Leaving his bedroom after delivering his lunch and swapping lots of saliva, I selfishly wished he would never connect with his caregiver. Shaking the dark thoughts from my head, I made my way to the restaurant and caught sight of the man who had been snooping around my car days earlier. He was seated at a table near the back, eating slowly as he glanced around. I made a mental note to keep an eye on him as I threw on my apron and prepared myself to work the remainder of my shift.
A few hours later, I was finishing up with my shift a little earlier than usual. Today was my birthday, and I had promised my grandmother that I’d finish up early and have dinner with everyone upstairs.
I made my way upstairs, gasping as I caught sight of all the balloons that now decorated our living space. Entering the apartment, I gasped at the balloons sticking to every surface, even the ceiling. They floated everywhere, various bright colors covering the carpets and furniture.
“Surprise!”
My grandmother, niece, and nephew were gathered around the dining room table. Gold streamers hung from the ceiling, with a banner that readHappy Birthdaydraped over the television by the window. The biggest surprise, however, was Jasper.
“Oh my gosh, Jasper!” I was surprised to see him sitting at the table too, grinning at me. When I saw him earlier, he didn’t mention knowing it was my birthday. Janiyah was perched on his lap, clapping her hands gleefully, and I slowly moved toward him, disbelief written all over my face. I glanced from him to my grandmother. “Am I really seeing this?”
“Look at God’s work.” Gran climbed to her feet and came toward me, her dark eyes sparkling as she hugged me. “Happy birthday, child.”
My eyes remained glued to Jasper’s even as I hugged my grandmother close, breathing in the scent of warm lavender, shea butter, and Bengay. The familiar scent brought me a sense of comfort and safety.
My family being gathered here did too. Jasper included.
He was looking more and more like the person in his old pictures as the days passed by. He had gained weight, and his eyes sparkled brightly, his smile wide and just as handsome as the one that I’d previously seen in pictures.
It took everything in me to rip my eyes away from him as I mentally scolded myself for ogling him yet again, as it seemed I did so often these days.
“Look, Tia Qwinny. Granny cooked your favorite fish, and we baked you a rainbow cake!” Janiyah slid off Jasper’s lap and ran to me. Crouching, I accepted her hug and sloppy kiss.
“Wow, this is amazing. Thank you all so much!” I gazed at the dining table, covered in presents and snacks. The cake took center stage, the round two-tier creation covered in creamy white icing. My name had been scrawled across the top, surrounded by sprinkles. “And all the decorations look beautiful. I think this just might be my best birthday ever.” I smiled as I accepted a hug from Jamal.
Janiyah preened, basking in the compliments. “You should give Jasper a kiss too, tia, for being so good. He helped blow the balloons and put them up!”
Gran hid her chuckles behind her hand, and I raised my brows. “Is that so?”
Jasper slowly climbed to his feet, his eyes twinkling. “I’ve been very good.”
I rushed over to him, helping him to remain steady. “Careful, careful!”
“It’s okay.” He grinned. His face was flushed, and he was breathing a little hard, but he looked happy. “I walked all the way down the hallway and into the dining room on my own, you know.” He winked, chuckling as my eyes widened.
“Really?”
“I’ll be feeling it tomorrow.” He laughed. “But yes, I did. I couldn’t miss out on your birthday party, could I?”
My heart fluttered as I reached up to kiss his cheek, my eyes fluttering shut as I pictured the kiss that we’d shared just a few hours ago. That one had been longer, and much more heated. Two desperate tongues lapping into each other’s mouths.
A shiver slipped down my spine as his arm enclosed my waist. “Thank you.”
“Happy Birthday, Quinn.” His soft murmur raised goosebumps on my skin.
Ducking my hot face as I heard the kids’ giggles, I stepped out of his arms.
Calm down, Quinn. Gran’s right there, with her hawk eyes.
“I still can’t believe you made it out here alone. This is amazing!” I attempted to ignore what I knew was Gran’s burning gaze on the back of my neck.
“Maybe it’s your exquisite cooking and your tender care that gave me the strength.” He winked, a small smile playing on his lips. I sucked in a breath, casting a quick glance at Gran. The older woman looked between the two of us, eyebrows slightly raised.
“Here, Tia Qwinny.” Janiyah saved the day as she handed me a small pink gift bag. “This is from me. It’s candy! And look, Jasper made you a card.” She waved a folded piece of paper. “He let us help to color it!”
I took it, unfolding it as I glanced at Jasper. “You made this?” It was a drawing of a black woman dressed in black slacks and a t-shirt. “I take it, that's me.”
“It is,” Jasper chuckled. “Though my drawing skills are a bit rusty.”
