Page 30 of You Found Me
“Yeah, yeah, I know I’m a catch,” he says, blowing me a kiss before walking inside.
Chapter 10
Spencer
It’s August 13th—which means it’s my 28th birthday today.
All morning I’ve received calls and messages from family and friends. My mom called and started crying because her “baby boy is growing up too fast.”
She’s done some variation of crying and reminiscing on my birthday for as long as I can remember. And just like the last two years, she asked if I’m ready to settle down anytime soon, because she’d really like to be a grandma. Dad took the phone from her because he knew where this spiel would end up and wished me a happy birthday.
Then Beckett called and after wishing me a happy birthday, he wanted to know what my plans were. I let him know I don’t have anything big planned, just Theo and I going to dinner at Edie’s around 7:30 p.m.
“I wish I was able to make it there. I tried to find coverage, but with Luna still out, it wasn’t possible. Maybe I can try to come next weekend?”
I was about to tell him not to worry about it but then remembered something. “You know, it’s Mia’s birthday next week as well. I’m sure she’d be cool with you coming. I mean she basically called you eye candy when she met you.”
I can almost feel the eye roll as he says, “You’re hilarious, Jay. Make sure it’s okay for me to come, then find out what her favorite dessert is, and I’ll bring it.”
“You got it, B. See you next weekend.”
When I get to work half an hour later, I find Theo sitting behind my desk with a box of donuts surrounded by thesaddestballoons known to man. The state of the balloons aren’t that surprising considering the first birthday I had after we moved in together in college, Theo filled the living room with half blown-up balloons.
He didn’t think to get a helium tank or to have the grocery store blow them up and instead did about twenty on his own. Claiming he could do no more as the balloons stole all of his air capacity, before handing me a morning beer in celebration.
Ever since we graduated, and went our separate ways, I haven’t had “sad” balloons for my birthdays, and I didn’t think I’d be so happy to have them back.
Before I can comment on them, he raises up his hand to silence me. “I wanted to bring back the tradition now that we live in the same town again.”
I let out a big laugh. “Thank you. I really like these new additions.” I point to the barely blown-up glitter filled balloons. “They add a little razzle-dazzle.”
“Those were Mia’s contributions.”
“I’ll be sure to send her a thank you text.” I walk to my desk, getting a closer look at the donuts inside. They look insanely delicious. “Where did you get these? I didn’t know anywhere in town made fancy donuts.”
“You should really be thanking me because I stopped her from adding blown up condoms to the mix. As for the donuts, I asked Rose at Blossom Brews to make them special for you.”
“Jesus,” I laugh, shaking my head. “Your sister is interesting.”
“Yep.” Clapping his hands together, he stands and says, “Alright. Let’s get to work. The crew will be showing up in fifteen.”
We end up working until six. It was as though anything that could go wrong, did. Permit applications for one of the housing developments weren’t filed when they were supposed to be, weran out of the wood beams for the framework of another, and one of the guys brought in cookies his wife made for everyone.
Which on its own seems very sweet, until those who ate the cookies ended up with terrible stomach issues, causing them to leave work early.
As soon as I get home, I jump in the shower to wash this hellacious day off me. I finish getting dressed and hear a knock at my front door. I thought we were meeting at the diner. Maybe I got the plan wrong?
When I open it, there stands my parents and brother, with big smiles. My mom rushes me and wraps her arms around me in the tightest hug. I attempt to hug her back within her vice grip and invite them in.
I look at Beckett. “When you were asking my plans for the day, this is why?”
He just laughs and nods. “I called Theo after we got off the phone to let him know we were coming.”
“You’re going to be staying the night, right? I hope you guys don’t plan to drive back after dinner.” I look between the three of them. “I can make up the extra room and the couch for Beckett.”
“Your dad and I are going to stay at that cute little flower themed inn. I think your brother planned to stay here as long as you don’t mind.”
“Of course I don’t mind. Though I think I’ll make him sleep on the floor for not telling me about this surprise,” I tell her while pretending to glare at B.
