“You didn’t know?” Levi asks from beside me, and looks at Jake and Kami.
“Guys?” Em pushes.
Kami smiles and points to the room. “Look.” She grabs me by the shoulders and slowly swivels me back around.
Next to a banner that saysHappy 21st Birthday, Em & Levi, there’s one that readsCongratulations on your debut!
My jaw goes slack and tears well up in my eyes. “But…” I look back at her, Jake, and Cam. “The show hasn’t even opened yet.”
They all shrug. “We never celebrated you getting the part because of spring break andthen your rehearsals. Plus, this one has kept you to himself for the last two months.” Jake shoves Levi’s shoulder.
My heart warms at their words, and another insecurity lifts off my shoulders.
Shaking my head, I look over at Levi and find him grinning broadly, then quickly look at Em. She claps her hands and hugs me. “I love that we’re all celebrating together.” She looks over my shoulder. “Are there more presents in here?”
Emma walks past me, and I laugh as Levi grabs my arm, leading us farther into the room. I take a look around and find almost everyone dressed in old-fashioned suits and flapper dresses.
I hear a shriek from my right, and the whole group covers their ears.
“TheGreat Gatsby? You’re joking.” Emma jumps into her best friend’s arms.
Kami giggles. “Like it?”
“Of course I do.” Em frowns and looks down at her outfit, and then Levi and I follow suit, feeling out of place. The entire group is wearing regular going-out clothes, so do we stay like this?
“We have everyone’s outfits in the car,” Cam speaks up.
Em squeals again.
“For fuck’s sake, Em.” Jake covers his left ear. “Brian’s bringing the bags out of the car. Levi, I got you a suit?—”
“Nope,” Levi says immediately. “No presents.”
Jake rolls his eyes. “I’m only lending it to you. It’s too nice a suit to give up.” He smirks. “Might be a little loose on you, though. I’ve been going to the gym more often than not.” His eyes turn to me and he winks.
Levi practically growls from beside me.Oh God, seriously?“It’s Jake, Hotshot. Calm down.” I bump him.
He looks at me and blows out a breath. “Let’s go change. I’m sure there’s somewhere quiet we can go.”
Levi goes to grab my hand, but Kamila beats him to the punch. “Nope, not happening. No funny business.”
I frown and see that my boyfriend’s face is burning red. “It’s my birthday. If I want to be alone with the girl I love, then I should be allowed to.”
Kamila smacks his shoulder. “You finally told her!”
Levi rubs his temples, and I close my eyes, exhaling loudly. I put my hands in the air, too tired from the week for the back-and-forth between everyone. “Okay.” I turn to Kami. “Em, Kami, Luna, let’s get dressed. Lead the way.”
“Bambi—”
“As for you,” I interrupt him and narrow my eyes. He instantly slams his mouth shut. “Go get dressed with Jake and Cam. I’ll see you in a bit, birthday boy.”
He hesitates before Cam pushes him gently. “Do what she says or Kamila will end up blaming me somehow.”
Kamila snorts behind me, not denying it.
I’m not mad at Levi, just frustrated. We’re going to have to set some boundaries when it comes to sharing information with our friends, now that we’re all part of the same group. And now is not the time to do that.
After half an hour, all of us girls are dressed and putting the finishing touches on our hair. I secure the large pin, which features a light golden butterfly, pushing my hair away from my face. Kamila and Luna did well choosing Em’s and my dresses. Em’s wearing a nice off-the-shoulder, white, mid-thigh flapper dress with silver detailing, while mine is a champagne spaghetti-strapped flapper dress that’s a little more formfitting and revealing than I’m used to. At least the heels are short.
