Big Time Assistant | James Diamond

↠ surprise

"Welcome Surprise Party Planning Committee," Emily introduced, holding her clipboard. "I am your leader and inspiration, Emily, and this is my fearful tyrant assistant, Katie." 

"We know who you are," Kendall interrupted. 

"Strike one," Katie muttered, pointing at her brother. 

"Party is tonight and I would like to review the checklist," Emily continued. "Sushi bar?"

"Caterers will be here at 7 to set up," Camille nodded.

"Gold balloons with sparklers inside to go off when popped?" 

Silence. 

"Logan!" Katie snapped. 

The boy groaned, "They're done and still a stupid idea."

"Strike two, Mitchell." 

"Giant pop-art collage of James' face?" Emily continued. 

"Done, and I got a stack of mini ones to hand out as party favors," Jo smiled. 

Katie and Emily exchanged a glance. 

"Negative strike," Katie hummed, impressed. 

"That's not possible," Logan remarked bitter. 

"You're on thin ice..."

"What about Carlos? He isn't even here!"

"Carlos is distracting James right now," Emily told him.

"Kendall, guest list?" Katie asked. 

"Only person who didn't RSVP was Gustavo."

"He's gonna show up," Emily said. "But tell Freight Train not to let him in and to get Gustavo riled up and cause a scene. James will love that."

"And cake?" Katie turned to Alexa. 

"There's a hole in the middle filled with his favorite candy for an extra surprise," she nodded. 

"Perfect," Katie checked. 

"Please remember this is black tie required," Emily reminded. "You all need to be here at 6 for set up–"

"Didn't you hire people to set up for you?" Logan interrupted. 

"Strike three. Get out," Katie pointed towards the door. 

***

"It's 8:05," Emily paced. "Where are they?" 

"Carlos' location shows they're in the building. It's okay," Alexa soothed.

Katie peeked in the crib from the hall, "Emily, we need to talk," she said. 

In the hall was Katie and a distressed Carlos, covered in dirt, scratch marks, and paintball splatters. 

"Where is James?" Emily asked. 

Carlos whined, bouncing around. "I lost him."

"You what?" 

"He said he lost him," Katie repeated. 

"I heard him, Katie!" She started pacing, "Carlos, there is a crowd of people by the pool waiting for James."

"I know," he said in guilt.