I spot a pink and white cake on another table, surrounded by presents.
It’s everything I described to him that night. Every single thing.
I glance up at Crew, who’s watching me with so much love shining in his eyes.
“You threw me a party,” I whisper.
“A New Year’s birthday party,” he says, grabbing hold of my hand and pulling me in for a kiss. “I hope you don’t mind.”
I’m so overwhelmed I’m afraid I might cry.
“I don’t mind,” I croak, grateful he holds me close so I can sniff into his shoulder, closing my eyes tight so the tears don’t leak.
“You look beautiful, Birdy,” he murmurs when I finally pull away.
I’m wearing a sparkly white dress. The sleeves are poufy and the bodice is deep, showing plenty of cleavage. The skirt is extra short and I leave a trail of iridescent glitter everywhere I go.
“Thank you. So do you.”
Crew is in a suit. Black. White shirt underneath, the top buttons undone, no tie necessary. He looks handsome and sexy, and every time his gaze lands on me, my skin goes hot, because I know what he’s thinking about.
Me and him, naked. That’s happening soon, after the guests leave. But right now, I want to go say hi to everyone.
So I do.
I make the social rounds, Crew by my side, like we’re a real couple, which we are. There’s a table laden with catered food and plenty to drink, and eventually I get a plate, loading it with food before I grab a glass of champagne from the tower and sit with Maggie, drinking and eating while we catch up with each other.
It feels so good, spending time with my friends and knowing Crew is nearby, always with a steady eye on me. He mentioned to me a few days ago that he and Ezra talked it out, and they’re not angry at each other anymore, which makes my heart happy.
Eventually someone starts playing music and it’s so loud, people start dancing. The alcohol is flowing.
It’s turned into a real party.
“Have a drink, Wren!” Ezra encourages and I shake my head.
“I’ll wait until midnight,” I tell him, sending a secretive glance in my boyfriend’s direction.
“Aw come on—”
“Leave her the fuck alone, Ez,” Crew says, effectively shutting his friend up.
I can’t help but giggle. He’s still so grouchy. But never really toward me.
When it’s close to midnight, I end up standing by the Christmas tree, staring out at the city’s glittering lights. The heavy scent of pine still lingers, and I glance over at the tree, taken by the white lights. Crew comes up to me, I see his reflection in the window. He wraps his arm around my middle, his hand splayed across my stomach as I lean into his solid weight behind me.
“I want to tear off this dress.” He streaks his fingers across my stomach.
“If you tear it, I’ll hurt you.”
He chuckles near my ear. “So ferocious. You’ve learned how to step it up, Birdy.”
Thanks to him. And my mother. And my own self. I don’t need to be scared and worried all the time. I can do things on my own.
I can be my own person. I don’t need anyone’s help—unless I ask for it.
And it’s perfectly okay to ask for it.
“It’s eleven-fifty-two,” he whispers in my ear. “Want to be naked and in my bed by midnight?”
“No. We have guests,” I say primly. “I want to be right here with glasses of champagne and we can toast each other when the clock strikes twelve. What do you think?”
“I think you’re trying to reenact your deepest fantasy,” he says.
“I think you want to reenact my deepest fantasy, thanks to this party you threw me,” I remind him.
I remember how I told him about this not so long ago. How I wanted to have a combination New Year’s Eve/birthday party. Yet my birthday is over. The year is almost finished.
A new year is dawning and my life is about to change. It already has.
In the best possible way.
“How about we toast each other, kiss right at midnight, and then you can take me to your bed and do whatever you want to me,” I suggest to him.
“Fuck, are you serious?” I glance up at him to see that hopeful expression on his face and I want to laugh.
“I’m dead serious.” It’s the least I can do after everything he’s given me. Besides, I’ll benefit from it no matter what.
“I can get Ez and Malcolm to kick everyone out eventually.”
I smile. “Sounds like a plan.”