Page 113 of 2204 Hunter Lane
“She was phenomenal on the plane. We didn’t even hear a peep from her.” Adam said, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“She’s beautiful, she’s so beautiful and perfect and small.” I gawked, forcing myself to stand because Lord knows I’d stay staring at this gorgeous specimen for eternity.
Michelle pulled out a tiny giftbox from her bag and handed it to me. “Happy birthday, Marley. It’s from both of us.”
Her calm, green eyes sparkled at me with delight as I took hold of the gold package and shook my head. “Michelle, you really didn’t need to get me anything. Seriously, the only thing I would accept are those cupcakes you made for Halloween two years ago.”
“I’d be happy to make those for you instead of a cake. If I can remember, you only like –”
“Red velvet,” my brother finished her sentence. “The only sweet Mom could never get you off of.”
I returned his smile and slowly unwrapped the box in my hand, finding a gold Cartier ring and bracelet set hidden beneath the lid.
“Shut up!” I gasped, averting my gaze between the two robbers in my apartment. “You stole this, right? I cannot believe you got me this!”
“Marley, I work on Wall Street –”
“And you don’t let me forget it,” I beamed, dragging him into a bear hug and pulling Michelle’s hand towards me.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times. I’m not material but any girl would go feral for a Cartier set.” I pulled away, gripping Michelle’s hand. “Please tell me you have one too.”
She shook her head. “No, but only because I can’t wear jewelry while working in the kitchen. I don’t even wear my wedding ring.” She pulled out a dainty silver chain with a diamond band holstered on it. “I keep it with me underneath my apron.”
Smart woman.“Well, thank you again. You both really didn’t need to get me anything. But I’m sure you’re hungry?”
Adam was already walking to my fridge, pulling open the door handle with a frown. “Famished, and you got nothing, sis. You sure you’re crushing it at your job? All I see are yogurt cups and kombucha.”
A grim look clouded his visage as he threw his shoulders back. “You’re not still on that horrible paleo diet, are you?”
“No! I have some chips in the pantry if you want to have a snack. Help yourself, too Michelle.”
“What time’s the reservation?” He asked, already scavenging my shelves.
I made my way to the bathroom, calling out before I shut the door. “In half an hour and I purposely didn’t wear makeup because I knew I’d cry so I need a few minutes!”
Their chuckles made me giddy as I absorbed the hushed chatter of their familiar voices in the next room, voices I hadn’t heard in so long and voices I honestly thought I wouldn’t hear again.
My waterline cupped a few more tears before I slapped my face and pulled myself together.Stop crying, Marley. Stop crying.
But they were happy tears, the happiest tears that could ever fall. Because it was my birthday, and for the first time in twenty-four years… I felt complete.
???
I’d been a regular at Berandino’s for a few months now since Payton loved to throw her staff parties in the lounge.
The manager, Derek, actually lived in Brooklyn for a few years and tried to make his restaurant dream work there but it didn’t.Sad but expected. If you couldn’t afford to rent a unit for three thousand a month, you were getting no where.
But he made the smart move and he up and fled to a small town where he knew his business would thrive. He liked the quaintness of Aurora, and I didn’t blame him. It grew on me more than I ever thought possible, and at this point, I couldn’t see myself ever leaving. From New York City to Nebraska… who would’ve thought.
“Where’s Hunter?” Adam asked, plopping an olive into his mouth.
We sat at the half-moon booth towards the back area of the restaurant which was the quieter part of Berandino’s. It wasn’t a huge space, but it was always busier near the bar.
I swiped out my phone to check the time: 5:13pm. “He should be here any minute.”
“I’m excited to meet him,” said Michelle.
“I’m not.” Adam declared, flatly.
