a bite." She said laughing an evil laugh.
"I'm good. Thank you." James said backing away from her.
"No, no James. If my wife insists have a bite. I'm sure I would love to help her with all the shouting I had to take on your behalf." Ryan said following his wife.
"Mia, back me up!"
"Why should I?"
"Because you are my friend!"
"I'm their friend too. " I said calmly.
"Umm... But you are my neighbor too. You stay closer to me. Also, I cook for you! Now come on."
"Well, that's true. I'm sorry Naomi, Ryan. Food has always been my priority." I said shielding James.
"I guess we'll have to pass through you too. " Ryan said taking some cake in his hands and giving some to Naomi.
"Mia! Run!" James took my hand and pulled me in his direction.
We exited the room in haste and they came running behind us.
"Be quick, climb the stairs, Naomi will not run."
"But Ryan woull..... Ahhh.! " I screamed as James pulled me up the stairs. If my legs hadn't worked in time I would've fallen.
I didn't even realize that we were in the store when James shut the door close. Then we heard something click shut and I think we are locked in.
"James, I think we are locked."
James tried to open the door but much to his dismay the door didn't budge.
"If I try harder the door will break." James fished his phone out and called Ryan.
"Man, It's me. Hello! we are stuck! Get us outta here."
***
"Your plan worked honey. They are stuck."
"Told you, Ryan I am genius."
"Now what?"
"You not repairing something worked for the first time, dear. Now as you may know our attic freezes up as it has no heat. Also, it's raining outside. The person who fixes the lock will take time to come as he is already working somewhere..."
"Doesn't he take leaves on weekends?"
"Honey... You are still learning." She sighed.
Ryan had a confused look on his face.
"Do I need to do everything here?" Naomi sighed yet again.
"It will get cold for them both within a few minutes and they would need to cuddle up to maintain some body heat and of course I'm trying to get them together and you'll help me."
"Why are you doing that?"
"When I saw them together for the first time I felt something could happen and when I went to visit Mia, James was hell-bent on making me leave the house. Till the point, he had even texted you. Remember?"
"Yeah, he texted that your battery died and you needed me to pick you up."
"And the day he took Mia to the hospital? He was holding her hand till the doctors took her away from him. He was so worried. Remember how he paced?"
"Yeah, then even after we told him everything would be fine he was still worried. And the joy he had on his face when he heard that she was alright. I see what you are trying to say, Nay Nay."
"Exactly! So of course he won't say anything and neither will she. So why not help them understand their feelings. We were there too in the beginning, weren't we Ry Ry?"
"Those were the sweet days. " Ryan said hugging his smart cupid wife.
"Now go tell them that they are stuck in for a while. Come back the cake is waiting. We need to save some for them too." Naomi said returning to the living room.