'That was close Darlene!' unnecessarily whispering as if Ethan rooms away could have heard. Whispering seemed somehow appropriate, Felicity thought. 'Darlene the emails are out but there's this small bundle to be posted. Can you do it on Monday? I know they won't get them until Tuesday but that can't be helped.'
'Yes it can be.'
'How? Australia post works on weekends for Christmas cards but somehow I can't see them allowing overtime for this.'
'Couriers.'
'That's way too expensive.'
'What budget are you working to?'
'Er..none. It just isn't right to be going overboard for Ethan's party when he's paying for it, and without knowing about it.'
'How many are invited?'
Felicity was thrown by the change of topic. '50. Why?'
'And how many need personal invitations?'
'15.'
Do they all live in Sydney?'
'Most'
'Small price to pay so that no one misses out. Most will already have an event to go to this weekend but I'm willing to bet that this one is way ahead in the 'must go to' stakes. By tonight the word will have gone out that the semi-reclusive Ethan Holt is having a party and at his house. At soirees around the harbour it will be a case of point scoring - "I'm invited, are you?"' Darlene's mimicry of a posh accent changed Felicity's frown to a smile. 'Those not receiving emails may get their noses out of joint and may say something that we'll regret before they get their invitation. Couriering them out will not only give the guests time to rearrange their plans but also ensure that their importance in Ethan's life is not diminished by hearing about the party 2 days before they are invited. And Ethan can afford it!'
Not happy about it but agreeing it was the only way to go Felicity left the kitchen intent on using the phone in her bedroom, Ethan's usual courier company number on a slip of paper in her shorts pocket. Felicity met Ethan coming out of the study, and once again felt the reaction of her body to his presence. Here they go, she thought, headlights blazing on high beam.
'Have you given them yet?'
'Wha..what?'
'The pages you printed…for Chloe.'
'Oh…the pages I printed…for Chloe.'
Ethan looked exasperated then he gently smiled his next words explaining the change in expression.
'Still a bit muddled up here I see.' Ethan stepped forward and softly tapped Felicity on her forehead. 'You're bound to be caught out a bit at times.'