Page 68 of Revive

“I know.” Releasing a loud breath, I open the door and wait for Drix to help me from the car.

And who said chivalry is dead

With the usual arm around my shoulder, and my hand in his back pocket we walk in the front door. Top forty music plays on the stereo as Dakota and a hand full of boys and girls are scattered throughout different areas of the house. The kitchen bench is lined with different types of party food. It’s probably my favourite thing about kid parties. Bite sized goodness.

With no other adults in sight, Drix leads us to a dressed up Dakota. Swapping out her everyday jeans and tank for a beautiful spring dress, she looks every bit the sixteen year old girl she is.

Her friends notice us first, a few of them blatantly crushing on the cool uncle. One by one they stop talking, waiting for their friend to realise she’s got company.

Eventually picking up on the clues, she turns around, her eyes shining with happiness as they land on Drix.

“Uncle Drix,” she squeals. “You’re here.”

We let go of one another and he lowers half his body to kiss her on the head. “Where else would I be?”

She looks from between him and I. “Tttttttttt. I didn’t know you were coming.”

Knowing she doesn’t mean it any which way, I shrug it off and stick my hand up for our traditional high five greeting. “It’s not every day someone turns sixteen.”

Drix clears his throat, all our attention back to him. “Kid. I actually invited Taylah here, as my girlfriend.”

He drops the bomb, and I wait for her response, except she isn’t the one who speaks.

“Did you just say your girlfriend?” The voice is familiar, and the shock is evident.

“This is so great,” Dakota cries. “Mum, can you believe Uncle Drix has a girlfriend? I was sure he was going to be single forever.”

The temperature in the room drops significantly, as we all come face to face with one another. I realise Dakota doesn’t know about her mum and Drix, and this just got one hundred times more awkward. She’s so happy for him. Sasha is about to lose her mind, and everybody else is a spectator.

“We’ve moved the party under the marquee, to please Jagger,” Emerson shouts out. “How about you all come outside and leave the adults inside.”

Without a second glance the kids file in a line outside and Emerson closes the thick glass sliding door.

Expecting more drama, I’m shocked to see Sasha walk straight outside with the kids.

I turn to Drix, but he’s watching Sasha, and my heart breaks.

I try not to take it too personally, or to expect too much from him. I have an empathetic heart, and for him I can understand the difficulty of seeing someone you care about in any capacity hurt.

But I’m here, and he hasn’t once asked if I’m okay.

Emerson’s eyes lock with mine, the sympathy written on her face has me wanting to run into her arms and cry.

“Do you need help with anything?” I ask, begging her to take to the bait.

“Uh, yes. Actually, can you just man the oven for a while.” She points at random boxes behind her, “Just take the food out and put the new stuff in.”

“Got it.” Unable to bring myself to look anywhere else but Emerson, I bolt straight to the kitchen.”

* * *

Losing track of time,I don’t know how long I’ve been in front of this oven. All I know is Drix hasn’t come to find me once. Last night I felt every single one of his words in the marrow of my bones. Today, he’s a stranger.

I see him outside with the kids, keeping a close eye on them, pretending they need him more than I do. Sasha continues to be the perfect host for her daughter’s party, acting like she wasn’t the one who lit the fuse on my relationship.

“Are you okay?” Emerson asks, interrupting my seething. “I’m so sorry I keep leaving you alone in the kitchen.”

“Don’t be silly. Do your thing, I’m fine here.” Truth is I couldn’t muster a conversation, without falling apart anyway. I’ll wait till Dakota blows the candles out on her cake and then I’m out.

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