A party felt just the treatment for today, Mandy thought, stepping out onto the rooftop and taking a breath of air. She'd spent the day at odds with Matthew, and oh, didn't quarreling wear you out?
So it was a treat to look forward to spending the evening celebrating something. She found a spot to set her gifts; she'd made cute quilted throw pillows with the girls' initials, perfect for tossing on their bed or to prop for evening reading, and had enclosed a voucher so they could pick out a new book.
An array of drinks sparkled on a nearby table and she poured herself a glass of white, and headed off to greet the birthday girls.