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And I guess Bria was right all along. Maybe people really can have a fresh start.
26
Bria
Ilook around Club 83 and smile, feeling my heart flip-flop in my chest.Gosh, I hope Brody likes this.
His twenty-first birthday is today. Which means, one, I had to throw him a huge-ass birthday to make up for the fact that he’s never had one. And, two, the ID he was using to get drinks here was fake.
Aside from his grandmother making him a cake for the two of them to share when he was a kid, he’s never had a birthday party. Twenty-one years, and he’s never had a real, actual party to celebrate him.
The team won their game last night, making them still undefeated. So, tonight, we’re going to party. For Brody and me, that means Sprite and lots of food because we’re still trying to avoid drinking. Mostly because Brody is scared of becoming his father. So, when he suggested we stay clear of alcohol for a while longer, I was fine with it. I don’t love feeling hungover the next morning anyway.
“You done good, girl,” a deep voice says from behind me.
Turning, I find Cam’s dad, Jaxon, grinning at me. I take in the middle-aged man with dark brown hair and a little white sprinkled throughout. He’s a complete DILF. I glance at Cam’s mom across the room, and it’s obvious where Cam gets his good looks from. The entire family, including his sister, is freaking stacked with gorgeousness.
“Thanks.” I nod, tying another balloon to the back of a chair. “I hope he likes it.”
“Boy is gonna love it.” He gazes around. “From what Cam’s said, he’s never had anything like this. He’ll sure appreciate it, Bria.”
“He deserves it. And so much more.” I pull in a breath through my nose. “Cam has been such a good friend to him. You raised a good son.”
“Little bit of a cocky fucker sometimes.” He laughs. “But, yes, he’s a good ol’ boy.”
“Hey, Mr. Hardy,” Tate says, coming next to me. “Need me to do anything else, Bria?”
I look around and exhale. “I think we’re good. Jaxon, if you want to text Cam and let him know he can bring Brody whenever, that would be great.”
As he takes his phone out, I crane my head closer to Tate. “Are you going to be okay? You know…around Link?”
She smiles, but it’s forced. “I’ll be fine. This is Brody’s day. I can set my sad, lonely, depressed feelings aside for one night.” She nudges me. “I know y’all aren’t drinking, but I plan to get tipsy.”
“Girl, live your life.” I wink before putting my lips to her ear. “I’m hoping for slutty bathroom sex tonight.”
“Uh, that’s the best kind.” She sighs before walking off, calling, “You suck,” over her shoulder.
I look around, seeing the people who showed up for Brody. His friends. Or, as he calls them…his family.
His teammates all line up by the door, ready to greet him. Cam’s family and even some of the football guys came out to celebrate. Since my brother met him at our family dinner last weekend, he and his friends made the drive from Florida. Along with my mom, who works tirelessly, hanging streamers.
Maybe most twenty-one-year-old dudes don’t want streamers, balloons, or cake. But Brody deserves to experience a real birthday—for once. And tacky or not, I’m giving it to him.
“They are pulling in!” Tate yells, peeking out the window. “Everyone, get ready!”
Through the window, I watch Cam, Link, and Brody hop out of Link’s truck and make their way toward the building. And my heart races, as if this is one of the biggest deals of my life.
And when Cam pulls open the door and Brody walks in, we all yell, “Surprise!”
I think we scare the shit out of him. But after a few minutes, he grins, looking around the room before his eyes land on me.
Strutting toward me, he cups my cheeks and kisses me. “You sneaky little shit.” He kisses me again before looking up at the decorations. “So, this is what it’s like to have a birthday party?”
Nodding, I kiss his cheek. “Happy birthday, baby. I love you so much.”
One arm hooks around the bottom of my back as he pulls me against him once more. “You are full of surprises, Wildflower. Fuck, I love you so damn much.”
Releasing me, he looks around at everyone who is here just for him, and he stares in complete shock. To everyone else, it probably just looks like he’s taken aback. To me, I know he’s trying to hold it together. No one would ever believe that Brody O’Brien is much more sensitive than people might think.
