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Ever since we’d started working, this has been our thing. A birthday mani-pedi followed by a night out. Although, at thirty, I could really do without the night out part.
“Maybe we could stay in this year?” I suggest as the attendant takes us back to our seats. “We can order takeout, get silly drunk on my couch, and watch some really bad reality tv.”
Even before I finish, Kiara is already shaking her head no. “No way, missy. Just because you have your Boy Toy doesn’t give you an excuse to stay in. He’ll survive without you one night.”
I carefully glance at the technicians, who’re setting everything up as we take our seats. I’m not sure why I’m expecting some reaction, judgment really, but there is nothing. I guess when you work this kind of job, you’ve seen and heard it all by now, and nothing really surprises you any longer.
“This isn’t about, Quinn.”
“Oh, isn’t it?”
“No, it’s not.”
I actually haven’t even heard from him today. I mean, I didn’t expect him to make a big deal out of my birthday. After all, I said I wasn’t big on celebrations like this, but I was kind of disappointed he didn’t even send a message.
Kiara narrows her eyes at me. “If you say you feel too old to go out, I’ll strangle you.”
“Fine, I won’t say it.”
“Better. You’ll put on a sexy, short dress, and we’ll go party until the sun rises. Or well, until the club closes.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Hey, I’m giving you the best thirtieth birthday. I expect the same in a few short months.”
“Fine.” I grab the color palette and check it out, trying to decide on which color I want this time around. We chat about everything and nothing as they work on our nails. I swear there’s nothing better than getting your nails done after a shitty day at work.
One hour later, we’re officially done. My hands and feet are scrubbed and soft as a baby’s butt, nails painted a pale shade of pink, while Kiara went for her usual raging bitch red. It’s not an official color name, but if you ask Kiara, it should be.
“A sexy dress, Ness,” Kiara reminds me as we part ways after our appointment. “I’ll pick you up at seven?”
“Isn’t that a bit too early?”
Kiara shakes her head. “We’re grabbing dinner first.”
* * *
The doorbell rings as I swipe one last coat of lipstick over my mouth. Giving myself a final look in the mirror, I close the tube and put it on the counter before exiting the bathroom and going for the door.
“You better not compl—” The words die on my lips when I see the person standing on the other side of the door. “Quinn,” I breathe, taking him in. He’s dressed in a crisp white button-down shirt and dark slacks that fit his large frame perfectly.
He looks up, a half-smile curling his lips as he shifts from one foot to the other. “Hey, Ness. God, you look…” He shakes his head, his eyes growing darker as he watches me.
“Weird?” I offer, tugging at the hem of my dress. It’s one of those tight numbers that clings to every curve of my body, the hem reaching just above my knee, but since the material is so silky, the dress keeps rising, making it seem much shorter.
“Beautiful. Stunning, really.”
Color rushes into my cheeks at his words. “Thank you.” I look behind his shoulder, expecting to see Kiara, but she’s nowhere in sight. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to take you out for dinner.”
I turn my attention to him. “Dinner?” I repeat, completely confused. “But I’m go—” My words trail off as the realization sets in.
She did not.
“Out with me,” Quinn finishes, taking a step closer. “Happy birthday, Vanessa.”
He leans down, his hand slipping around my waist as he pulls me closer, his mouth brushing against my cheek.
