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“Oh, we celebrated the main ones like Christmas and Thanksgiving, but no presents at Christmas.” She released a breath, remembering the shock of learning how her friends were given multiple gifts. “We did a lot of Christmasy things, just not the presents. Pops, of course, thought that was ridiculous and would give me a present. Sweet of him.”
Which might have been another clashing point between her mother and Pops.
About ten minutes later, Cal turned into an apartment complex that had a newer development going up on its rear lot. When he parked in front of the new building, she said, “Do you have a friend who lives here?”
“No, I just signed a lease. I’m not moved in yet, but I decided that I like my autonomy too much to live with my aunt again.”
“Was she disappointed?”
“Not really.”
Steph laughed. “Okay, so we’re checking out your empty apartment, then going to eat?”
“No, I have food here.”
She was surprised at this. “Already?”
Cal popped open the door, then walked around the truck and helped her out. “You’re asking a lot of questions for something that’s supposed to be a surprise.”
“I’m surprised, and now I want to know more, like why are you wearing a suit?”
He pulled her close and kissed her, which was effective in stopping the questions. For a few minutes. “Come on, Bee.”
Maybe he’d set up a card table and a candlelight dinner in the middle of his empty living room?
Cal led her by the hand around a dumpster full of construction refuse. They walked through a short hallway, then stopped at a door.
“You got the ground level—that’s nice.”
“Yep.” He flashed her a grin, then opened the door.
Steph was about to ask why it was unlocked, but the light suddenly turned on, and a chorus of people yelled, “Happy birthday!”
Her heart jolted, and she stared at the gathering of people, taking a second to comprehend. Cal’s apartment wasn’t empty. It was full of people, and they were singing “Happy Birthday” to her. Steph blinked, then blinked again at the tears burning in her eyes. Her heart was pounding, swelling, her stomach zooming, and she felt like laughing and crying at the same time.
Pops and Lydia and Jorge were front and center. How did they get here so fast? Ian and Brandy, and Everly and Austin with Jessica, and Lori, and Julie and Dave and their kids, and Carol, and all her coworkers from the salon. Cal’s aunt Rachel. In the back stood her parents. Her mom’s bleached hair was cut into a bob, and she wore a colorful caftan dress. Her father wore a button-down Hawaiian shirt and khakis. Dressed up for both of them.
“Mom?” she mouthed.
Her mother nodded, smile wide. Her father winked at her.
When had they planned to come? How did she not know any of this?
Cal’s arm slipped around her, and she leaned against him as the boisterous song wrapped up.
Steph wiped at the tears on her face. “I can’t believe this.” She looked up at him. “When did you plan this?”
Then she was surrounded by hugs and well-wishes. “How did you get here before me?” she asked Pops.
“Cal drove you the long way.”
Once she reached her parents, she hugged them both. “I had no idea you were coming to Everly Falls. When did this all happen?”
“Cal called us a couple of weeks ago,” her mom said, adjusting her glasses. “Told us his plans and that it would mean a lot for us to show up.”
Steph was speechless. Did Cal pay for their flights? They wouldn’t even come out when Pops was in the hospital. “That must have been expensive.”
Her parents exchanged glances, then her dad said, “It cost some money, but Cal reminded us that it’s been far too long since we visited you. And Pops, of course.”
