I kiss him again, until I run out of oxygen and I have to pull away, gasping for breath.
“There’s more,” Brady says, getting up from the table. He goes to the small fridge and comes away with a bottle of pink champagne.
I feel happier now than I can remember feeling in so long. It’s warm and snuggly, this happy feeling. I want to stay in it forever.
Brady cuts the cake and pops the champagne, and I cheer.
“I want a big slice,” I tell him, moving the box with the picture frame.
He places a monstrous slice on my plate. We toast, and I recognize the champagne glasses from my grandma’s stemware cabinet. Clearly she was in on it. Which explains the lunch she wanted to go out to.
“To many more good things,” Brady announces, clinking his glass against mine.
I tip my glass to his, echoing the sentiment and hoping fervently that his words come true.
20
Brady
My phone’s ringing.For some reason, I know who it is. I don’t know how to explain it, other than a lifetime connection.
Lennon.
Addison sees the name flashing across the screen and starts to lift off my chest.
“No, no, stay,” I tell her, placing my palm on her back.
She gives me an uncertain look but settles back down onto me.
I hit the button and Lennon’s face comes into view. She’s sitting on the couch in the living room of her place. Her smile falters.
“Brady, hi. And hello to you,” she says, addressing Addison. I can tell immediately that Lennon is sizing her up.
“Hi,” Addison chirps. “I’m Addison.”
“Nice to meet you,” Lennon responds politely. She looks off screen. “Finn, come say hi to…” She looks back at the screen, taking in the image of Addison’s head on my chest, “Brady’s friend who looks like more than a friend.”
I feel Addison’s chuckle.
Finn appears in the background, leaning over the back of the couch, his head next to Lennon’s.
They really do look good together. I’ve thought that before, but this is the first time the thought hasn’t hurt.
“Hi Addison, I’m Finn.”
“Nice to meet you, Finn. I’ve heard so much about you guys.”
Finn laughs, but Lennon looks disgruntled.
Addison continues. “All good things, of course. Brady loves to talk about the fun you had growing up.”
Lennon’s face relaxes a little. Perhaps she was afraid I’d vilified her in my retelling of our story. I’ll admit, it’s a tricky story to tell.
Finn nudges Lennon, and she glances at him. She looks nervous, and I bet I know why.
“What’s going on guys?” I ask. “Lennon, are you pregnant or something?”
Lennon’s eyes bug out. Finn smirks. Nothing fazes the guy. Nothing except for Lennon, of course.
