Page 77 of My Favorite Sin

“Come on, darling. I promise you’ll feel better once you have some food in you.”

She pulls me from the entry hall, through the living room and kitchen. As soon as we enter the dining room, a bunch of voices shout, “SURPRISE!”

A massiveHappy Twenty-First Birthday, Allybanner hangs above a banquet table covered in a feast. Dozens of balloons filled with sparkling confetti float at the ceiling with gold ribbon hanging down. There’s even an overflowing champagne tower.

Scattered throughout the dining room is all my family. The brothers. Harper.

Dan.

He’s smiling at me and I can’t look away. My heart is beating so incredibly fast at the sight of him. Our phone call on my birthday ended badly, but I realize I’m smiling too,having missed him so much during this month we’ve been apart.

Mom wraps an arm around my shoulders. “I know you asked for no party, and I’m sorry if you hate it. But we all love you so much and there’s no way we could let your twenty-first go by without celebrating.”

The initial shock of the surprise party hasn’t worn off yet. Maybe I should be upset with my mother for going against my wishes, but Dan is here and that’s all I care about. I could cry, I’m so happy to see him.

“I love the party. Thank you.” To my surprise, the words aren’t a lie. Despite the mental exhaustion I’ve been feeling these last few days, the effort my mother has made to celebrate my birthday, plus everyone showing up for me, does make me happy. “Wait, Violet, you have that date.”

Violet laughs, shaking her head. “I needed some excuse to get you away from work. Oh, and on the topic of work, we’ve organized for you to have the day off tomorrow. So, party hard tonight.”

“Sacred Heart approved this?”

“It took some sweet talking, but yes.”

My eyes land on a side table with a mini grand piano on top. “Jesus Christ.” There’s a cake knife beside it, along with plates and spoons. “Is that piano a cake? Mom, that’s incredible.”

Josh steps out from behind all the guests, laughing, and draws me into a hug. “Your mother and Jordan organized an amazing party but the cake was my idea, and I’m taking credit for it.”

“Best cake ever.”

The moment I step back from Josh, someone’s hand slips into mine, weaving their fingers with mine, and they kiss my cheek. “Happy birthday,beautiful.”

It takes me far too long to realize it’s Liam. I hadn’t seen him standing among everyone and feel awkward about his intimate greeting, especially in front of Dan. I sneak a glance at Dan to gauge his reaction, finding his gaze on Liam, his jaw tight. Definitely a situation I wanted to avoid.

Felix places a hand on Dan’s shoulder and squeezes. I’m no lip reader, but it looks like he whispers the wordeasyin Dan’s ear. Dan breaks concentration, starting a conversation with his brother.

I hug Liam and thank him for the happy birthday wishes. “Hey, I thought you had a gig in the city tonight?”

“I do. Starts at midnight. I’ll get there in time. I didn’t want to miss your party. Come on, let’s say hi to everyone.”

“A classical music fair. What a perfect gift. It sounds like you and Ally had a good day together,” Jordan says in response to Liam’s recount of my birthday, having left out the panic attack part.

Small groups of conversation take place at the table as everyone finishes their meal. I’m seated in the middle, with Liam and Dan on either side of me. It’s awkward as hell. Dan and I have barely exchanged words. Daxton and Jordan are seated across from us, listening to Liam.

“The fair was great fun,” Liam says.

Dan gives a ridiculing laugh. “Yeah, a panic attack sounds like real fun.”

My eyes whip to him. It’s the first thing he’s said in ten minutes. He’s words were quiet, and among all the chatter at the table, I’m hoping I’m the only one who heard.

“Ally was feeling a little off,” Liam says. “But she recovered quickly.”

Daxton pours himself another drink. “Still getting those nasty panic attacks, kid?”

Great, I guess everyone heard.

“I get them occasionally. It’s not that bad.” I glare at Dan for bringing up the topic. He holds my gaze, not backing down.

Mom stands from the head of the table. “Okay, everyone, the night is getting on and I know Liam needs to leave early for his gig. Let’s clear the table and open the presents.”

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