“Of course he did. You’re the star. He needs you to be happy and focused. And you’renothappy right now. I reminded him that even though you’re in your bestphysicalstate, yourmentalstate is important too. And Tyler, honey? Your mental state sucks right now. Pardon my French.”
My eyes well up even more, and I blink the emotions away. They’re happy emotions, sure, butshit, this is a lot.
“But what about our trip to the petting zoo?”
Lam, who’s currently cutting the birthday cake Mom brought when she got home, smirks without looking up. “I’m going with J and Mase,” he says, naming my brothers. “They’re picking me up in a few. Their manager’s covering the gym for the afternoon.”
“What? Youknewwhat I got you?” I knew I shouldn’t have told those shitheads anything.
“They might’ve disclosed the information while planning this whole thing for you,” he says with zero shame. “I think I actedpretty convincingly, though. Hey, don’t scowl at me—I get the zoo, you’re going to see yourboo. It all works out. It rhymes, there’s no denying rhyme.”
I squint at him. “Fine. You’re forgiven, because this gift is amazing.” Then I glance at Mom. “But who’s gonna help you out at the wedding tomorrow?”
She shifts her eyes to Lamar, who’s now shoving a chunk of cake straight into his mouth, no plate in sight.
“Oh no.Mom, you can’t be serious. Do you want the place to burn down?”
“What?” Lamar asks, licking frosting off his fingers. “I can flip a burger just fine. Iloveburgers.”
“You’re not getting anywherenearthe stove,” Mom says, poking a finger against the side of his face. “Like we agreed, you’re bussing tables and doing the dishes. One of my usual busboys can handle serving, and Manuel and Bob offered to run the bar. Assuming they’re recovered from your little endeavor yesterday.” She narrows her eyes. “Don’t make them drink that much next time. They can’t keep up with you young ones. Anddon’ttell them I said that.”
“But Mrs. K! Bussing tables isboring.”
“Bussing tables isexactlywhat you’re going to do. If you behave, you can make your own burger in the kitchen when the party ends.”
“Booya!” He pumps his fist. “Can I put whatever I want on it? Don’t be surprised when I make a better burger than you.”
“You know what? If you come up with something amazing, I’ll put it on the regular menu.”
I tune out whatever the hell they’re bickering about next and just stare at my phone—at Jace. The excitement is written all over his face, clear as day. And I can’t help but mirror it, giddy as hell.
“Is this real?” I ask, my voice hoarser than intended.
“Yeah, babe. It is.” His eyes shine in emotion as well. “In a couple of hours, you’re in my arms.”
I close my eyes and exhale. “How did you make this happen?”
“Like I said, I called your mom. We made a plan. She’s my second favorite person, you know.” The left corner of his mouth pulls up. “You really were right. She doesn’t mind that you’ll miss your shift. I’m not sure if Lam is the best back-up, though, but it’s the best we could come up with on short notice.”
“I could kiss you right now.”
“You better. I’m expecting to be lip-locked for the next five days. Prepare to carry me around as an extension of yourself.”
I grin.Five whole days.I check the boarding time again—and pause when I see the seat class.Business.My stomach dips.
“This is way too expensive.”
“It’s not,” he says firmly. “I’d pay a hell of a lot more just to have you with me. Icanpay a hell of a lot more now. Please—let me do this.”
“I can pay you back,” I offer. It’d put a serious dent in my savings for the next two semesters, but with my meal plan, I could make it work.
“Shut up. Don’t even try,” he says, smiling. “It’s your birthday present. And Iknewyou’d say that, so if you really want to pay me back, you’re only allowed toafteryou get your signing bonus.”
“Okay, okay. I will. Thank you.” I hold the holy ticket to my chest. “But don’t jinx it, fucker. Who says I’ll even get picked in the draft?”
“Well,” he drawls, “since I plan to kidnap you and stuff you into an empty bunk for the rest of the tour… yeah, odds are slim. Youmightmiss your first few games this season.”
I chuckle softly, shaking my head. “Deal. I’m up for that.”
