Page 116 of Lumi
CHAPTER23
Birthday Party
Lumi
River, Nathan, Atlas, and Jolene were already at Charles and Liv’s house when Damian and I arrived.
“Who arrives half an hour late for their own birthday party?” Nathan laughed and gave me a big hug.
“It’s my fault. My car broke down again,” Kit said and moved into the kitchen to greet everyone. But don’t worry, it was an easy fix for Damian and now she’s as good as new.”
“Why do you drive that old bucket anyway?” River asked and kissed Kit on the cheek when they hugged.
“That old bucket has served me well, and for yer information, not all of us have money trees in our garden.”
“I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just that I worry about your safety. What if it breaks down when you need to escape a furious husband who discovers you’re taking pictures of his infidelity?”
“River, love, ye’ve seen too many Hollywood movies.” Kit laughed and picked up my little sister Saffron, who was six now and the only biological daughter of Charles and Liv.
Liv came over with champagne glasses and gave us one each. “We’ve been waiting for you two to arrive. Charles told us that John White came to your apartment last night, and we’re all dying to hear about it.”
“Well, it’s true, we…”
“Wait.” Liv waved us to follow her. “Before you start telling, let’s all move to the living room. We always end up standing around in the kitchen, but I’ve put out snacks for us.”
Walking into the large open area with the beautiful view to the beach, I sniffed in the lovely scent of food.
“Hmm, something smells wonderful.”
Liv nodded to the open kitchen. “It’s the roast. We’re slow cooking it. Come have a seat.”
I sat down on the large sectional couch with River, Saffron, Kit, Damian, and Liv, while Jolene and Atlas shared an oversized comfy chair, and Nathan and Charles brought over chairs from the dinner table.
“Okay, now, let’s hear it,” Liv encouraged with eagerness.
“Well, there’s not much to tell. Damian woke me up when John White began banging on my door. It was embarrassing how he woke up all the neighbors and shouted about how his downfall is all my fault.”
“Did you beat him up?” Nathan asked Damian with a cheeky grin.
Damian was busy moving some of the many, many cushions from the sofa to make more room.
“Here, give them to me.” Liv reached her hands out.
“What is it with ye Americans and cushions?” Damian laughed. “Is it a proof of citizenship to fill every bed and couch with useless pillows and cushions? How many do ye have?”
Nathan and Damian counted out loud.
“Fourteen cushions, Liv. What the hell?”
Liv waved her hand with a grin. “Cushions create a cozy atmosphere; now don’t change the subject.”
Damian sat down again, and this time he placed his arm on the back of the couch. “Naw, I didn’t beat John up, Nathan. I just restrained him until the guards came and took him to the station.”
“That must have been so scary, though.” River took my hand.
“We’re in shock that John would do something this extreme.” Liv gestured to the coffee table, which was bursting with fruit, nuts, buns, and cake. “I baked. Please help yourself.”
As we leaned in to fill our plates, Liv continued, “I called Jessie, John’s wife, this morning, and she was in the dark. She had no idea that John got himself arrested last night.”
