He sighs out, his breath warm against my throat. “Thank you.”
“Sothisis what it’s like up here,” I say, admiring my new viewpoint from over Bo’s shoulder. “I like it.”
“I missed you,” he says, lowering me back to stand on my own two feet.
I reach beside me for a party hat and hold it up to him. “It was just one night,” I say.
Bo bends at the waist, allowing me to fasten it to his head.
“Happy birthday,” I repeat, just for him this time.
“You didn’t text me back,” he says, his lips twitching into an uneasy grin. “I thought you were…”
I narrow my eyes on him, noticing the unusual mopiness across his face and the wildly tousled hair that usually signals his unease. His beard got tidied up and trimmed, but I’m glad he didn’t let the barber take off any of his hair. I love it longer.
“I’m sorry. I was busy doing this, and I forgot to reply.”
“No, don’t be sorry. This is amazing. I’m…” He shakes himself, reaching out for me. “Hi,” he says, pulling me against his chest again.
I laugh, hugging him. “Bo, are you okay? There are other people here who—”
“I’m a little drunk.” He straightens, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his grey sweater. “I haven’t had a drink since you told me about the baby. Solidarity, you know? But I think I’m a lightweight now?” He swallows, dropping his chin. “I had two sampler flights, and Dad ended up having to drive us home.” He scratches his jaw, looking around with a polite smile. “Everyone’slookingover here…” he whispers.
I nod thoughtfully, trying not to smirk. “You gonna be okay, big guy?”
He nods, licking his lips. “I’m gonna get some food. That’ll help.”
“Great idea.” I pat his back as he wanders over to the food table, greeting more of his friends as he forgoes a plate and shoves a few different things into his mouth at once.
Sarah widens her eyes at me, her lips pulled inward as I walk toward her in the kitchen. “That wasquitethe entrance.”
“He’s a little tipsy, turns out.” I grimace, laughing.
“I thought he was going to carry you around the whole party like a favourite toy.” She hands me a wineglass filled with lemonade. “He looked a little tortured when he saw you. You should probably put him out of his misery. Or not, if you’reintothat sort of thing.”
“He thought I was mad at him,” I explain. “I didn’t text him back, and… after yesterday,I think he probably feels as uneasy as I do.”
“Well, you should definitely show him hownotmad you are,” Sarah says, smirking into her glass of merlot.
“He’ll have to sober up first,” I laugh.
Kevin joins us, sipping on his drink as all three of us watch Bo introduce his dad to Walter, Jeremiah, and Adamir.
“Bo’s dad isinsanelyhot, right?” Kevin whispers.
“It’s a little jarring, honestly,” I reply, the hand on my neck slipping down to my chest.
“Would it be weird for you if I invited him to be our third?” Sarah asks, turning her smirk toward me. “I think Caleb could be persuaded.”
“Shut up,” I say, sputtering my drink.
“I think I’d risk our friendship for him,” she whispers.
“Oh, you would, huh?”
“Oui, oui,” Sarah says, giggling into her wine.
The party was ahugesuccess.
