I froze, wondering if I’d heard him right. “B-but … you didn’t even ask what day it is.”
Another beat of silence passed before he drew in a sharp breath.
“Wait. Did you just say you were hosting Jonah’s birthday at home?”
“Yes,” I said, keeping my tone light. Was there a chance he could make it?
“Home,” Ed repeated slowly. “You mean your place, or Jonah’s?”
I swallowed, realizing my mistake. I could just lie to him, but… if he did show up, he’d see the tell-tale signs of Evie and my presence here. “Ours,” I said at last.
“Ours,” Ed echoed. A pause stretched between us. “So you’re living together now.”
I took a breath. “We are. We were hoping to tell you in person.”
“I see. I’ll check in with Cora and get back to you,” he muttered. “And if I can’t make it, tell him happy birthday.”
The call ended, and I sat there, staring at the phone, wishing I could slam it into something without breaking my screen.
I got up and walked to the kitchen, pulling the cake batter from the fridge where I’d tucked it earlier. I sighed as I set it on the counter. There would be more cake for the people who actually cared.
And Jonah? He’d get extra helpings. One for every person who didn’t show up, but should’ve.
58
LEXI
On the night of Jonah’s party, after the guests had gone and silence settled over the house, I turned to him.
“Did your dad text you today?” I asked, while we settled onto the couch. Rosa, Jonah’s housekeeper had cleaned up after the party, and I hadn’t believed it was possible to feel rested after a party, but I did.
Jonah’s smile faded for a bit before he forced it back in place. “No, but I’m sure he’ll come around to it. He usually remembers my birthday a few weeks later anyway.”
Was it really weeks? I was willing to bet months. Or never.
“How long have you been okay with that?”
“Lexi, let’s not talk about it right now.”
I met his stubborn gaze and knew today was one of those days he wasn’t going to budge. He’d had a good day so far and blocked out thoughts of how no one in his family had cared to call him or wish him happy birthday. He wanted to keep it that way.
“Fine.”
Earlier, his dad had sent me a text.
ED WALKERS
Can’t make it to the party.
And it had stung to read it. Why couldn’t he?
As though he knew the direction my thoughts were taking me, Jonah pulled me to him and planted a kiss on my lips, long and deep. My arms went around his neck, and I gave in, forgetting my troubles. I felt a sudden need for him course through my body, all the way down to my toes.
“Hey, why don’t we invite him over for dinner next weekend? A real sit-down dinner at home, and this time he can meet Evie.”
At that moment, Evie bounded in, demanding one of us follow her to see the surprise she’d made.
I gave in, and followed her, giving Jonah a look over my shoulder as I walked into Evie’s room. He had a scowl on his face, and I felt bad that this was how his birthday night was ending.
