Page 64 of Gabriel's Salvation

“Please, for the love of god, try and persuade her to join the party. She's been bossing me, Nate, and Izzy around for hours,” Tucker whines. “You'd think this is her birthday, not mine.”

“If I don't make it back, tell my family I love them.” I joke back as I grab Harper's arm and drag her inside with me.

I adore Ava to bits, she's one of my best friends. But she's the stubbornest, bossiest, most particular person I know. And, no, I don't care if stubbornest isn't a word. It fits. She won't be happy until everything is just perfect. I remember her last birthday when she made poor Tucker move the presents table five times before she’d decided it was in just the right space.

“Need a hand?” I ask. When I find Ava, she is pouring a selection of drinks into a huge punch bowl in the kitchen. Izzy looks up from beside Ava, places her hands together in a prayer pose, and mouths the words ‘thank god.’

“I just can't get this punch right; it's either too strong or too weak,” she huffs as she takes another sip, stamping her feet in frustration. Guess it’s still not right.

“Let me taste it,” I hear Harper say as she takes the cup from Ava’s hand and tries some herself.

“It tastes great, Ava, as always.”

“You sure? It's not too fruity?” Ava asks.

“No, we don't wanna kill the guests or give them alcohol poisoning,” Harper comments while pointing to the array of half empty liquor bottles around the bowl.

“Plus, fruity is good. Means more people will enjoy it and stay longer before passing out,” I add.

“Yeah, that's true, I guess,” Ava says, finally sounding convinced.

“Can we finally grab a glass and head out to enjoy the party now?” Izzy begs.

“Yep!” Ava replies triumphantly as she begins handing us each a cup.

We head outside and make our way over to Tucker, who's now been joined by a few new faces.

“This is Jack and Luke. They work with us at O’Malley’s.” Tucker introduces us all to two of the new faces. “And, I think you've seen Davis before, but this is his wife, Amber,'' he concludes, introducing us to a couple who look to be in their late twenties.

“Don't worry, we're not staying long,” Davis replies in the most beautiful Texan drawl. “We just dropped by to give the birthday boy a gift.”

“You're welcome to stay,” Tucker offers.

“Can I get you a drink, it's yummy,” Ava offers, lifting up her cup.

“No thanks. I won't be drinking for a little while.” Amber laughs as she rubs what I now notice is a small, round bump.

“It was nice meeting you all. Take good care of these jackasses for us,” Davis teases as he nods his head towards the other boys.

“So, is anyone else from your work joining us?” I ask hopefully. Nate gives me a small shrug, while Tucker eyes me suspiciously.

“Like who, Rilez?” Ava teases.

Although neither she nor Izzy know about what happened with Gabe, Ava isn't stupid and says she can feel the sexual tension oozing off of the two of us, so I allow her to believe I have a little crush. It's easier than admitting the whole truth. Plus, who would believe Gabe cared for silly old me anyway?

“No one in particular; just wondered if we’d meet any of Tucker's other friends.” I slump down beside Nate on the sofa trying to get information nonchalantly.

“I tried; he wanted to come, honestly. Gabe just doesn't handle people well,” Nate whispers as the rest of the group all engage in conversations with each other.

The hours tick by, the party fills up, as does my glass. But still no signs of Gabe.

Feeling brave now that the alcohol is cursing through my veins, I decide to send him a message.

Me

Thought you agreed to come tonight. It would mean a lot to Tucker and Nate if you came.

Almost instantly, I get a reply.

---