Emerson Toscano

Following her best friend's instructions, Emerson pushed the banner to the right, then to the left, to the right again, a little higher... Until she let out a long frustrated sigh. "Evelyn, if this one isn't perfect it's not the end of the world. You'll have time to plan him at least 80 more birthday parties before you keel over." It was harsh humor, even for them but being able to disregard every filter she had been told to use was why she loved Evelyn so much.
Using her wand the plastered the banner on the wall and jumped off the stool on which she had been standing.
Julien and the boys would join them when the guests were set to arrive. For now, it was only Emerson and the two mothers preparing the last few details. "When is he set to arrive?" She was asking Evelyn when the doorbell rang, leaving Emerson to assume that he was there, judging by the stiff pace her friend used to go open the door.
He was tall and handsome. His wife was beautiful. Emerson kept her eyes on her as the mothers awkwardly welcomed them into Vera's home. They all seemed relieved when Louis defused the tension by asking to be held by his father.
Eventually, Evelyn turned towards her and introduced her to the couple. She eyed Sebastien with disdain and used the fact that he had Louis in his arms as an excuse to not shake his hand.
Emerson took Emily's hand and smiled stiffly as she held it. How the woman had stayed with her husband after his affair with Vera she would never understand.
Soon they were all given tasks and back at work. Sebastien moving the darn banner. Evelyn giving him sharp instructions while probably wishing it fell on his head. Vera was taking care of a fussy Louis. Which left Emerson and Emily to set up a few things in the backyard.
"We should move the table so it will be in the sun," Emerson suggested.