Page 123 of Crossing Lines

She giggles and takes my hand. “Come on.”

I allow her to lead me inside, past the smiling employee at the front desk, and around the corner to the double doors for the events room.

Davia pushes them open.

“Surprise!” everyone yells.

“Wow,” I laugh while taking in their elated faces, from my family to Davia’s. I turn to her. “Babe.”

“They wanted to celebrate you,” she chirps, bouncing in the spot.

“Thank you, baby.” I cradle her face and give her a sweet kiss.

“Happy birthday, bro,” Cairo slaps my shoulder. “Let’s live it up!”

“All right, all right.” I accept the drink from Preston and throw it back to loud cheers.

Afterward, Mama G gives me a tight embrace and kisses my cheek. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Mama G.” I squeeze her hands affectionately before hugging Iree.

“Happy birthday.” She beams at me as she eases back. We’re slowly returning to how things were before her confession, and I’m glad we can move past it.

Stepping aside, I hug Davia’s family, starting with her grandma. It’s so kind of them to show up for me. I’m still getting to know them, but the fact they’re here celebrating with me means a lot.

Troy plays Stevie Wonder’s birthday song at the DJ booth, and everyone starts dancing with me.

I notice Falcon checking out Davia’s mom. I bump Cairo’s arm and nod in his uncle’s direction, and he moseys over and smacks his shoulder, shaking his head in warning.

Still dancing, Falcon splays his hands, acting oblivious. Mama G waves him off and continues two-stepping with Davia’s grandparents.

Shanae tries to dance closer to Cairo, swinging her hips. Her nosy ass needs to chill with the drama if she wants a chance with my friend.

As Troy switches to the next old-school uptempo celebration track, I steal my baby away for a little alone time, leaving everyone enjoying themselves.

Leading her to the deck, I close the door, pull her into a corner out of sight, and kiss her passionately. “Been wanting to do that, but I felt awkward with your people, especially your granddad.”

She beams at me and kisses me again. “Enjoying your birthday?”

“Of course. Thank you for this, baby. You have me tearing up.”

“Aww.” She caresses my jaw. “I’ll always celebrate you. You mean so much to me.”

“You mean even more to me. I love you, Davi, with all my heart.”

“I love you, Kross. There’s one more surprise.” She glances at her watch and adds, “Should be arriving now.”

I crease my forehead. “What you up to? You’ve already given me so much.”

“Come on.” She takes my hand and tows me back inside.

The main door opens, and my chest swells with joy as my mama enters, looking healthy and vibrant in a yellow dress and cream jacket. Her afro out in its glory.

“Mama…” I walk over, my eyes turning glossy.

“Hi, son,” she chirps with a slight wave.

Laughter spurts out of her as I rush for a hug.

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