Page 78 of Mayhem

“It looks amazing. So amazing that I had to go take a minute to compose myself. It’s perfect. Thank you.”

His head snaps up as a smile spreads across his face.

I walk over to him, pulling him into a hug.

I might have my own baggage to unpack later, but I can make his a little lighter, so that’s what I’m going to do.

“No problem. I love this stuff.” He waves away my compliment.

“How did you know my favorite color is green, anyway?” I ask, brushing a fly-away hair out of my face.

He shrugs. “A little birdy told me.”

I glance back at Chase. He winks.

What’s your favorite color?

Really?

Yes, really.

Green.

That conversation we had that night seems like ages ago.

“We brought food and even have a couple of presents. Oh, and we bought you a cake.” Nate’s giddy, like a child on his own birthday.

You would never know it’s actually my birthday.

“Well, let’s eat then. I’m starving. What about you, Hailee?”

I ask, watching as she observes from the edge of the room. “I should probably go home.”

“No way,” Nate says. “You have to stay for cake at least. I’ll drive you home after.”

“I can walk, thank you very much,” she huffs, coming to stand next to me.

“Didn’t you know? There’s a big bad wolf out there just waiting to eat a pretty young thing like you up.”

“In your dreams, buddy.” She turns to me. “I’ll stay for a little bit if you want me to.”

I give her a grateful smile. “I do. It wouldn’t be a celebration without my best friend.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know I mean them. They feel right. Hailee is my best friend.

She pauses, her eyes widening slightly. Then she shakes her head. “Of course not. I mean, it’s not much of a party with these two.”

“You wound me,” Nate tells her, clutching his chest.

“Somehow I think your ego can take the hit.”

I chuckle, pulling Hailee into my side. “I think I love you.”

She laughs. “I love you too, Willow.”

It’s almost like an out-of-body experience being here with all of them, celebrating my birthday.

As we eat and laugh, opening presents and blowing out birthday candles, I get an odd feeling inside. It’s not bad per se, but it’s not something I have ever felt.

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