“I know this party is about your mom but we have to find the hottest outfit in your closet for tonight,” she insists. “Something that screams ‘I want to be friends but I wouldn’t mind riding you like a horse.’”
“Wren, you are really something.”
We spentthe next few hours setting up decorations, plating food, getting ourselves ready, and taking shots.
Wren nearly tore apart my whole closet and decided on making me wear a denim mini skirt, a black tank top that shows off my figure, and my cowboy boots specifically because, “it gives off the illusion that you know how to ride, literally and figuratively!”
Wren's words, not mine.
“Tonight is going to be so fun! Remember to let loose, don’t think too much. And if you want to havefun,” she winks, “allow yourself to!”
“I need another shot because I’m already overthinking this outfit.” I adjust my skirt. “Is it too much?”
“Being hot is never too much,” she looks at me up and down, nodding, “and you arehot!”
We see people start trickling in so we make our way to the yard between my mom’s house and mine. I see that Kevin has arrived wearing the shortest shorts I’ve seen him wear and a T-shirt with a drunk photo of my mom printed on it from our Christmas party last year. Safe to say she had a bit too much spiked eggnog.
“Someone is looking extra sexy tonight!” Kevin whistles at Wren and I as we make our way to where the party is getting started.
“Thank you, it’s nice to see you,” I reply while giving him a hug, Wren joining in.
“She does look sexy, doesn’t she?” Wren agrees with Kevin, giggling to herself.
“I hate to assume it’s for the male gaze but is there a special out of town hottie coming down tonight?” Kevin lets go of our embrace and then winks.
“And what if there is?” With my hands on my hips, I question him.
“Then I won’t question if you two are suddenly gone from the party,” he jokes in response, high-fiving Wren as he does so.
Rolling my eyes and laughing along, I walk toward my mom who is finishing up putting down the final plates of food. I can’t believe she’s already fifty, it feels like just yesterday she was spending her fortieth birthday with me at the zoo.
She’s wearing a sparkly pink dress, a tiara, and a pink sash that says “Birthday Princess” on it that was definitely made for a kid, but nothing stops my mom from getting what she wants.
“Happy birthday, Mom.” I come up behind her with a hug. “The decorations came together so nicely, this looks so good, andyoulook so good!”
“Nothing a little sparkle can’t fix, plus you know I love being the center of attention.” She winks as she turns around to plant a kiss on my head.
“Is there anything you need me to do before more people show?” I ask.
“I think we’ve got everything settled! Make sure to slow down on the drinks, both you and that one over there,” she points to Wren, “already have complexions the color of a tomato!” She pinches my cheeks as she walks away to start greeting people who have shown up.
I can’t speak for Wren but I know my cheeks are blushing because of a certain someone who is showing up at any moment.
Henry
We’ll be there soon. Can’t wait to see the pretty face again.
27
HENRY
Before heading to the Winslow’s, Miles and I stop by the grocery store to grab flowers for Elaine, as well as some drinks. My mom always taught me never to show up empty handed when someone invites you over.
We decide on a bouquet of sunflowers since they are in season, and the florist on shift added baby’s breath that really brought it together. While I waited for the bouquet to be wrapped, Miles went to grab a pack of beer and a bottle of wine. We weren’t sure what people would like so we went with both options. Worst comes to worst, we just take it home.
We check out and Miles breaks the silence when we exit the parking lot, “so, seems like you and the Winslows have gotten close rather… quickly.”
“And?” I say trying to be as nonchalant as I can because he’s right. I can’t help the pull I feel around Maisie, I still want to go beyond friends but I’m taking what I can get.
