From below, we hear the DJ announce the cake is about to be cut.
Ava stands and looks at me. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”
“We have until June. Give me at least that long.”
“Okay.”
I stand and take Ava’s hand. “Let’s go eat cake.”
Harper walks over and dabs under Ava’s eyes.
“Do I look okay?”
“Hot as always.” Harper smiles sweetly.
“Good. I need to get laid.”
“Ava!” I swear my voice cracks, as if I’m going through puberty.
“Dad, how the hell do you hear everything?”
Ava and Harper laugh as they follow Maddox down the stairs.
After they’re gone, I look around the room at John, Tessa, and Jade. “Look, this isn’t a big deal.”
“It kind of is.” Jade steps to me and hugs me.
“No, it’s Karma coming back, and she’s pissed off at me,” I joke, giving her a squeeze then step back.
“You mean God, Lucas?” John asks.
“Nope. Definitely Karma.” I shrug. “Let’s go eat cake.”
Jade and John head down first, and Tessa hangs back.
“I’m fine. You gotta march that ass downstairs and smile for your girl.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit her.”
“I would’ve done the same thing.” I nod toward the stairs. “Wanna race?”
She smiles sadly. “Yeah.”
“You first.”
She starts toward them, and I’m checking out her ass when she looks back, catching me.
“Links, you first.”
“I’ve had a bad night.” I stick my lip out and pout. “Just let me have this moment.”
“You’re an ass.” She laughs yet continues.
I call behind her, “Did I mention it’s been a really bad night? You could at least shake that thing for me. You know, just to help me out.”
And no shit, she does.
?