Chapter 274

"Brent," Kat said with noticeable quickness.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Jess said, walking to the center of the room. "May I have your attention, please?" She had a knack for the theatrical. "We want to thank all of you for being here."

Kat and Rita now stood by her side.

"This is going to be a special evening," she continued. "We’re celebrating the very special man in our lives. John -- take a bow! Come on, John!"

I smiled sheepishly and waved awkwardly at Jess’s introduction. There was a smattering of applause, healthy laughter, and a couple catcalls.

"It’s his birthday in a few days, and we wanted to make it an extremely memorable one," Jess said. "So we thought we would play a game. Rita? Do you want to tell everyone what they’re in for?"

"Please help yourselves to drinks and party favors," Rita began. "I’m sure you’ll get the idea easily enough."<