Page 57 of Battered Moves

“Are you for real right now?” I ask, frustration evident in my voice, but all I hear is the sound of the shower turning on. I huff in annoyance. “I’ll text you tomorrow. Thank you again,” I yell at the door.

I return to my own apartment, feeling a mix of emotions. Uncertain if he heard me or if he really was in the shower, I decide to send him a text message instead.

Thank you again for your help. I’ll text you tomorrow. I love you.

His response comes immediately.

I love you too.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

Liv

It’s Saturday, but I know from Chris that Chase doesn’t have any classes today, which is perfect because I have big plans for him. Birthdays were always a big deal in my family, and everyone would take the day off from school or work to celebrate together.

Unfortunately, my last few birthdays were less than ideal. On my twentieth birthday, I spent the day with Liam at a competition. He forgot about what day it was until my parents FaceTimed me, and even though we went out that evening, he spent the whole night talking to other people while I sat alone, sipping on my Coke.

My twenty-first birthday was even worse. It was six months after everything happened, so I stayed home and drank nearly half a bottle of Jack Daniels by myself, trying to black out and forget about the memories of happier days. I remember thinking that birthdays are only special if you have someone to share them with. If not, it’s just another day in the year with the potential to make you feel sad and lonely.

I thought I would never have a good association with birthdays ever again, and yet here I am, in my car packed with presents, some balloons, the cupcakes Gunner made yesterday evening, and all the stuff I need for the next few days, happy to spend this special day with Chase.

I park my car in front of the guys’ house and grab the plate of cupcakes in one hand and the balloons in the other. Walking up to the door, I knock with my foot, and River answers with a look of surprise.

“Liv!” he exclaims as I step inside. He’s wearing a grey T-shirt, and I peck his bicep as I walk by him.

“Where’s the birthday boy?” I ask over my shoulder, making my way into the living room.

“Liv,” River says urgently from behind me, but I’m already standing in front of Jaxon and Chase, who are sitting on the couch watching a movie.

“Hey,” I greet them both with a smile, setting the cupcakes down on the table in front of Chase. “Happy birthday!” I exclaim, but Chase looks at me with no emotion in his eyes. He stands up and walks out of the room, then I hear him shutting the door to his bedroom.

Confused and worried, I turn to Jaxon.

“What did I do?” I whisper shout, panic rising in my chest.

“Who told you it’s his birthday?” Jaxon asks, rubbing his temples, and I freeze.

“It’s not his birthday today?” I ask.Leave it to me to confuse the birthdays of my four boyfriends.

“It is. He’s like this every year,” Jaxon explains. “He doesn’t like celebrating his birthday.”

Just then, Ryder walks into the living room, but because he’s looking over his shoulder to talk to River, he doesn’t see me at first.

“Has grumpy boy said his goodbyes already?” Ryder asks worriedly, but his expression quickly changes when he sees me standing there, holding the balloons. “Hey, baby.” He smiles at me before noticing the cupcakes on the table. “Ah, fuck,” he mutters, playing with his lip ring. Jaxon gives him a knowing look.

“You told her it was his birthday but forgot to mention that we don’t celebrate it, didn’t you?” he says. I feel embarrassed and uneasy.

“Here, let me take them,” River offers before taking the balloons from my hand and bringing them into his room. If the situation weren’t so tense, I would laugh at how cute he looks with them.

“I’ll put these in the fridge,” Ryder says, grabbing the cupcakes. I look down at my feet, feeling guilty.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, wringing my hands. “Maybe I should just go, or I could try to talk to him and apologize? I don’t know which would be worse right now.” Jaxon steps in front of me.

“Eyes on me, Liv,” he says, and I give him my full attention. “You didn’t know, so it’s not your fault,” he assures me. “Chase needs to tell you his story himself, but just know that it has nothing to do with you. It’s sweet of you to bake him cupcakes,” he adds, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “Why don’t you try knocking on his door and ask him what he prefers? If he wants to be left alone, you can come back and watch the movie with me.” He kisses the top of my head, and I already feel much more grounded.

He’s right—I just need to ask Chase what he wants.Time to put on your big girl panties, Livy.Taking a deep breath, I make my way to Chase’s room and softly knock on the door.

“Chase, can we talk?” I ask, hoping he’ll answer.

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