I think of when Maya told me about the house staff not being allowed to take books from the library.The unnecessary cruelty of it.The way my father always made sure people knew their place without ever saying it outright.She’s just average, he’d once said about a kindergarten teacher Dex dated.No status.No advantage.That’s what he really meant.
On some level, I’ve always known that my father sees the divide we don’t.He would never approve of Maya.Not her background.Not her mother.Not the fact that she has as much right to belong by my side, should she so choose, as the next trust fund babe.
If Dad’s not going to be around, there’ll be no tension, no judgment, and no awkwardness.In that case, I’d want her to be at my party.I’d want her to meet my brothers, and friends.I’d want to show her off.With her by my side, I wouldn’t care about what my brothers said.They’d be polite and civil enough.Enzo, Matteo, and Rio would be friendly.It’s Jett and Dex that would be assholes.
Now that I’m starting to consider it, turning thirty is a milestone, and with Maya back in my life, it feels instinctively right to have her celebrate my birthday with me.
“Fine,” I say decisively, as if a decision has been made, and a weight has been lifted.“Let’s have a party.”
Rio slaps the table.“That’s more like it.”
Dex looks dubious.“Why the sudden change of mind?”
“You said Dad won’t be around.”
They both pretend to choke at my words.“You’re not going to cry if daddy isn’t there?”Dex teases.
“He’s not coming alone,” Rio says, watching me.
“Is that so?You’re bringing … the housekeep—” Dex catches me glaring and shuts the hell up.
“Maya,” I say.
“Told you,” Rio says.“He’s bringing his girlfriend.”
Hearing the word out loud, connected to the woman I’m crazy about, feels weird, and yet so right, as well as a little strange.
Dex points a finger at me.“No chickening out.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t.”
“What sort of celebration do you want?”Enzo asks.He hasn’t said anything about Maya.
I think about it, and know what I don’t want.“No hotel, or club.”
Rio grins slowly.“What about a plane?”
“Boring!”Dex turns to me, excitement glistening in his eyes.“I have an idea.How about we party on a yacht?”And though he poses the question, he’s not really waiting for our opinion.Looks like the guy has already made his mind up about it.“I can see it now.The harbor, and the city skyline at night.With drinks, food and music.It’s going to be awesome.”
“The Hudson?”Enzo asks.“Or out by the Sound?Something different.”
“The Hudson,” Dex answers, not even giving me the chance to reply.“If it’s my brother’s thirtieth, I want the whole city watching.”
The Hudson it is.
It’s not a bad idea.It’s different.Open air, in August.No walls closing in.Just people laughing, dancing, having fun.Maya, laughing, dancing, feeling relaxed.Maya on my arm.My girlfriend.Holding her own.“Do it,” I say.“But keep it small.”
Rio and Dex exchange looks, like they have their own ideas and are merely humoring me.
“You sure you’re okay with this?”Enzo asks, watching me closely.
I shrug.“You’re the one who said it would be good.”
Enzo was right.I do have something to celebrate.Thirty suddenly feels like a marker.
A beginning.
I’m changing things up at Stella, and there’s a woman in my life I want beside me.
