I let out a soft laugh and lean over to hug him. Everyone else is already at the bowling place August wanted to go to, so we’re the last two left.
When we walk in, it’s clear Hazel rented the place out since it’s just our friends. Augustlovesballoons, and it’s clear his girlfriend remembered that because every square inch is covered with huge balloon arcs.
The minute we walk in, they all yell in surprise, and I step aside so he can have his moment to shine since today is technically his, but like always, he grabs my hand, and we walk over to everyone together.
After saying hi to everyone, we start bowling, and it ends up being a competition between Sire and Vidia because they’re insanely competitive.
“This reminds me of their first date,” August whispers to Hazel and me, as we watch Sire and Vidia tease each other a few feet ahead of us. When Sire gets a strike, Vidia goes on about how he’s cheating, and we break into a laugh before quickly hiding our faces when they turn to us. They still bicker like a married couple, but now it’s just funny because it’s clear half of it is just to piss the other off.
After a few games and about an hour at the arcade, we head to August’s place and play a few games they set up. I hear a sizzling sound going off, and when I turn, August is walking in with a cake and sparkly candle, and I realize it must be twelve.
I rise from my seat as they sing Happy Birthday to me, and when the candle goes out, there’s still one left for me to blow out, so I do and silently make my wish.
“Thank you, guys!” I hug them all, and my phone starts blowing up with calls and birthday wishes.
After a few minutes, I’m still getting messages and smile down at one in particular.
Liam Leslie
Happy birthday, Dory baby.
12:05 am
I heart his message, and a second later a few pictures of the kittens in birthday hats flood my phone.
I laugh quietly to myself as I heart all of the messages before thanking him.
Chapter Twenty
Liam
“How often do you goout with her?” I keep my eyes on my mom as she brushes her hair.
“I try to take her out once or twice a week. She's a lot better outdoors.” Capri sounds like that shocks her, but it makes me feel better about going out with my mom. I'm dragging Capri with us since this is the first time I'm stepping out of this house with her, but I'm trying to be positive, as Capri said I should be.
“Are you two ready?” My mom turns to us as if we're not waiting forher.
I smile down at her sassy ass before taking her hand. “Yes, Mom, come on.”
We walk out to my car, and when I open the back seat for her so she can sit with Capri, she walks right past me and opens the driver's side.
“Yeah, no.” I shut the door before kissing her head. “You wouldn't drive my car if it was your dying wish, Mom.” I open the backseat door again as Capri breaks into a laugh.
“It's cute that you call your father's caryours,but you don't have your license, and he'll be very upset if you drive his car. Get in the back seat, Liam, and put your seatbelt on.” She opens the driver's side door, andagain,I close it.
“I do have my license and—”
“You donothave your license, Liam. In the back seat, or you can stay.”
I canstay?She doesn't even know where we're fucking going.
Before I can voice another protest, Capri steps forward. “Here, why don't I drive and—”
“Fuck no.”
“Excuse me?” My mom crosses her arms and sends me a stern look. “You're lucky I'm tired. Pri can drive.”
I open my mouth to say she isn't driving my goddamn car, but my mom holds a finger up.
