Page 118 of Elevator Pitch

The other half of the spread features my favorites from Elena’s restaurant,Aguilar’s. There’s a platter to make your own tacos, elotes?8, conchas?9 and flan.My heart swells because I know how busy she is and I’m grateful she’s here.

Elena breaks my daze from the table when she announces, “I brought chamangos?10 too! They’re in the freezer!”

My eyes light up. “You’re spoiling me. Say no more.”

I take a seat at the head of the table with Selah beside me. Everyone gets comfortable as we pass along the bowls, filling our plates ‘til we’re all content. We say ‘? ????? jal meokgetseumnida?11,’ before eating. It’s not a meal with my family without embarrassing stories from my childhood and when Henry laughs a little too hard, I share some of his as well. The college stories are equally embarrassing, and I’ll be hoarse later from all this laughing. Selah shines and is engaged in our ridiculous ramblings. I can’t tell if it’s the wine or my presence that’s relaxed her, but I love seeing her bloom publicly.

I can’t remember the last time we all had dinner together, maybe when I foundedSoulBlend?Or when Elena openedAguilar’s? Either way, it’s been too long and that stops today. I always appreciated how my parents welcomed any kid into the fold growing up. There was always more than enough food and room at the table. Any friend of ours was considered family. I’m overjoyed at Selah experiencing that same sentiment tonight.

I’ll admit when I woke up this morning, all I wanted was to be alone with her. I look around this room and everyone I love is here because of herandmy meddling parents. I honestly can’t think of a better way to have spent the day. I’m also regretful for the previous years I’ve spent this day alone. I didn’t have to be alone, and they would’ve shown up for me. They did show up for me.

Everyone should be celebrated on their birthday.

My dad and I had a much-needed talk and willbe closer because of it. My mom shared recipes with Selah and she did an amazing job cooking. My parents got to celebrate with both their boys under one roof. Homesick Henry shared a meal with us and there’s plenty of leftovers to take back to school with him. Elena took a night off and it felt like old times. Alex is always in good spirits when the trio is together. Clifford got tacos so he’s happy no matter what. I introduced my Sunflower to my favorite people, and they made her feel right at home.

I’m released from my thoughts by everyone singing “Happy Birthday.” Selah carefully brings the cake to the table, placing it in front of me. It’s a fresh cream cake, my favorite, topped with numeric candles that read32. It looks delicious and between us all, there'll be none left at the end of the night.

She stands beside me in a lavender dress that accentuates her curves, her curls are down her back with one side pinned above her ear. She’s wearing a dangly earring that I study closely and I realize it’s asunflower.I hadn’t noticed it earlier, she usually wears hoops, I love it. She snaps pictures of the cake with pride etched across her face. When she leans forward with the lighter, her proximity has my dick stirring in my pants and I’m strongly resisting the urge to palm her ass.

Down boy. We have company.

I whisper, “Did you make this with my mom?”

“I did. I hope you like it.”

“I already do. Thank you.”

I smile up at her as she lights the wicks and backs away, returning to my side. I stare at the cake as the flames sway, overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Make a wish, Grey.”

I close my eyes and blow out the candles.

I wish she was mine.

I open my eyes, and she stands before me with a bright smile that illuminates the room as if the candles were still aflame.

“Did you make a good wish?”

“The best one.”

“I hope you get everything you wished for.”

“Me too,” I say softly.

“Let us eat cake!” she exclaims followed by a giggle.

I sit back, admiring her as she slices into the cake and that’s when it hits me.

I’m in love with Selah and she doesn’t even know it.

1 Beef short ribs

2 Korean braised potatoes

3 Zucchini stir fry

4 Kimchi fried rice

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