“Me too.”
“Goodnight, baby.”
“Goodnight.”
As I hang up, I feel warmth settle in my chest. My family is messy, dramatic, and tangled in decades of secrets. But forthe first time in a long time, it feels like we could be starting to stitch something real back together.
Stepping out of my room, I enter the living area and spot Dylan with his new girlfriend, Sophie. She’s a vision, tall, brunette, and effortlessly chic, with that natural French charm. Whenever we cross paths, she’s always sweet to me, which I appreciate.
“Salut,”?1 Sophie greets me warmly, wrapping her long arms around me in a genuine hug.
“Salut, Sophie. You look stunning,” I reply, matching her energy as we embrace.
“Thank you, and happy birthday,” she says, her thick French accent dancing through her words.
“Oh, merci,?2 you’re coming clubbing with us tonight, right?” I ask, unable to hide my excitement.
“Oui.”?3
Dylan’s voice cuts in. “By the way, just a heads-up: we won’t be pregaming or driving to the club together. I’m taking her out beforehand if that’s okay.”
“Of course, that’s totally fine! I’ll meet you guys at the Red Room. You two lovebirds have fun,” I tease, heading back to my room.
Just as I reach my room, my phone buzzes with a FaceTime call from the Swoon Squad. I pick it up immediately, a grin already forming.
“Happy birthday, biiitchhhh,” Meghan sings, her voice echoing through the speaker like a confetti cannon of joy.
I giggle, shimmying in my chair as I soak up the love. “Oh my god, youguys, thank you.”
“Happy birthday, B,” Inès chimes in. Her voice feels like a hug. “I hope you’re having a great time.”
I practically bounce in place, cheeks sore from smiling. “I love you both so much, it’s unreal.”
“Ugh, I wish I could be there,” Meghan groans dramatically, turning the camera to reveal baby Ethan sleeping peacefully in her arms. “But, you know, I just gave birth. So… you’re going to have to take two shots for me tonight.”
I gasp. “Oh my god, he’s so adorable.” I lean toward the screen like it’ll bring me closer to him. “I didn’t realize how much newborn babies sleep until Ethan. He’s perfect.”
“He gets it from me,” Meghan quips, grinning. Then she sobers slightly, eyes glinting with excitement. “Okay, so what’s the plan for today?”
“Nothing crazy. I’m going out clubbing later,” I say with a shrug.
“That sounds fun,” Inès says, and Meghan nods enthusiastically.
“Oh, before I forget,” Meghan adds quickly, “I know it’s your day, but I need you to send me your address later. I have a package to send you, to formally ask you to be one of my bridesmaids!”
My jaw drops. “What? Are you kidding?! Oh my god, yes! I’d love to be your bridesmaid!” I squeal, already imagining the dress options. “Wait, does this mean you’ve finally picked a date?”
“Yep, June in Quebec,” she beams, and I swear I feel the joy radiating through the screen.
“Stop, I’m so excited, it’s going to be stunning.”
We spend a little longer catching up, swapping stories, gushing over baby Ethan, laughing like no time has passed. When the call finally ends, my heart feels full, and I’m still smiling as I stare at my screen.
A few hours later, I’ve showered, done my hair and makeup, and slipped into my go-to club outfit: a red, off-shoulder, backless bodycon dress with rhinestone chain straps. The hemline is daringly short, but it’s my birthday. I deserve to shine.
As I give myself one last twirl in the mirror, there’s a knock at the door.
I open it, expecting Dylan.
