"So don't hide your hurt or your pain from them, or from anyone. It's not ugly, Soph, and people who truly care aren't going to run screaming. It says you survived that, and you'll survive this, and anything else life tries to test you with. Yourfriends will be there for you. Callum will be there for you. And I will too, obviously. Okay?"
"Okay," I nod my head, and wipe my cheeks. "Yeah, okay.
"So have fun tonight with your friends, enjoy the time in the moment. Heal a little more, eat a concerning amount of cake, and have fun."
"I will," I promise her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Tess."
"Anytime, Soph."
I started getting ready around five-thirty, after lounging all day in my robe and slippers. I decide to dress up a little tonight, even though it's just going to be Callum, Maeve, and Plot. I still want to look nice. I pull out a cream cardigan, a brown skirt that hits mid-calf, and a pair of black boots. I arrange my hair to cover some of the bald spots, using clips to pin it down and hairspray to keep it in place. I put on a little makeup and smile at myself in the mirror, feeling pretty for the first time in a while.
I know this reflection might—will—change, probably within the next couple of weeks, but I have tonight. My thirtieth birthday. I'm wearing a pretty outfit, my hair looks good, my skin is glowing, and my smile is real and bright. I'm going to go spend my birthday with my friends.
I'm going to spend my birthday with Callum.
"Thirty, flirty, and thriving,"I tell myself out loud in the mirror, before turning off the bathroom light and heading out the door.
Chapter Nineteen
Sophie
Rivers & Rhodesis completely dark when I arrive at the front door just before seven. For a moment, I worry that my chemo brain has mixed up what Callum said. Still, I try the handle, and it opens easily, letting me step into the cozy store. The scent of cedar and spice greets me, and the door chime rings, but no one comes to meet me. I squint into the darkness, wondering if Callum meant for us to meet upstairs in the apartment, which I haven't seen yet. Curiosity nags at me, especially about Callum's bedroom,my mind teases.
"Hello? Callum? Maeve?"
I hear a small'mrrp'and see Plot dart over to me, weaving quickly between my legs before rubbing against them. He looks up at me with that pathetic little face like he's been abused and starved all day.Typical,I think, and I bend down, scooping the purring beast into my arms and nuzzling my face into his soft fur.
"Aw, hello, handsome," I murmur as I continue walking further into the store with Plot in my arms.
Just as I’m passing the Thriller section, the lights flicker on.
"Surprise!"
I startle at the shouts. Plot lets out a small hiss at all of my favorite people, each wearing ridiculous party hats. They're standing in front of a sparkly banner that readsHappy Birthday, Sophie!
Pink, sparkly balloons and confetti are scattered across the table, which is filled with delicious snacks and a gorgeous, decadent chocolate cake. From the dried icing on April's hands, Iknow she made it. Plot, annoyed by the commotion, leaps out of my arms and runs to the back room.
"Oh my gosh," I breathe, my chest tightening as I take in the sight of all my friends here for me. I can't remember ever having a party like this. Usually, my birthdays were just dinner at my favorite restaurant and cake at home, often just Paul and me. Those were nice, and I always appreciated the effort put into them. But this is different.
This is fantastic!
Bailey is bouncing on her feet, a pink crown in one hand and a matching glittery sash in the other that reads'Birthday Princess.' She bounds forward and engulfs me in a tight hug, knocking the breath from my lungs, her cotton candy scent surrounding me. She places the crown on my head and then pulls the sash over it in nearly one swoop.
"Happy Birthday, Sophie! I can't believe you didn't tell us! It's okay, though! I'm just happy Callum told us so we could celebrate you!" Her words tumble out in a rush of effervescent exclamation points, and I can't help but laugh at her boundless energy. Bailey is practically a perpetual sugar rush, and I adore every bit of her.
"Happybirthday to youuuu—ack!"
Parker begins with the worst imitation of Marilyn Monroe's'Happy Birthday, Mr. President'imaginable, drawing out the first note with that sexy, exaggerated breathiness, swaying a little as he sings. Tonya promptly smacks the back of his head, interrupting him. He rubs the spot with a wounded grin, and I'm quickly pulled into their waiting arms for a group hug.
"Happy Birthday, cutie pie," Tonya says in that smoky tone of hers, squeezing me. "Dirty Thirtywas my favorite. You're gonnaownthis fucking year."
I laugh at her words. Tonya is such a contradiction, tough as nails but with the softest heart.
"Thank you so much, guys," I tell them, smiling at both of their happy faces before I'm swept into a hug with my face buried in April’s ginger curls.
"The cake is my masterpiece, and I think you're gonna love it," April tells me, and once she releases me, I see Atticus and Jane hanging back.
Atticus waves at me, the large man looking a little silly with the crooked party hat on his head. Jane's hands fidget in front of her as she clears her throat. "Happy Birthday, Sophie," she says with a small grin, and I smile back at them, my eyes growing a little wet.
