Page 95 of A Song for You

Without her, Carter barely spoke, and a birthday party was the last thing he wanted. So our grandparents took us out for hibachi, and when the chef took out the water bottle that looks like a man peeing and aimed it at Carter’s face, he burst out laughing. It was the first time I remember hearing his laughter after her death.

After that, our grandparents took us there for each of our birthdays. It’s a tradition we’ve kept up to this day.

So I’m not surprised when I walk into the restaurant at the agreed-upon time and spot all of my brothers at the table with my grandparents. Frank is with Cash, of course, because he’s his shadow, but the unexpected additional guest has my mouth falling open.

“Happy birthday, Kit Cat,” Cash says, standing and wrapping me in a hug before I can react to my boyfriend’s presence at my birthday dinner. Suspiciously, the seat between him and Frank is unoccupied.

I offer hugs and kisses to everyone and am treated to more birthday wishes before settling in the chosen seat. “Hey,” I say, my gaze turning to Jay.

He smirks. “Happy birthday, Kitten,” he mouths.

Squirming under his gaze, I scan the table to make sure no one’s watching. But, as usual, Cash is delighting them all with a story, so I have nothing to worry about. “Surprised to see you here,” I murmur.

. “It’s Jay’s birthday too,” Carter says, hearing my comment despite my attempt at discretion, “and since he didn’t have plans, I told him to join us.” He studies us, as if he’s on to us. Or maybe that’s just my imagination. My guilt. This is his best friend.

“It-it’s your birthday?” I ask as my brain catches up to my mouth.

Jay laughs casually. “Yup, twenty-five today. Although, I’m pretty sure nothing will top twenty-four,” he says smoothly before picking up his drink and taking a sip, his eyes dancing with humor.

Carter laughs. “Am I ever going to meet the girl that has you smiling like a virgin?”

Jay sprays the table in front of him with his drink, and I snort in laughter.

Carter passes him a napkin, grinning, and I have to turn away, trying to avoid Jay’s eyes.

“You okay over there?” Cash asks, drawing the attention of my grandparents.

Jay elbows Carter, who only laughs harder, and mumbles, “Sorry.”

Carter’s smug as he extends his arm behind Jay’s chair. “I was just telling Jay that I never see him anymore. My hunch is that he’s met a girl.” He eyes his best friend and smirks. “When are we going to meet her?”

If I could sink below the table and disappear, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

“The only woman I’ve been spending time with is your sister,” Jay says casually, as if he didn’t just drop a bomb. The entire table goes silent.

“Because of the ball,” I rush out.

Jay’s eyes light up. He loves to make me squirm, but we both know he’s not any more ready to expose us than I am. I drop a hand to his thigh and bite back a smile when he stiffens beneath it.

“Leslie said it was the best event she’s ever attended,” my grandmother says, surprising us all.

My hand stills, and Jay rests his on top of it, giving it a squeeze. “Catherine did an incredible job. I’ve had multiple calls asking for information about who planned the event. Her ideas and designs were inventive and beautifully executed. According to Cynthia Caldwell, at least.”

Pride surges through my veins and warms my cheeks.

“I’ve heard the same thing,” my grandmother says, a rare warmth emanating from her. “Wish we’d been there,” she adds, that warmth cooling drastically and a tightness to her tone.

My shoulders fold in on themselves, but Jay doesn’t allow it. He squeezes my hand again. “My apologies. That was an oversight on my part. I’ll make sure you get a personal invitation next year.”

My grandmother nods, and fortunately, the waitress arrives to take our orders. For the next ninety minutes, we’re entertained. We laugh and tease, and it feels oddly perfect having Jay by my side. He fits in with my brothers so well, and I can’t help but envision a future where we’re doing this out in the open.

“I still can’t believe we have the same birthday,” I mutter when no one else is looking. “How did I not know this?”

The flame from the hibachi reflects in Jay’s eyes when he smirks at me. “You going to get me a present?”

I roll my eyes as I focus back on the show in front of us. “Pretty sure I did last night.”

Not missing a beat, he stabs the shrimp on his plate and brings it to his mouth. “And twice this morning.”