1
GILLY
Birthdays had never been a big deal to me before. Maybe in the past I would get some cake or cards from my family, but since my grandfather passed, it hadn’t been the same. But this year? Wow. I couldn’t believe my roommate, Rob, actually rented out the clubhouse at our apartment complex to throw me a party. Not just part of the huge space, but the whole room. And even better, it was a casual atmosphere where I knew everybody and felt comfortable. That included my neighbors from downstairs, Lena and Devon. They were always nice to me, so I went over to say hello.
“Gilly, happy birthday.” Lena leaned in and gave me a big hug.
“Thanks.” I shook Devon’s hand. “Can I get you anything?”
Devon held up his beer. “No, we’re good. Go enjoy yourself, mingle…” He gestured at the room full of people.
I’d never been great at that mingling thing, but it was easier knowing these people were here to celebrate with me. A few others from the apartment complex were here, and some of the guys from my crew, as well as Rob and his date. I wasn’t sure ifthis new guy of his was sticking around or not, so I held back on using theboyfriendterm. Most of the men Rob saw didn’t stick around long. I thought it was because Rob was picky, or maybe he was going after the wrong guys. Mostly that was due to how they treated him. It seemed like they bossed him around a lot. But what the hell did I know about it? Maybe he liked that. I didn’t date much because I worked too many hours. When I did meet someone I thought I may be interested in, once we started talking, I quickly learned we didn’t have anything in common.
Rob slung his arm around my shoulder and handed me a beer. “I know you don’t drink much, but you’re celebrating. You only turn twenty-two once. Cheers!” He held his beer up to me, and we clinked the bottles together.
Preston, I’d learned was the name of his date, called out to Rob. “Come play a game of pool with me, Bobby.” Bobby? That was new. Most people called Rob, well, Rob.
“In a minute. I’m helping Gilly celebrate.” Rob waved his hand around the room as if this was the place to be to be. It wasn’t. Just a pool table and foosball game at one end, a bar and kitchenette on the other with a long dining table separating the two areas. To the side was a big TV and leather couch with a few upholstered chairs. The TV was on a music station and turned low enough so that everyone could have comfortable conversations. Although, I didn’t feel like any of mine were. No, they were more awkward, just like me.
Preston crossed the room and put his arm around Rob. “I know you planned this party, Bobby, but I don’t like it when you’re bratty.”
Rob looked down then glanced back up at him. “Sorry, Daddy. I’ll be good.”
Preston kissed him on the head. “Good boy. Now come play a game with me.”
Bobby? Daddy? What the hell kind of relationship did they have? I didn’t like Preston being so bossy to my friend, but I didn’t want any problems, either, and other than that, he seemed pleasant enough. There were a lot of people around who were here to have a good time. I simply sipped my beer, truly appreciating what Rob was trying to do for me, and kept my thoughts to myself. He could have taken me to a bar or something, but I wouldn’t have liked that half as much as this. “Play a game. I’ll watch.” No use in him joining team wallflower. He deserved to have fun too. After all, he was the one who pulled this shindig together, and if he liked Preston, I wasn’t going to judge.
“You sure?” Rob asked.
“Yes, of course. Go.” I shoved his arm and followed him to the table. “We can play Fortnite later.” We could pull it up on the big TV, and it was more of my go-to than pool or other physical games. Painting houses kept me active all day long. After work, I only wanted to relax, play video games, and chill. But this was my party, and I wasn’t about to be a jerk to my best friend.
Rob grabbed a stick from Preston with a quick kiss on his lips. Preston’s eyes lit up when he did that. They looked good together, and I hoped this one would stick around for a while. Preston winked at Rob and moved to the table. “I’ll rack ‘em.” He messed around with the balls, putting them in the triangle, then he deftly lifted the frame, leaving the balls in place on the table. “Break, babe.”
Rob took the shot, sending balls flying all over the table, but none dropped into the pockets. He pouted. “Ugh. Boo.”
“Don’t worry, Rob.” I put my arms around his shoulder. “You’ll get some next time.”
“You’re too sweet, Gilly.”
Preston took a shot and dropped a ball into the pocket. “Solids.” He landed a few more shots, and I cheered for him. He appeared to make my friend happy, so I figured I’d be nice to him.
“Whose side are you on?” Rob teased and bumped his shoulder into mine.
“Both?”
Preston chuckled and missed his shot. “You’re adorable, Gilly. I know someone who would just love you.”
“Oh?” I was intrigued. Preston was growing on me, so maybe he had nice friends I’d actually have something in common with.
“Yes. For sure.” He crossed his arms over his chest while Rob took his turn at the table. “I think you should meet him. But he’s a Daddy…”
I thought I understood what he meant but wasn’t sure. “What do you mean?” He wanted me to meet someone’s father? Not necessarily my thing, but maybe I was missing something here? It was better to clarify than to guess.
“Oh shoot. Your go, Daddy Preston.” Rob stepped away from the table after missing. “You don’t know what a Daddy is?”
“I don’t know. Maybe?”
“It’s a hot older guy who treats you well. Takes care of you. That sort of thing.” He waved a hand toward his date. “Like Preston.” He winked at me. “Right, Daddy?”
