“Seriously Evan, what the fuck is going on? Are you in danger or something? You can talk to me, I can handle it.”
I sigh. “I’m not in danger sweetheart, but just for peace of mind the security team is surveilling the building overnight. Tomorrow we’ll be back to normal,” I lie. I know Amelia will stay up all night if I show her a hint of distress.
Amelia let’s out a heavy sigh. “Sheesh, overprotective boyfriend alert. Really had me losing my mind there for a second.”
“Come on, let’s have some more wine and watch a Julia Roberts movie.” I smile.
Amelia pulls her feet from my hands and inches herself closer to me until she is sitting sideways on my lap. “Hmm, great idea. I knew I loved you for a reason.” She kisses me.
We spent the next two hours watching a movie and drinking wine. I couldn’t listen to a single word said because my mind was too preoccupied with more pressing matters.
Like how I’m going to keep Amelia alive.
35
Amelia
I love Evan Cooper.
Besides last night’s security fiasco, it was one of the best nights of my life. I told Evan I loved him, and we spent the coziest night together, watching movies and drinking wine.
For the first time in a long time, I’m following my heart. I’m not following a timeline or acting based on what I assume are the expectations others have of me, and it feels so liberating. Evan isn’t a checkmark on my list, he’s what my heart yearns for, and I’m finally going to live my life in a way that makes me happy.
I had brunch scheduled with my dad and Antonio this morning, so Evan had one of his security guards drop me off. It seemed a bit excessive, but I wasn’t gonna turn down a cushy, warm ride in this weather.
After brunch, Nikki and I got our hair and nails done. I know that there is probably going to be a surprise get together tonight, because everyone in my life is terrible at keeping secrets, just like me. Plus, they’ve been quite heavy with dropping hints.
Nikki and I are heading out for “dinner” when I spot Teddy leaning on the familiar black SUV. “Good evening birthday girl. Your chariot awaits,” he says as he opens the back passenger doors.
I laugh to myself and don’t even question it. I’ve never seen a crew be so bad at keeping a surprise party a secret. “Thanks Teddy, nice to see you again. This is my friend Nikki.” I gesture to her.
“So, are you gonna make me wait until everyone jumps out and says ‘SURPRISE’ before you tell me where we’re going?” I ask Nikki sarcastically.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, we are going out for a fancy dinner, just you and I.” Nikki bites her lip, probably to keep herself from spilling the beans.
I roll my eyes and play along.
We pull up toThe Avenue. The pub where Evan and I had our infamous fight. I smile foolishly at the memory.
“Just thought we’d grab a quick drink here first,” Nikki says in a high pitched voice. Jesus, the woman is coming apart at the seams holding in this surprise.
Nikki pushes me into the dimly lit bar first, then I see the lights flash on brighter, followed by a motley crew of familiar faces.
“SURPRISE!” Everyone in the room yells and I produce a mock surprised face.
“Oh wow! A surprise party? I had no idea!” I sing-song as I make my way to hug my loved ones.
“Nikki told you, didn’t she,” Antonio huffs.
“I did not! How dare you question my surprise party duties?!” Nikki glares at Antonio.
“Happy birthday Amelia!” Vanessa yells as she pulls me in for a hug. “We can’t believe the baby of the group is in her thirties. God we’re getting old.” She laughs.
One by one, everyone greets me.
My dad and brother are here, along with the doctors and Tías and of course the cousin crew. Including Evan.
How do I go from telling this man I love him, to acting like we barely tolerate each other in a room full of people who know us better than anyone else? A fun light punch to the arm? Yeah no. Simple greeting it is.
