Page 78 of Saving Me
He surprised me on the way to the park. He wanted me to be able to run without my phone and still be safe. I’ve already shared my location with him just in case something were to happen. Knowing he can always find me, does make me feel safer.
“I like doing things for you. You’re going to have to get used to me spoiling you because I don’t plan on stopping,” he grins before getting out of the truck and opening my door.
“You are very stubborn,” I mutter, putting my hand in his.
“So I’ve been told.” His eyes sparkle with laughter as he leads us across the parking lot.
A local band plays on the outside deck as we approach the restaurant. Families and couples sit at tables overlooking the beach and ocean in the distance. I’ve seen this place a few times as I drove by on my way into town and have always wanted to go here one day.
It has a casual beach vibe and the coolest decor I’ve ever seen. Different types of swings hang from the ceiling throughout the bar and restaurant. Some are wooden swings in place of chairs on the end of tables, and others are wicker egg chairs set up in the corners for relaxing with a drink. I notice the walls are covered in sea animals made from shells, and the hanging chandeliers resemble jellyfish made of glass.
“This place is amazing,” I whisper to him as we weave through the crowd toward the back of the restaurant.
“I’ve been wanting to bring you here. I thought you might like it,” he smiles over his shoulder.
He leads us to where the beach is, and I see about ten wooden cabanas, each with their own private couches and table. They have hanging white curtains at all four corners for pulling across for privacy or tying back if you want a view of the ocean.
We stop when we get to the one on the end. The curtains are down, and he pulls them back as we step inside.
“Happy Birthday!”
I stop in shock when I see Ryder, Eve, and Miles. His older brother Travis is also there with his wife Sophia. I met them both briefly at the wedding while running around delivering desserts. She was a stunning maid of honor with her dark hair and vivid green eyes.
I turn and see Jake grinning at me. “You can’t have a birthday without a party,” he shrugs. “When I told my brothers it was your birthday today, the girls insisted we throw you a party.”
Eve runs over and throws herself in my arms. “Happy Birthday, Lyla!”
“It’s so good to see you again, Lyla. Happy Birthday!” Sophia hugs me before I’m pulled into Travis and Ryder’s arms as they wish me a happy birthday.
“Happy Birthday, beautiful,” Miles grins at me. “Did you miss me?” He swoops me up in a bear hug, causing me to laugh.
“Aren’t you supposed to be down south for a show?”
“I had the boys drop me off on the way back from South Carolina. I’ll meet them down there later for the show tomorrow. I couldn’t miss your birthday party.”
“I can’t believe you did that for me. That any of you did this?” I wave my hand at the birthday balloons and decorations.
“You’re Jake’s girl, which means you’re part of the family now,” Travis smiles at me.
“I’m on strict orders to tell you that Savi really wanted to behere but couldn’t get out of school. She’s also very jealous that I got to hang out with you before she got to,” Miles grins.
“I’m just…” I look around at his family and blink back the tears. “Thank you all for being here.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it,” Eve smiles at me. “Now, let's get you a drink and get this party started!”
She grabs my hand, and she and Sophia lead me to the set of couches. Pitchers of margaritas and an assortment of foods are on the table.
Sophia pours our drinks as the guys walk over to sit with us. We fill our plates as we tell them about our day. Miles holds up his hand to stop me.
“Wait. Are you telling me you actually got Jake on a roller coaster with you? We haven’t been able to get him on one since he was eight years old and vomited in the trash can as soon as it was over. He’s scared to death of them,” Miles chuckles.
“He rode them all today. I did notice him looking a little green at one point,” I glance at Jake and suppress my smile.
“You guys laugh all you want. My reasoning is valid for not trusting the damn contraptions. And you,” he says, pointing at Miles, “try hanging upside down and spinning after eating two corndogs and a funnel cake, and see if you don’t vomit,” he mutters.
“I can’t believe you got him buckled in. He must really love you, Lyla,” Ryder grins.
“And majorly wanting to impress her while trying not to shit himself,” Miles laughs.
