Killian looks out at the crowd. “Sierra Fullilove, raise your hand!” He raises an arm in the air.
I stare at him on the stage, dumbfounded. Did he just say my name?
“Come on.” He puts a hand over his eyes and squints. “I know you’re here, Sierra.”
The people start to buzz, looking around for somebody with her hand raised.
I stay frozen, my heart still. I can’t decide if I’m feeling cold or hot, but my head is spinning, and I can’t process anything.
Griffin taps my shoulder. “That would be you.”
“He really said my name?” I feel like I’m dreaming.
He nods, then takes my hand and raises it. “Here!” he yells, cupping a hand around his mouth.
“There you are. Shy, huh? But right in front. Perfect!” Killian grins, and a dimple flashes in his cheek.
My face is hot with shock, anticipation and nerves. I’ve never been the focus of somebody this famous, somebody I’ve been fangirling over for years. I can feel the weight of other people’s gazes, and squeeze Griffin’s hand.
Killian starts to sing, strolling over until he’s standing directly in front of me. “Happy birthday to you…” His voice is mellow and sweet.
Oh my God.My heart melts, especially when he croons, “Happy birthday, dear Sierraaa…”
He turns the mic to the audience, and they raggedly sing the last “happy birthday to you” then holler and clap. The girls around us loudly proclaim something in an envious tone and yell out, “Happy birthday!”
I’m still shaking with disbelief that Killian Axelrod sang just for me. And I know exactly who gave me this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I turn toward Griffin. He’s looking at me with a small smile, his eyes bright and satisfied. I lift my trembling hands and cup his warm cheeks.
I kiss him; his mouth parts. Cheers erupt around us, and I pull back in mild shock, remembering we’re surrounded by tens of thousands of people.
I hug Griffin hard. My heart gallops against my chest, and I can feel his thumping too. I bury my face in his shoulder as my eyes heat with tears. All the loneliness I’ve felt since Mom and Grandma died starts to shrivel and die. In its place is a sense of belonging and love.
Griffin might be my fake boyfriend, but what I feel for him is real.