“Happy birthday, Aria. I’m so happy to spend this one with you. One of many, I hope.”
“Thanks, Alex. For a minute there I thought you were going to sing,” she teased.
“That would not be a gift you’d want, take my word for it. I’m following orders but it was hard not to buy something for you.”
Leaning back and putting on her seatbelt, she answered, “I just can’t get in the mood for celebrating it yet. It’s getting better, though. Just getting me out of the house today is a huge step. Corinna wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“I get it. Those first few years after Mama passed, none of us wanted to celebrate birthdays either. You’ll know when you’re ready,” he said as he turned to start the car.
“Your dad could’ve come if he wanted. I feel bad that I didn’t mention it until now. But you can call him.”
“I texted Corinna to ask and she was fine with it, but he said he planned to enjoy a good book and a nap. He sent his love and birthday wishes.”
“Sounds like my kind of guy,” she quipped.
When they arrived, the rest of the group was already assembled and getting everything set out. Alex held her hand and carried his camera case in the other.
Sofia and Corinna had overseen the food, Enzo and Adrian, drinks and music.
Aria scoffed when Corinna brought out a cupcake and a lit candle.
“Corinna, you know I don't want a fuss,” Aria groaned as she shook her head.
“It's acupcake, girl. Let me at least do that, please?” she answered, handing her the confection.
The friends all sang a terrible rendition ofTanti Auguri a Teto her, which made her laugh.
Looking up for just a second at Alex, she blew out the candle.
They all clapped, and Alex moved closer to her, his arm around her shoulder.
“Enzo, don’t eat all the salami,” Sofia said jokingly. “Save some for me!”
“There’s no use telling him that. He’s always been a food hoarder,” Adrian said, grabbing the platter of meats.
“It takes a lot of food to fill this machine,” Enzo replied, flexing his enormous biceps and making the girls scoff.
Aria pressed her lips together to hide her smile when she saw Corinna’s eyes widen and her cheeks blush.
“Well, I’m on my last days here. Hoping the water isn’t too cold today,” Adrian said as he took off his shirt.
“Aw geez, man, you’re blinding me with that white chest,” Enzo told him, shielding his eyes.
“Come on, let’s leave these crazies for a while and walk by the water’s edge. Not sure I can get in there yet,” Aria said to Alex with a quick kiss on his cheek.
Aria started to walk off to dip her toes in the water, but Alex called her name. As she looked back, he snapped a picture of her.
Aria giggled as she ran down the shore.
Putting his camera on the blanket, Alex made a run for her. He grabbed her and spun her, making her squeal in surprise.
Reggae music started to play from the portable speaker and Sofia and Corinna got up to dance, bobbing their heads along to the beat.
Aria decided that the water was too cold for her, so she made her way back to the blanket.
“Alex, let’s go in and keep Adrian safe. By the looks of it, he hasn’t been in the sun for months. Might drown,” Enzo said.
Laughing, Alex responded, “Yeah, let’s go help the guy out. Aria, you’ll be good for a bit? Might not be long if it’s too cold.”
