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The bus took me everywhere from Victoria Station, past Hyde Park, over the Westminster and London Bridges, and past all the landmarks in between. I listened intently to the recording for as long as I could, but my mind soon wandered. So, I opened up the social media app on my phone and began scrolling through the endless posts.
Ruben had posted a selfie with his new Rubix Cube and the box of English tea I’d sent him.“I swear I’ve almost nailed this, and the tea helps to calm me when the cube begins to frustrate me,”the caption read.
I giggled and scrolled further past fashion videos and makeup advertisements until I came across a video of Lou’s birthday party. It was only posted a few hours ago and showed her surrounded by her men who were singing “Happy Birthday.”
“Don’t forget, if the knife comes out dirty, you have to tell us who your crush is.”The videographer was none other than the cheeky surfer and youngest Rawlins brother, Royce.
“Does that mean I only choose one of you?”
Typical Lou. I laughed at how she arched her eyebrow at her guys and how Harris snatched the knife from her hand when she pointed it at them.I loved seeing this playful side of her. She was so different from the woman I first met three years ago. It sucked I’d missed her birthday, the one I was supposed to plan before I’d had to leave the States early.
Trafalgar Square was where I jumped off the red double-decker, and as I did so, I dialed Lou’s number.
“Oh, my God, Sienna. Hi, beautiful. I can’t believe you’re calling.” Lou’s joyous tone filled my ears and my soul.
“And miss my best girl’s birthday? Are you kidding me? Happy birthday.” I garnered some odd looks from strangers as they passed by me. The British were decidedly stiff, and I knew a lot of them thought the way we Americans expressed our emotions could be seen as obnoxious sometimes. I didn’t care what any of them thought. I was talking to my best friend, who had turned thirty in the last twenty-four hours.
“Thank you. I wish you could have been here. Hands down, it has been the best birthday I’ve had in years. I’m not used to being spoiled, but now that I’m not fighting it, I feel so loved.”
She sounded so incredibly happy, and I was overjoyed for her. “I’m glad for you, sweetie.”
“What’s the time where you are?”
“Eleven-thirty in the morning. I’ve got the weekend free, so I’m doing the tourist thing. Right now, I am standing in Trafalgar Square. I’m thinking of getting some fries.” I stared at the famous stone lions the square was known for worldwide.
“Chips.”
I twisted my nose up at the single word Lou uttered. “Huh?”
“They’re not called fries there. They’re called hot chips. It’s a Commonwealth thing.”
I folded one arm over my chest. “You folks sure like to be different, don’t you?”
“Hey, you broke away from us, not the other way around.”
I chewed the inside of my cheek.
“I’m so glad you rang, Sienna, for a few reasons. The first being I miss you like crazy.”
“I miss you, too, babe.”
“Second, the wardrobe full of beautiful clothing and accessories you and Tate put together, it is…” she took a deep breath, “… it’s the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me. Sienna, you’re one of the most incredible people in my life.”
“Lucky for you, your life is full of incredible people,” I gushed.
“But wait, I haven’t told you the best thing yet.”
I couldn’t believe the closet I had meticulously put together wasn’t the best thing for her. “What could possibly be better than the closet full of hot clothing Tate and I got you?”
“Oh, you know, maybe the trip to London Eric has organized for Christmas.”
I stopped dead in my tracks. “What?”
“We’re coming for two weeks at Christmastime. We’re coming to visit. I get to have Christmas with you in London,” she shared, and the excitement in her voice was contagious.
I jumped up and down on the spot, and Lou’s squeals intermingled with mine. I wouldn’t be lonely in London for much longer. My best friend was coming to see me. Now, if I could only get Ruben here as well, everything could be back to normal. “This is the best news ever in the history of everything. We are going to have a blast, Lou. We’re going to do so many awesome things.”
“You bet. I also have to fit the guys in.”
