Page 57 of Halo

"Yeah," I whisper, smiling into the darkness. "Kinda like us.”

Chapter 15

Leah

“What are you doing here?” Chelsea squeals, taking one of the two wrapped gifts from my arms and pulling me into a hug.

“Are you kidding? I couldn't miss my sweet girls’ seventh birthday.”

“Well, they are going to be so excited to see you.” She waves for me to come inside. “Most of everyone is out back, and Julian is already grilling.”

“It smells wonderful.”

I follow her into the kitchen where several women are gathered around the island. I recognize a few of them as parents from Pinehurst.

“Can I do anything?”

“Yes.” Chelsea loops her arm through mine. “Have fun. But first…” She steers me toward the breakfast nook, where tropical party favors are spread across the table. “You need to get lei'd.”

I nearly choke on my own saliva. “Chelsea!” I giggle as my cheeks warm.

“Hey, you can’t say I never showed you a good time.” She laughs, plucking a bright flower lei from the table and slipping it over my head. “There. Perfect.” Her expression softens. “I'm really glad you came. But after yesterday at school … God, you looked miserable. I really wasn't expecting you.”

“I know.” I offer a sheepish grin. “I'm sorry I was such a buzzkill.”

“Oh, please. You weren't a buzzkill. You were in pain.” Her eyes drift to the hand on my lower hip. “Did you take something for your cramps today?”

I snort. “Yes, Mom.”

“I'm serious.” She gives me a knowing look. “You have a bad habit of taking care of everyone except yourself.”

My smile softens. “I'm okay. Really.” I pop a grape into my mouth. “But I love you … and I appreciate your concern.”

She kisses the side of my head. “I love you too, Sonrisa.”

I spear another grape and cheese cube with a toothpick before settling into a conversation about the best secondhand children's clothing stores. The discussion fades into background noise as my attention drifts through the floor-to-ceiling windows, where the backyard is a picture of pure joy.

Children dart across the grass, their delighted screams rising above the music drifting from oversized speakers. A towering inflatable water slide that looks like a volcano on a tropical island dominates the back portion of the yard. Kids race up the slick steps before slipping down and splashing into a shallow pool.

Closer to the house on the side of the patio, a handful of men linger around the grill, taking casual sips from their red plastic cups. They point and laugh amongst themselves, supervising the grillmaster as they occasionally watch the children.

The other side of the patio hosts the music and speaker along with a fold-out portable dance floor. My eyes land on a tall, familiar man in the middle of the space with perfectly coiffed hair.

Nick.

I've never seen him so casual in a crew-cut tee and shorts. Bent at the waist, he's pointing to Grady’s feet, patiently waiting for him to try and move to the beat of the music.

And dear Lord, have mercy … Nick's calves are huge.

And that butt—

Stop looking, Leah.

“He asked if you were coming.” Chelsea chuckles, handing me a cup of lemonade before sipping her own.

“What? Who?” I pretend that I wasn't just lusting after a student's parent.

She knows better and gives me a look. “Uh-huh. You know who. Your stalking runaway cowboy casanova ...” We giggle as she nudges me.