Page 24 of Stick to the Plan
It's My Party
Brianna
The party is a whirlwind of people, food, and liquor. Just the distraction I need. Very tipsy from the free flowing champagne, I slip out to the back patio to cool off and enjoy the stars. The muffled sounds of music and laughter follow me out the open doors, mixing with the calming sound of cicadas buzzing in the trees. I love southern nights.
The patio looks like a fairy garden; someone lit candles and spread them around the pool and tables. The light shimmers on the pool surface, my personal light-show. I sit on a lounger and take a deep breath of the crisp air. Something wet touches my fingers where they hang over the edge of the chair. Turning sharply, I find Riley licking my fingers. With a chuckle, I scoop him up and settle him on my lap. My fingers trail idly over his silky head and back, and I smile to myself as I think back over the evening.
I smile up at the starry night, thankful for my friends; my found family. The food was amazing - only Anna could turn comfort food into a gourmet tapas spread. Nic was right, too. The attention of fit athletes all fighting over my attention did wonders for my mood.
Those girls always know what I need, even when I don’t.
It feels good to flirt again. To be desired. At first, the sight of a dozen gorgeous men in my living room had been terrifying. I was afraid I’d be rusty or awkward at sexual banter. To be honest - I’ve never been that great at it to begin with. Flirtations require an overt show of emotion. Coy movements and manipulating a man’s emotional response. Not exactly traits of a woman labeled efficient and professional. Especially after half a decade suppressing my femininity at work to be ‘one of the boys’.
I don’t miss my ex. Nothing about him personally, anyway. Hell, I found plenty of reasons I washappyit ended. The sting of rejection still remains, though. I haven’t quite exorcised his voice from my mind, telling me I’m not woman enough for him. I’m pretty, but just not pretty enough. Affectionate enough. Sexy enough.
But tonight? It has been marvelously easy, really, to flirt and smile all night. In this dress, with my hair and makeup done professionally, I feel like a different me. Some brand new woman who is alluring, interesting, desirable.
Don’t get me wrong. I know what I bring to the party. Few can match me in a battle of wits. I’m an expert strategist. Master organizer. Natural leader. I am damn good at my job and I am going to get that promotion. My plans never fail, after all.
I feel his presence more than hear him approach. This tipsy, it’s hard to lie to even myself. I’ve become so in tune with Colin that I always know when he’s nearby. I feel it in my bones. My stomach clenches and my heart beats a little faster. Turning just my head, I smile up at him as he sits in the lounger to my right. “You found me.”
He chuckles and arranges himself on the seat. “I followed Riley. What are you doing out here? I believe your party is inside.”
“I wanted to get some fresh air. See the stars for a bit.” I roll my head back to look up at the clear night sky. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Yes. Beautiful.”
I look to my right. Colin is still facing me and not the stars. My breath catches at the yearning in his eyes. His brows are tense and his carefree grin is missing, his lips in a tight line.
“Happy Birthday.” His voice is low, his tone seems off, but my mind is fuzzy from the bubbles and I can’t quite figure out the difference. “Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”
His tone implies this is not a casual question. My eyes move back to his as I answer truthfully, though it’s embarrassing.
“Honestly, I forgot.” I chuckle nervously. “I’ve been so distracted with work…and other things…that I lost track of days.”
“Good thing your friends remembered, or you wouldn’t have celebrated at all.”
“Hey now! Pizza is always a party.” I sit back in the lounger, returning my eyes to the stars, feeling utterly relaxed. “They’re more like family than friends. It’s awful when our jobs keep us apart. Group messaging is great and all, but not the same. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
We sit in silence for a few minutes. I realize Colin is still facing me, and I shift my eyes to him again. Colin seems to turn something over in his mind - he has that calculating look he gets when he’s studying an engineering drawing.
“Family isn’t always blood. How did you find each other?”
“College. I met Nic at freshman orientation. She sat next to me and we instantly bonded. It was the first time far from home for both of us. Anna was our sophomore dorm-mate - the things that girl could do with a hot plate and toaster! Every major adult milestone we’ve done together. Anna and I bought Nic her lucky camera bag as a graduation present. Nic andI try every new dish before Anna serves it at the restaurant. They both helped me study and drove me to my project management certification exam. Every good time, every bad time. We’ve been there for each other.”
I sit up and turn fully towards Colin; the champagne loosening my tongue and making me forget my plan to stay away from this man. The candlelight dances in his eyes as he searches my face. His eyes dart down to my lips and back up to my eyes. I gulp, and lick my suddenly dry lips as his hand reaches towards my face, his eyes still on mine. Gently, his fingers brush my cheek as he pushes an errant curl behind my ear.
His lips quirk up on one side. “Well, you’ll have no lack of amazing parties. The food is delicious - I’ll need to check out this restaurant. And Nic certainly knows how to…ah…entertain. Olympians are quite an impressive guest list.”
My smile grows. The warmth in my belly spreads until I practically vibrate with it. I’m mesmerized by the shadows dancing on the sharp planes of his face. Although we are still alone, his voice has lowered and I lean forward without thought, staring at his lips as if I can read them.
“They were my birthday present. Nic thinks I need to get laid. I’ve been too uptight.” I’m so fixated on his expressive lips, I don’t even realize what I’m saying.
Colin leans towards me. My breaths turn harsh as my heart beats faster. Slowly, his lips spread into a sensual grin until his dimple shows. “Oh, really?”
I swallow, my mouth gone dry. “I just have different priorities. Can’t let anything jeopardize my career. Not again.” Ripping my eyes from his mouth, I look into his eyes trying to read his thoughts. Colin draws a ragged breath as he stands.
“You should get back to your party.”
