“You have a children’s entertainer?”Zach looks bemused.
“We thought of everything,” Rio answers, drink in hand, one arm thrown lazily around Raquel’s waist.
I’m secretly pleased that the brothers organized this party for Zach.“It’s a great party,” I comment, looking around.It’s not a small event thrown together quickly.This looks like an event that took careful thought and planning.I feel happy for Zach.For his brothers coming together like this for him.
Rio tilts his head, eyes on Zach.“We had to work hard to convince birthday boy.This dude didn’t want a party.”
“Could you believe it?”Dex says.“Bro wanted to sit at home and mope, just because he’s getting old.”
“I wonder what changed his mind,” Jett mutters dryly, loud enough that we all hear.
“Maybe the old man being away did it.”This from Matteo.
Nobody realizes how much I smile with relief at that.
Chapter 30
ZACH
Thirty feels like a beginning.
My life feels like everything is starting to line up perfectly, like a trail of dominoes.Am I waiting for something to break and set the chain of destruction off?
No.I tell myself that everything is good, that the stars have aligned just for me and Maya and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.Stella is turning a corner.We’re having some small early wins, numbers moving in the right direction, momentum I can feel building.
Music plays across the deck, and the city glitters before us like it was made just for us, for tonight.With Maya by my side, I feel invincible, like I can conquer anything and everything.My hand skims the small of her back.I introduce her to everyone and I’m immensely proud and happy to have her on my arm.She’s not a trust fund babe.She’s not a connection I need just to have a good time.
She and I have history.Maya comes from my past; she knew me when I was sad and lonely.She was there for me, and she was my friend and anchor.
And now?
She’s not a secret or an afterthought.
She’s mine.
Time slips by in a blur of introductions.She’s surprisingly confident and friendly, taking it all in her stride as she easily makes conversations with people.
With my father away, everyone is more relaxed.Even Jett.I was surprised by the way he greeted Maya.Warmer than I thought he’d be.Not because he’s a snob or anything, just that Jett is more restrained and guarded than me or Dex.
We’ve eaten, the champagne is still flowing, and Maya and I wander around, often slipping away to some discreet corner to be alone, but people keep finding us and we end up back on the deck again.
I love watching her.She’s so easy with Dani, and they laugh softly.Raquel joins them, sharp-eyed, like a hawk, never missing a thing.That’s the lawyer in her.She assesses, with a smile.There isn’t an ounce of maliciousness between these women.
Cari drifts over to join them, with Brooke, who easily claims Maya’s attention, pointing to her earrings.Maya instantly bends down giving Brooke a better look, and my cute niece touches an earring, her eyes filled with curiosity.I chuckle when I see her tattered toy elephant dangling from her other hand.That sweet child still takes it with her everywhere.Watching Maya with Brooke, listening to her like nothing else exists, does something dangerous to my chest.A crazy thought runs through my mind.A thought I’ve never had before, and I catch myself wondering what it would be like to have a child of my own.Mine and Maya’s.
Crazy.Crazy.Crazy thought.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
I tell myself to relax, and enjoy this evening.Take everything in its stride.As if grounding me to reality, my phone buzzes in my pocket.I check it distractedly.
Happy birthday.Sorry I couldn’t make it, but hope you have a good day.
Dad remembered?
A mix of relief and disappointment surges through me.Typical Dad.Always hovering on the edges.Always half present.He didn’t even make it to Brooke’s last birthday party, so who am I to expect him to come to mine?
I slip my phone away and turn my thoughts back to the night.The music turns louder, and the beat speeds up.There’s a ripple of excitement as a familiar tune spills across the deck.Maya comes back to me and I slide my arm protectively around her waist.I love the way she leans closer.
