Page 87 of Break Point
I’m busy taking a hot bath to relax my sore muscles after today’s grueling match. Which I won.
Theo D: Not surprised in the slightest. I’m on my way to the hotel. What’s your room number so we can celebrate both our wins? My muscles are sore too.
I let out a breath and toss my phone onto the bench beside the bathtub. I know I’m playing with fire, even if I’ve conveniently forgotten how intense things can get with Theo. But that’s tomorrow’s problem.
Tonight is about recovery.
And tomorrow? Tomorrow, Henry better buckle up, because it’s going to be one hell of a bumpy ride.
1 Congratulations, my love. Try to get some rest.
2 Thank you. Of course.
CHAPTER 21
18TH BIRTHDAY
JANUARY 22, 2011
MY SUITE’S DOORBELL rings,jolting me awake. I reach for my phone on the nightstand and squint at the time. 7:25 a.m.
Groaning, I drag myself out of bed and shuffle to the door.
“Good morning, Miss Freeman,” a hotel employee greets me with a thick Australian accent, his smile too bright for this hour. “These arrived for you, Miss.”
He grips the trolley’s handlebar, stacked with several flower arrangements, reminding me that today’s my birthday.
“Good morning,” I say, summoning a smile. “Thank you for bringing these up.”
“May I help you place them inside?” he offers. “They’re rather heavy.”
“Please, come in.”
I hold the door open as he rolls the cart inside. He heads toward the living room and carefully unloads the arrangements, placing the vases on the coffee table.
“Thank you so much.”
“Happy birthday, Miss Freeman,” he replies with a polite nod. “And good luck tomorrow.”
I hurry to the living room the moment he leaves, eager to see who’ssent me flowers. The most impressive one is from Neel Ultex. It’s a spectacular flower arrangement of dark pink and lavender hydrangeas, red and light lavender roses, purple carnations, purple button spray chrysanthemums, and lush greenery.
Another stunning sunflower arrangement from Sportaid makes me smile. The third one is a mix of roses in different shades of pink. The card says it’s from Mom, Dad, and Robbie.
So, basically, from Dad.
I doubt Mom and Robbie know these arrived. At least Robbie is on his way, which means he’ll be able to congratulate me in person and show his support at tomorrow’s match.
The hotel sent another smaller but stunning arrangement filled with all-yellow flowers.
Last but not least, a small box tied with a purple ribbon, the bow simple but elegant. I grab the card and see Henry’s name on it.
With a sigh, I read it.
Happy 18th birthday, Bells!
I’m sorry about yesterday. I want nothing more than for you to have a great time today. Perhaps this gift will finally make you want to add the K to the NEHBL. I’m curious to see what happens if you do. I hope we can talk later. I missed your necia ass last night at dinner.
-Henry
