Page 52 of Secrets Unveiled

“Has anyone seen my wallet?!” I yell down the stairs to Saxon and Saint, who are impatiently waiting for me to finish getting ready so we can meet Gloria for dinner. It’s my twenty-fourth birthday, and since that awful night, I’ve become so close to Gloria. She’s made me feel so close to my father, even though I never knew her while they were together. She’s kind, caring, and saved mine and Saxon’s life when she herself was a prisoner to the same monsters.

I also invited Mira to come to dinner, but she’s secretly been seeing someone, and I couldn’t be happier for her. At first, I could tell she felt guilty for having feelings for someone other than her husband. When he died, she vowed to never love again, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Besides, no one should have to walk this earth alone. When love finds you, embrace it and cherish every moment you have together.

“It’s down here. Now hurry up!” Saxon calls to me as I roll my eyes and head down the stairs to a waiting pair of silver eyes. Saint is dressed in an all-black ensemble; his hair is a perfect, messy style, emphasizing his gentlemanly appearance. It should be illegal for any man to look this handsome. My black heels click with every step I take, my red spaghetti strap dress hugging my body in all the right places. The high slit on the side gives Saint something to look at as I take the last few steps.

“You look absolutely stunning, babe.” I rise to my tiptoes to give him a kiss. Even though I’m in three-inch heels, he still towers over me. I love it. He makes me feel feminine when I’ve always felt like a tomboy.Extending his hands out to me, he hands me a little package I hadn’t known he was holding.

“What’s this?” I ask.

“Not sure. It was left on the porch with your name on it.” Saint shrugs but places the package in my outstretched hands. Rolling my eyes, I know it’s another birthday present from only God knows who. Opening the package, I tear away the simple black wrapping paper and lift the lid off the box.

“What’s it this year?” I hear Saxon ask from the front door. Peering inside the box, I see a delicate piece of jewelry. A white-gold necklace that has a pendant hanging from the middle. Lifting the velvet jewelry holder from the box, I see the pendant is an emerald stone sitting in a circular setting. It’s beautiful, stunning, actually.

“It’s a necklace, with an emerald pendant,” I whisper to the guys. My eyes examine the jewel and its beauty as I hold it between my fingers. The golden evening light that shines through the windows bounces off the stone, causing a ray of green strikes of light fill the foyer.

“Oh my gosh,” I whisper. I’m taken aback. A gift like this must have a cost a pretty penny. Saint gently takes the necklace from my hands and indicates for me to turn around. I do so, and allow him to place the necklace around my neck where it sits across my collar bones. I can’t help touching the stone once he’s done.

“Will I ever find out who keeps sending me these incredible gifts?” I ask to myself, not really addressing the question to anyone, rather, the ghost of my secret gift giver. Saint rests his hands on top of my shoulders, and his lips brush my ear, warm breath fanning across my skin as goosebumps rise across my body.

“Maybe the person has been right in front of you this whole time.” His voice is a whisper, his lips kissing my neck, and it finally hits me.

I spin around so fast I practically collide with his chest.

“It’s been you this whole time?” I ask, my eyes wide. I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. He doesn’t answer me right away, his lips turning up into a small smile.

“Damn, man. Who would have known old Tyler Saint Bones was a freaking romantic at heart? You two make me sick,” Saxon mumbles behind us, opening the front door and rushing us to head out. Before either of us can move, I throw my arms around Saint’s neck and kiss him with so much love, I feel as though my heart may explode.

“Thank you, Saint. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, baby.”

Saxon makes a pathetic gagging sound behind us, and I can’t help but laugh at his childish ways.

“Right, let’s go. We’ll be late,” Saxon says as he unbuttons the sleeves to his black button-up to roll them up to his elbows. He too, is wearing black slacks. His hair is pulled back in a slick man bun, but he stops dead in his tracks when he fully sees what I’m wearing.

“Sis, I love you, but what are you wearing?” he says, eyeing me in disapproval, playing the big brother role far too well.

“A dress. Now let’s go. We’re going to be late,” I say back to him in a mocking tone. I walk past the guys, but don’t miss the remark from Saint that has me laughing to myself.

“So little faith in me, Sax. Do you really think anyone will get away with looking at her the wrong way? You must have forgotten who we are.” I look over my shoulder at the bro hug they give each other, and my heart warms at their friendship. The thought of it being ruined because of me makes me physically sick. I couldn’t live with myself, knowing I was the cause of a bond being shattered.

We all ride in Saint’s Tahoe to the restaurant, my favorite one in town, Raul’s Seafood. I’m flipping through my class schedule for my senior year on my phone, not fully comprehending that I’m starting the last year of college already. The painting of my parents on their wedding day is still not fully complete. It’s still hiding away in the private room in the library. This painting has been my work in progress during my whole college career, and I can’t help but feel nervous to present it as my final project this year. However, since finally opening up my custom paint shop beside the garage, my confidence in my work has skyrocketed, simply because of all the work I’ve brought in and five-star reviews that have been published so far. Sage Customs is flourishing. Suddenly, a blindfold is placed over my eyes.

“Saxon, what are you doing? You’re going to ruin my makeup,” I groan, but let him tie the fabric over my eyes.

“It’s funny how you are so particular about your makeup all of a sudden,” he jokes from behind me.

“Shut up,” I groan again, tucking my phone into my purse.

The Tahoe slows down and takes a turn, I’m guessing, into the parking lot before we stop completely. Saint turns off the engine and informs me to stay put while he exits the vehicle. A moment later, the passenger side door opens and strong hands help me out of the vehicle. I take small steps as Saint wraps an arm around my waist to steady me.

“That’s it, one step at a time. Here’s a step up, be careful,” he instructs me until I feel the cool breeze of the air conditioner in the restaurant. We finally stop as the fabric around my eyes loosens. As soon as it leaves my eyes, I’m greeted with a thunderous,

“Surprise!” I jump at the sudden hollering, and my eyes quickly adjust to a room full of all my friends. Ophelia, Bristol, Frieda, Owen, Brooks, Finn, Skylar, Gloria, Mira and a gentleman I assume is her new friend, Sam, Dante, and all the club members are standing together holding a large banner that reads, Happy Birthday Sage!

My hands fly to my mouth at the shock and utter disbelief. I grew to hate my birthday due to the loss of my father, but within the last few years, Gloria changed how I saw things.

Never stop celebrating you. I know your father would be looking down at you with sadness at the thought of you forgetting about your birthday. Another year on this beautiful earth is a day worth cherishing, and you, my dear, are someone worth celebrating.

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