Page 120 of Shameless

Gordon clears his throat. “Are you sure? Consider attorney client privilege, Jules.”

“It’s ok, Gordon. I’m happy for Rikki to hear whatever you need to tell me.”

“Very well,” Gordon says. “I just wanted to let you know that the court has set the date for your appeal hearing on Jenna’s custody. It’s in four weeks.”

I sigh. “Great. Just email me the details.”

“Jules,” there’s warning in his tone. “Are you sure you want to go ahead with this? I don’t think our chances of winning are any better than last year.”

We’ve discussed this at length. “I’m sure. I can’t abandon my daughter. The only thing that helps me sleep at night is that after all the concerns we raised, the court appointed a social worker to check on Jenna on a regular basis. My ex isn’t a reliable parent.”

The call ends with Gordon promising to forward me all the details about the hearing, just as I pulled into Mom’s driveway.

“Ready to see everyone?” I ask.

“Lead the way.” Rikki smiles, clearly excited.

Everyone has been so excited about seeing Rikki, even though he was here eight weeks ago for Christmas, that no one has mentioned that today is my birthday. And Crew’s, even though the dipshit decided that he wants his own birthday without having to share it; since he was born just five minutes before midnight, he decided to celebrate it tomorrow.

It’s ok, though. Turning twenty-two isn’t the most important thing in my life.

Aside from the battle for Jenna’s custody, my mind has been occupied by another project. Today we’re going to propose to Lula. Stefan was supposed to get the ring this morning.

The house is dark and quiet as I unlock the door.

“Where’s everyone?” I wonder, looking around. “If I’d known that everyone would be out, I’d have taken you to your Mom’s place to drop off your bags.”

Rikki shrugs. “That can wait. It’s weird but the new house we bought with part of our inheritance doesn’t feel like home. Maybe it’s because I was already gone when Mom and Crew moved in? Anyway, what do you say we watch a movie while we wait for everyone to come home?”

I don’t mind hanging out with Rikki. “Sure. Let me go make some popcorn and?—”

“Nah,” he clasps my shoulder. “I’m not hungry. I just want to sit down.”

“But I’m hungry,” I object.

“Then let’s order some pizza or something. But I just really want to watch a movie. I’ve always liked your Mom’s huge TV.”

He’s acting a little odd. Crew bought a TV set that’s just as big, so I don’t understand why Rikki is so excited about watching a movie in here.

I follow him into the dark living room though, opening the app on my phone to order the pizza.

The light comes on the second I step into the room.

“SURPRISE!”

My family and friends jump out from behind the couch, under the table and every possible hiding spot.

“Happy birthday, babe!”

Lula flies into my arms and despite how crowded the room is, the second our lips touch, everything else disappears.

“Hey you two, get a room!” Crew hollers.

I flip him off, but we’re both laughing. “Well we would get a room if you weren’t here to cock block me. I thought I said I didn’t want a party?” I say to Lula.

The redness that rises to her face makes her look adorable. “I know, but Arianna and I wanted to celebrate. Plus, Tilly made a three tier cake. Each tier is a different flavor and it has all your favorites.”

“When you put it like that…” I smile, squeezing her tightly to my side.

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