It takes a moment to understand what he’s saying. I whirl and press the button. The toast pops up. It’s only slightly blackened—we saved it just in time.
I put our toast on plates, then spread the peanut butter. We eat in a comfortable silence, though as per usual he takes next to no time to eat. “How was it?” I say, trying not to laugh.
“Legendary,” he says with a chef’s kiss.
I laugh and playfully swat him again. “Liar.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out to see Mom calling. “Hello, Mom?”
Axle leans in closer to me.
“I’m just calling to say I’ve booked a reservation for dinner for your birthday.”
I frown, not sure whether I want to go back home, but I guess it’s better than celebrating it by myself. “Okay, thanks.”
“Henry will also be home to visit his parents, so I’ve invited their family to join us.”
My eyes bulge. I take a few steps away from Axle.
“We’re not together anymore,” I say quietly. I get along with Henry and his family, but it’s my birthday and I’d prefer them not to be there. It should be my choice, not hers.
“I can’t comprehend why you ended it with him,” she says in a clipped tone.
I groan, not wanting to have this discussion. “I’m busy... I’ll talk to you another time.”
“Too busy for your own mother,” she pipes up.
Well, it’s not like she’s been checking up on me, but I bite my tongue. “Yes, Mom, I’m busy right now. Bye,” I say before disconnecting the phone.
“What the fuck is up with your mom? She sounds like a bitch.”
I flinch but don’t disagree. “She’s always been full-on and controlling like that. Just not as bad. It’s only become a problem now because they don’t agree with any of my life choices after school.”
“You need to set her straight. Don’t put up with her bullshit, with treating you like that... What are you doing for your birthday?”
I sigh. “Going out for dinner, I guess.”
He snorts. “With your ex?”
I look down at the ground, then back to him. “I guess so.”
His eyebrows are raised high. “Well... that ain’t happening, and who cares what your parents want you to do? What do you want to do?”
I don’t think anyone’s asked me that before. I shrug. “I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought.”
“You tell me what you want to do, and I’ll make it happen.”
My heart flutters. Henry never offered that. In fact, no one ever has. I don’t know Axle that well and he’s offering. It’s a big deal.
I glance down at my phone. “I’ve got to get ready for work.” My buzz fades. I don’t want to leave him.
“Then I might start heading out. I’ll see you tonight.”
My smile grows. “I’m seeing you tonight, am I?” I ask coyly.
He grabs my arms and swings me around until I’m in front of him. “Damn straight you are.” He kisses me and smiles against my lips. “I better go, before I decide to keep you tied to me.”
I laugh, though I don’t know whether he’s serious or not. I wouldn’t put it past him. As I walk away, I feel a shooting slapping pain on my ass, making me gasp and jump. I turn to face him with narrowed eyes. My first thought is,How dare he disrespect me. My second thought is,Oh, I actually didn’t mind it.
