“I know what you mean.” She sighed. “Hopefully at the very least you guys can have some fun after all your recent adventures. Speaking of which, tell me about last night, sounds like a good story.” The curiosity was evident in her voice.
“You could say that,” I muttered dryly, and launched into last night’s escapade.
Sid stayed holed up upstairs for most of the day. I had spare time so I figured I’d change my hair up by losing the pink tips and adding some purple streaks. I thought it looked pretty badass. For my outfit, I chose my high-waisted jeans, a gray blouse Sid had once complimented, and my favorite pair of boots.
You headed over soon?
Cade’s text came just as I was getting ready to find Mr. Mercurial upstairs.
HBD! Yes! We’re coming as soon as I can pull your brother out of the town of grump, I responded.
Isn't he the mayor?
Cade’s response made me laugh out loud.
Ha. We’ll see you soon.
I ventured out of my room only to find Sid on the stairs. “Hey, I was just coming to find you,” I told him, fighting the urge to run at him full speed and wrap my entire body around him like a vine. It had only been a few hours, but I’d missed him.
His eyes narrowed as he took in my outfit.
Not the expression you want to see on your man when you’re all dolled up. “Why are you all dressed up?”
“I’m not all dressed up.” I rolled my eyes. “And it’s Cade’s birthday—remember?” I demanded lightly. “We need to get going. He just asked when we’re going to be there.”
He snorted. “We’re not going to his house.”
My heart pounded at the same time it froze. As much as I loved being with Sid, I’d been looking forward to Cade’s birthday for the last week, anxious to let loose a little. To feel normal. Plus, it was one of my best friends’ birthday. “What the hell do you mean? Of course we’re going. He’s your brother and one of my best friends. We were just talking about going yesterday; what’s changed between then and now?” I demanded. “If this is about last night,” I continued, forcing myself to use a calmer tone of voice, “Tom was no actual risk. I know you know that but I feel the need to say it out loud,” I clarified. “And even if it had been—a real risk I mean—look how quickly everyone responded.” I dared to take a step closer, wanting to breathe the same air he did despite his mood. “You had it handled before it even began. This is your brother’s birthday. He wants us there. I want to be there,” I said firmly.
I was rambling again.
Ordinarily he’d rescue me from such a plight, but he was in no mood. “Sid. Come on, babe,” I tried softly. “Is there something I don’t know about? Something new?” I prodded.
“No. Fuck it, let’s go,” he grumbled, grabbing his keys.
“Well, this’ll be fun,” I muttered under my breath, watching him prowl toward the garage. I looked down at Trixie, who sat watching us both. “We’ll be back soon.”
The fact that I’d gotten used to checking in with the dog was mildly scary. Pretty soon I’d want to Skype with her too.
Cade and Danika’s house was packed by the time we arrived. Sid had maintained his sullen mood and I’d left him to himself, still baffled as to its cause. I was determined not to let him ruin one of the only opportunities I’d had to socialize in weeks.
“You came!” Danny exclaimed when we walked in the door. Her eyes sparkled in delight as she wrapped me up in a hug. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”
I smiled. “Yeah well, we’ve been trying to keep a low profile.”
She nodded sympathetically. “You must need a drink.”
“I must,” I agreed wholeheartedly. “You want something?” I asked, turning to Sid.
“Nah, I’ll go catch up with Cade.”
I watched him, trying to assess if I should press him yet again. Instead, I let him be with a simple nod, allowing Danny to snag my hand. “Sarah’s here,” she shared as she pulled me toward the backyard.
I’d invited Sarah, wanting her to get to know Cade and Danika. I knew they’d both like her. “Great!” I beamed, forcing some enthusiasm despite Sid’s mood weighing heavily on my shoulders.
We found Sarah and the three of us sat in the backyard under their beautiful lemon tree, sipping cocktails and watching the revelers. Between the tattoo shop, our former band, and Caden being Caden, he knew a lot of people.
“Your house looks great,” I told Danika, admiring the sweet one-story house and fenced in backyard. “I love seeing Caden so domesticated.” I winked.