In the vacant parking lot, I pulled into an empty parking space in front of Wildcat Bar and killed the car engine. It was almost 9:30, and most of the stores and restaurants around the area were closed. Even Wildcat Bar had a close sign hanging out. But I could see Zeke closing up through the giant glass window.

I wasn't surprised. Jason was long gone since Kelsie wasn't feeling too well. Zeke had assured me now was the perfect time to meet face-to-face since no one else would be there while he was closing for Jason.

Grabbing my purse from the back, I headed for the bar. Knocking on the window, I caught Zeke's attention. He waved back with a hug smile and pointed towards the door. I waved back with a smile before handing for the door.

"Gabby, hi." He greeted, hugging me before closing the door behind me. "How are you?"

I looked around the half-closed-up bar. "Good, I see you're still closing up. Why don't I give you a hand?"

I didn't wait for him to reply before lifting one of the chairs that needed to go on the table. Zeke knew I wasn't going to take no for an answer.

He took the chair from me, "OK, I think maybe I should do the chairs. How about you help me wipe down the rest of the tables?"

That wasn't a bad compromise, and I still got to help him. I nodded, letting go of the chair.

I proceeded to wipe down one of the tables. "So, is Kelsie OK," I asked as I worked.

"She should be," Zeke replied, "Jason said she was able to eat relatively well, and she doesn't have a fever. Whatever caused her nausea has subsided after she threw up, so it was probably just a stomach bug of sorts."

I let out a relieved breath, knowing my friend was OK. My hands went to my pocket, where I had a folded piece of paper with my Pop-pop's name and number written down. I debated if Kelsie still needed it.

Zeke's voice broke me from my debate. "I got to check on something, "I'll be right back."

It didn't take us long to finish closing up. After the final table was wiped and the chair was up, Zeke disappeared back into the kitchen.

I took a seat at the bar, waiting for him to finish what he needed to in the kitchen. I fished the folded paper from my pocket and just sat there staring at it. I planned to give it to Zeke tonight to pass it along to Kelsie and Jason in case they wanted a second opinion. But it sounds like Kelsie was doing better, so maybe it wasn't necessary.

"Everything OK? You seemed pretty spaced tonight." I quickly shoved the paper back into my pocket.

I nodded, crumbling the paper, "I'm just glad that Kelsie's OK."

"Hey, no arguments from me," He agreed, placing some soft pretzels in front of me.

My mouth watered at the smell of the salt and the touch of cinnamon. The sight of it was just as appealing with the golden brown edges and lightly golden tops. Grabbing one off the plate, I knew they had to be fresh just from how warm they still were. These were probably what he was working out in the kitchen. Breaking a piece off, I heard the crack as crumbs dropped. My taste buds were screaming at me for a taste by the time I popped a bit into my mouth.

"Mmmm," I took in every flavor that exploded on my palate. I broke off another piece. "I don't know how you do it, Zeke. Your soft pretzels are never too salty or hard. They're always super soft on the inside with the right amount of exterior crunch and flavor. What's your secret?"

Zeke beamed at my compliment from where he was fixing our drinks. He finished our drinks and placed an iced tea in front of me. "I don't really have any secrets to my baking or cooking. I guess it's just cause I love what I do, and every time I make something, it shows."

He poured his drink and took a seat beside me at the bar. I took a sip of my drink and offered him the final piece of the pretzel I was breaking chunks of.

"So, why do you love to cook so much," I realized I had never once asked him about his love for cooking.

Zeke took the pretzel and popped it into his mouth. "My grandparents taught me since I was little; there was something about it. I loved being able to make something out of nothing and creating something. Granddad told me it's the best way to show someone you care because it shows you've put thought into it."

"Your grandparents taught you well and knew what they were talking about."

Zeke smiled, "so what about you? What is it about party planning for you?"

I scrunched my nose, debating how much I could or should tell him. "Remember how I told you the other day about memories being a big deal for my family and how you said I get to be a part of other people's memories?" I continued when he nodded, "that's why the feeling I get knowing I could do something good for someone else no matter how bad my life is."

"I never thought of it like that," Zeke admitted, "but I get it. You love helping people create memories because of how important memories are to you."

I nodded, "That's another way to put it, but yes. Now, let's talk about the birthday memory you're hoping to give Sharpay."

Zeke took a sip of his drink and agreed, "let's."

I dug a pen and notebook from my bag, "So, let's hear some ideas you have, and we can go from there."

Zeke let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I don't really have any ideas."

I looked up from my notebook, "nothing?"

He shook his head, "not unless you count a puppy party decked out in pink, which I don't think Sharpay will like with all the dogs at our place at once."

I winced, "yeah, if Sharpay wouldn't like it, it probably wouldn't count." I agreed.

I could see I had my work cut out for me and why Zeke needed my help. This party was going to take a lot of work to put together.

"Alright, let's start with the party date," I suggested picking another starting place. "Would you like the party to be on Sharpay's actual birthday?"

Zeke nodded, "that is the ideal."

I noted that and moved on, "What about location? You just mentioned your place; is that the ideal venue for the party?"

Zeke nodded again, and I made another note. "I was maybe thinking of having the party be like a theater theme party with a couple of Sharpay's closes friends since the theater is Sharpay's passion."

I thought about what he said for a moment, "how did you want to do that?"

Zeke shrugged, and I could tell he was really grasping at straws for an idea. "Uhhhh, what about having everyone come dressed as one of the characters from any one of Sharpay's favorite plays?"

"So, like a costume party?"

I see the confusion on Zeke's face, like he had no idea what he was saying before. "I guess."

That wasn't a bad idea; it could actually work. "That's not a bad idea….but that sounds more like a fall kind of party. Now that could work, but are you sure that's what Sharpay would like?"

Zeke ran a hand over his hair and let out a frustrated groan. "I never thought this would be so hard. This is pathetic. I can't even figure out the kind of party my wife would like."

I could tell he was getting frustrated with himself. "Hey Zeke, take it easy. It's not the end of the world. Once we figure out all the small stuff, everything will come together, I promise." I encouraged placing a calming hand on his arm. "I'm not going to let this party flop."

I noticed Zeke relaxing again, and I let go of his arm. "I'm just frustrated; I should know Sharpay better than anyone. Now I don't even know what she likes."

"I'm sure you know more than you believe," I assured him, "I've seen plenty of people coming in and not knowing what kind of party they want. Picking the theme is usually the hardest part. Once you have that, everything comes together right before your eyes."

Zeke smiled, "Thanks, I'll hold you to that."

"Good," I answered that we were back on track, "you mentioned before that Sharpay loves your sweets, right?"

Zeke popped a piece of pretzel in his mouth, "yeah, she always asks me to make her treats."

"OK, so we might have to change the location, but what about a sweet treat pool party? We can have all of Sharpay's favorite things there. Her friends, favorite treats you make, of course, games, pink sparkles and decorates…all of it." I suggested deciding to roll with the season theme.

Zeke's eyes widen, "you know that could work. Sharpay could really like that. We could have the party in the backyard, by the pool. It's perfect."

I shouldn't have been surprised when Zeke mentioned having a pool in the backyard, but I was.

"Sounds like it's the plan then," I made more notes in my notebook. "So now we have a party date, a venue, and the theme, we are a lot closer to pulling the party together."

Zeke's smile beamed with excitement. "Sounds awesome, but can we really pull it off without Sharpay knowing?"

"Definitely," I assured him, "nothing goes up until the day of the party, and any planning beforehand can be done here or at your friend's place. On the day of the party, we can get Sharpay out of the house while we set up decorations, nothing to it. Speaking of decorations, that's what we should talk about next."

Ping

Zeke's phone went off.

"Sorry," He apologized, taking a look at his phone.

"It's fine," I answered, "why don't you take it."

Zeke stepped away, and I made more notes while waiting for him to return. It didn't take long for Zeke to return with a frown. "That was Sharpay wondering why I'm not home."

I checked the time, and I realized I should be leaving too. Immediately I started gathering my stuff. "Wow, I didn't realize the time; I should be leaving too."

"Can you meet me again?" He asked as he started clearing the drinks and leftover soft pretzels. "Or will I be meeting with another planner?"

I took one last sip of my iced tea before handing the glass back to him, "can you meet me again tomorrow night to do more planning?"

The corner of Zeke's lips curved into a smile, "we can't meet here since Jason's closing tomorrow, but how about we meet at my place? Hopefully, we can meet a little earlier and get more done."

"Sounds like a plan," I gave him one last hug. "Tomorrow night, text me your address."

Making sure I had everything, I left, ready to head home for the night.

The following night Javier and Rowan watched Melody while I met with Zeke again at his place. Doubling checking, it was the correct address I pulled up to the gates of a vast mansion size home with a stunningly beautiful yard. The sight of the beautiful two-story mansion in front of me was breathtaking. All four walls of the estate were mostly glass, making it possible to see the amazingly decorated inside of the villa. Staircases were coming from either side of the balcony that went around the entire house. I could see the tables and chairs set on the balcony. It was a place I could see Sharpay and even Ryan living in.

Once I was over the shock, I pushed the call button on the communicator. "Hello?" Zeke's voice rang through a couple of moments later.

"Zeke," I answered, "ready to get more work done?"

I could picture Zeke's excitement as the gates slowly creaked open. I slowly pulled in when the gates were fully opened, still taking in the sight in front of me. I came to a complete stop seeing Zeke at the mansion's front door.

"You can just leave your car parked here," Zeke instructed, "That's what everyone else does when they come over."

Killing the car engine, I grabbed my bag from the back. Zeke hugged me before leading me inside. We stopped in the kitchen, where I could set my bag down on the counter.

The kitchen is an open concept with the living room. The outside was nothing compared to the interior. I saw only a tiny glimpse of the inside through the window. I couldn't believe the sight in front of me.

"This house is totally Sharpay," I commented, taking in the sight in front of me. "This place must have caused a real fortune."

"Actually, Sharpay's parents gave it to us as a wedding present, and Sharpay decorated it," Zeke explained, "want a tour?"

Glancing around, I feel my curiosity getting the better of me. "Yeah, I'd love a tour."

He leads me back the way we came up a spiraling staircase. "So, the second floor is mostly guest rooms with a few extra rooms. The furthest room is the master bedroom, and Sharpay's clothes room is connected."

I honestly didn't know why I was so surprised to hear that Sharpay had a room just for her clothes. Sharpay has always been about fashion. Clothes were part of Sharpay's signature, so it should have been expected.

"May I," I asked, curious to see what a clothes room looked like.

Zeke nodded, "Sure, Taylor and Kelsie have been in there before."

A gasp escaped from me, seeing the room, "this is almost like a mini little clothing store."

Zeke chuckled, "that's what Taylor and Kelsie both said the first they saw the room."

"So totally Sharpay," I stated before we moved on.

"The room across the hall is Ryan's."

I stopped him, "Ryan lives here with you and Sharpay?"

Zeke confirmed with a nod, "yup, it makes it much easier for Sharpay and Ryan to rehearse together."

We moved on to a music room and then an office. The Library had to be my favorite room. There were books of all sorts from wall to ceiling. The center of the Library was where the reading nook was complete with sofas and blankets. I would've loved to curl up on the soft-looking couch with a good book and blanket.

"This is better than any library I've imagined," I whispered as I slowly walked around.

Zeke sat on the arm of the couch and folded his arm. "If there is a book you like, you may borrow it as long as you like." Zeke offered.

My finger stopped on the spine of a book, and I turned. "Are you sure?"

Zeke nodded. "Yeah, our friends borrow books from us all the time."

I picked out a book for myself and two for Melody. Zeke's mouth hung open, surprised that I picked out two children's books. I couldn't tell if he would let it go or press me for an answer.

Zeke picked his jaw off the floor and stood back up. "How would you like to see something amazing?"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and nodded, "I'd love to."

"Great, follow me," Zeke headed for the closest guest room, "after you."

My brows narrowed, wondering why the mystery. My confusion only grew when I stepped into the room. It was a regular bedroom to me. There was nothing special about it.

I turned around as Zeke stepped in, leaving the door open. "It's just a bedroom."

He made his way over to the window and threw open the curtains. Unlocking the slide doors, he invited me to step out onto the balcony. Debating for a brief moment, I decided to trust him. I gasped at the view before my eyes.

We were high enough to see the entire yard, complete with a huge pool and basketball court, which didn't come as a surprise.

But the real treat was the view of San Francisco. It was almost like I was looking at a painting with a beautiful mountain background and a village beneath. The golden light of the setting sun highlighted the picture perfectly. The entire scene was breathtaking.

Digging my phone out of my purse, I snapped some pictures of the scene. "Zeke, thanks for letting it go back there."

He nodded, "no worries; just talk about it when you're ready."

I felt a breeze of wind as I snapped a final pick. It felt like the Spring breeze was whispering to me. Closing my eyes, I listen to the whispering breeze whisper their words.

Zeke's voice brought me back to reality. "Did you get a chance to eat?"

"I did," My grumbling stomach conveyed the opposite message.

Zeke raised a curious and confused brow at me. "Why don't we head back downstairs? I can reheat some chicken casserole." I nodded as my stomach grumbled again.

Zeke fixed me a plate of food when we got back downstairs. "Sorry, I didn't realize you would skip dinner to help me tonight."

"I didn't; I ate earlier, but I'm starting to feel a little hungry again," I assured him.

We started more party talk as we waited for the casserole. As usual, I was taking notes as we talked. We had a pretty good idea of the kind of invitations by the time the timer went off.

I caught a whiff of the casserole as it came out of the oven, and a sound of pleasure escaped my mouth. "Mmm, the casserole smells amazing."

"Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells," Zeke commented, handing me a fork. "Here, give it a try."

He didn't have to tell me twice, and I dug right in. The chicken cut like butter and practically melted in my mouth. I could taste the hint of fresh herbs and a tiny squeeze of lemon.

I pointed to the plate with my fork. "You've outdone yourself, Zeke. This casserole is phenomenal."

There was pride in his eyes. "Thanks; I've been tweaking this recipe since high school. You actually helped me remember?"

Zeke took family science during his senior year of high school. He had to come up with some recipes for his class final. Our entire gang was his guinea pig for any recipe he was trying.

"This was the recipe for the casserole you were trying to nail for finals senior year?" I recalled how frustrated he got when he couldn't nail the recipe.

He nodded, "this was that very one. I might have gotten an A, but it wasn't how I wanted. So, I've been tweaking it since."

I shook my head, "You truly have an enormous amount of talent, Zeke, and that holds true whether you are baking or cooking."

He grinned, "Thanks; it's always so satisfying when I know someone is really enjoying what I make."

"I get the same feeling of satisfaction when I watch people enough the few parties I've been able to help plan." I agreed, "so let's talk decorations."

Zeke sat up like he was called to attention, "are you sure you don't want to finish first?"

I shoved a piece of chicken in my mouth and flipped to a fresh page in my notebook. "I'm sure. I multitask all the time; you can think of it like it's my superpower."

Zeke chuckled a little, and I giggled, too, "so, what are your ideas for the decoration?"

"Well, there will be a couple of kids there, so maybe a pinata." Zeke suggested, "and pink, definitely pink."

I nodded as I made some notes. "What else, "I prompted when he didn't say anything.

He shrugged in response. "I was hoping maybe you'd know."

I bit my lip thinking about what I knew about Sharpay. It didn't take me long to realize I didn't know her too well to begin with, and not being in contact for almost three years wasn't working in my favor. It took me a moment to throw any usable ideas out there.

I got up to help Zeke clear, "thanks for dinner, Zeke."

Zeke wiped his hands on a nearby towel. "Anytime. We're friends."

I flipped back through all the notes from tonight. We had made quite the headway tonight. This was shaping up to be a really good party.

"You know what you should do?" I asked.

Zeke hopped on the countertop and took some cookies from the cookie jar. He handed a couple to me and took a bite of one himself. "What?"

"You should decorate the cupcakes and other sweet treats with a summer or pool theme to go with the decorations. It could be a part of the party decorations." I suggested as I took a bite of the cookie in my hand. My eyes widen at the explosion of flavor and chocolate in my mouth. "Let me guess, your own recipe."

Zeke nodded with a chuckle. "Yes, and I love your decoration ideas. You really have an act for this."

"I learn from the best," I stated, "My mom and dad are the masters of party planning. They think of everything.

Front Gate

My eyes widened, and I nearly did a spit take with the bite of the cookie in my mouth. Nothing was registering in my mind. All I could think of was Sharpay or Ryan walking in and seeing me. I was sure there was fear in my eyes as I silently begged Zeke for help. I frantically looked around for an exit as I scrambled to pack my bag. In my flustered state, I accidentally knocked over my bag, spilling all the content.

I groaned as I bent down to shove everything back into my bag as fast as possible.

"Honey, why is there a car parked out front?" Sharpay's voice ran through the house.

"Here," Zeke shoved the rest of my stuff into my bag. We were scrambling so fast that neither of us realized my bracelet had come off or that my lipstick was still under the stool. Believing we had everything, Zeke pulled me up on my feet and towards the back door. "Out back, follow the path to get back to the front where your car is."

Zeke didn't wait for me to answer before slamming the door in my face. I quickly made a mad dash away from the double sliding doors just before Sharpay arrived in the kitchen.

As I got out to the front, I realized another problem.

The Gate.

I quickly texted Zeke.

Me: Gate Closed

Unlocking my car door, I slid into the driver's seat and placed my bag in the back. I held my breath and kept my head down as I waited for Zeke to text or call.

Zeke: Wait I open gate ASAP

Lifting my head, I saw Zeke talking to Sharpay through the window. Thankfully her back was to the window, and Zeke had the yard view. The longer I watched them, the worse my stomach knotted. My breath hitched in my throat, seeing Sharpay's hands fly to her hip. Part of me was glad that I didn't see her face. Closing my eyes, I regained my emotions and reminded myself to relax and trust Zeke with my secret.

My eyes flew open again, hearing the gate open. Releasing my breath, I gently stepped on the gas pedal. My heart dropped into my stomach when I saw the driver of a car at the gate. Instantly I realized that Zeke wasn't the one who opened the gate for me.

I was in big trouble.