Page 34 of The Things That Hold Us

As I say that, a man with fluffy hair and a sharp jawline approaches and puts his arm around Nathaniel's waist.

“Charlie, this is Zeke. My boyfriend.”

I hold back my shock. Nathaniel has never been one to have aboyfriend.

Flings, on the other hand..

“Oh wow. It’s nice to meet you, Zeke. And thank you for coming.”

“Wouldn't have missed it. Nathaniel talks about you incessantly.”

I look at Nathaniel, my brows raising in anoh reallysort of way.

He shoves my shoulder, “Don’t flatter yourself. He’s just trying to get on your good side.”

“I only have a good side, babe.” I wink and walk past him, greeting people as they come up to me and wish me happy birthday.

Then I find Cassie.

“A surprise party? Cass, you shouldn't have.”

She wraps me in a tight hug that tells me she's already had a couple glasses of wine, probably in preparation for tonight.

“You should've seen this coming, honestly. I’m surprised you didn't sniff me out.” she winks.

“Me too.” I tease, then add, “Where's mom? I didn't see her?”

“Oh she’s over in the kitchen talking to some silver fox over vodka shots.”

I quirk my brows up at her.

“Kidding. About the shots.” she wiggles her eyebrows at me.

It’s not weird for my mom to be talking to a guy, she's a beautiful woman. I leave her be, knowing she’ll come and find me.

“Char, come on I want you to see the roof!”

I honestly completely forgot about the rooftop part of the party.

She leads me out her window, and we climb the stairs up to the roof.

Once I step over the ledge, my jaw drops.

There’s lights, flowers and candles everywhere.

A cake set on a table against a wall. And small speakers set up playing relaxing music.

Thisis my kind of party.

“Cassie, this is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for doing all of this for me.”

“Are you kidding? You deserve the world and more Char. I just try my best to give it to you.”

I feel my eyes start to well up, then feel a hand land on my shoulder.

“Charlie! You walked right past me.” my mom says, pulling me into a hug.

“I was told you were getting frisky with a fox, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

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