My tiger was right, but I still couldn’t do it.
Freid smiled. “I will argue that a birthday isn’t just any other day, but a very special day.”
“Yeah, well.”
“Talk to me, Ty. Do you think thirty-two is old?”
“It’s not my age. And no, I don’t think it’s old. You’re even older, and you look young.”
“Thanks for the compliment.” He puffed out his cheeks.
“It’s just that it’s like a milestone reminder of how long it’s been—” I chickened out again.
“How long what’s been?”
“That I’ve been alone. Well, both of us, actually. Alone and waiting for something that’s never coming.”
“You’re right about that.” He tilted his head. “But I haven’t quite been alone.”
“What? Do you have a boyfriend you’re not telling me about?”
“I meant you. You’ve been with me the whole time. That’s what I meant by not alone. Thank you for that, Ty.”
“Oh, well, okay. It’s easy being with you. I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”
“Same.”
“You mean a lot to me.”
“Same.” He gave me a smile and a nod.
“But, well, um—”
“Hold on. Before you say anything else, there’s this.”
On the bar top sat a wrapped gift with a tall red bow. He slid it over to me.
I reached out and touched the bow. It was silken like his hair against my cheek whenever he hugged me. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I know. But we always exchange gifts. Plus, this one is special. Open it.” His elbows were on the bar, his hands clasped, his gaze deep.
Slowly, I removed the ribbon and peeled the paper back. Freid let out a big sigh.
I glanced up. “What?”
“You’re taking too long.”
“I’m savoring the moment.”
“Savor it later. Just open it.”
I pushed the wrapping aside and lifted the lid from the box. Inside was white tissue paper. When I folded it back, I saw what was underneath. A shirt. Not just any shirt but a specific shirt.
It was a T-shirt with a rhinestone tiger on the front. Twin to Freid’s own.
“What is this?” I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry.
He chuckled. “Do you like it?”
