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This time Dane groaned. “I didn’t want to hear that.”
She and Gabby shared a look. Gabby even threw her a subtle wink. Sure, they talked about the men in their lives, but when it came to Dane—and now Jaxson—they weren’tthatforthcoming with everything. Some things were better left unsaid. Especially when Jaxson was best friends with Gabby. It would be awkward. It didn’t mean they couldn’t have some fun at the men’s expense.
“Cake. Did you see the cake? I made the cake for you,” Jaxson stated with too much enthusiasm, very determined to change the conversation.
Gabby and Dane turned in the direction he pointed to see the cupcake cake he had made to look like a baseball diamond. It turned out spectacular. Mia was sad she hadn’t been with him last night while he created such perfection. She imagined it would’ve been a wonderful sight to see. Him, all in his zone. Super messy zone. The man could not keep one counter clean. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Pure perfection always came out of his mess.
They ventured closer to the cake where Gabby started to laugh.
“What is so funny now?” Jaxson asked. Mia grabbed his hand when she heard the slight aggravation mixed in.
“I have no doubt the cake will taste delicious, and you even decorated it so nicely.” Gabby’s brows rose as she looked at Jaxson. “But you need to work on your writing skills.”
Mia giggled as Jaxson rolled his eyes.
Okay, yes. She had to agree with Gabby on that point. His cursive writing with icing could use a bit of work. It was squiggly and not in a straight line. The ‘r’ in birthday looked more like half a square than how it should look. But Mia had to give him props. It came out much better than if she would’ve attempted to write it. Her cursive writing already looked like chicken scratch as it was with a pen. No way she’d make it perfect with icing.
“I’d like to see you decorate a cake.”
“No, thanks. I’ll leave the baking to you.” Then Gabby hugged Jaxson in thanks, whispering something in his ear that Mia couldn’t hear.
It bugged her.
Why weren’t she and Dane privy to what she said?
She wouldn’t worry about it. It was probably nothing anyway. Today was a good day. No, it was a great day and she wouldn’t let one thing ruin it.
“What a great party, bro. Happy birthday.”
Everyone turned toward Champ, who had a wide, brimming smile on his face as if he knew something they didn’t.
Oh, yeah.
She wouldn’t let anything ruin this day. Not even that asshole.
* * *
Jaxson suddenly foundhimself standing with Dane and his brother, Champ. Gabby had pulled Mia away without one word to anyone. Jaxson was completely fine with that. He didn’t need Mia near Champ for one second. Not that he worried the guy could charm his way into Mia’s good graces again or anything. He simply didn’t want her near that piece of scum.
“Champ. You’re here.” The words came out of Dane’s mouth tentatively and with a bit of surprise.
It made Jaxson nervous that Dane didn’t expect his brother to be invited. He swore Gabby said they should invite him.
Did he mess up?
“I got invited,” Champ replied just as cautiously.
Dane swallowed and glanced at Jaxson.
“Yes, of course. It’s good to see you.”
“Is it?”
Dane swallowed again, harder this time. “Look, I know our last conversation over the phone wasn’t…pleasant. But it is good to see you.”
Champ offered a weak smile—much weaker but more real than the one he’d walked up to them with. “Dad misses you, too.”
Dane shook his head, his expression turning hard. “The only thing Dad misses is me doing all the work. If he missed me so much, he’d reach out. Like you did.”
