Page 27 of Chasing Chase London: Part 8-Valentines Day
“Happy birthday, Tessy.”
“Shit,” I blurt, glancing around to make sure no one will overhear. “Sorry. I mean… How do you know it’s my birthday?”
He shrugs and gives me the most adorable little smile with that offset dimple that makes me melt. “Nate told me.”
“How does Nate—never mind,” I mutter, remembering Daria and Elaine saying he hacked into school records. It’s a good reminder of why I don’t like Oliver, adorable as he may be.
“Doing anything special?”
“Uh, no,” I say, checking the lot for signs of Lindsey. “And please don’t tell anyone. With everything going on, the last thing I need is for anyone to accuse me of making it about me.”
He gives me a funny look. “It’s your birthday. It is about you.”
“Uh, yeah, I don’t really make a big deal out of birthdays,” I say, scrambling to find an excuse. “It’s—an American thing. We don’t really care about that stuff.”
“I thought Americans were all about their sweet sixteen parties.”
“Well, I don’t celebrate, so it’s just another day to me. And I made it through the whole day without anyone finding out, so don’t ruin it now.”
“Ruin your day of not celebrating?” he asks, cocking his head.
I sigh. “Just… No one knows, and I’d appreciate if you kept your mouth shut so it stays that way.”
“If that’s what you want,” he says, falling into step beside me as I start for Lindsey’s yellow Corvette. “If you change your mind and feel like company, we’re having a little get-together at the lake house this weekend.”
“Pass.”
“I could get you a cake and make it a birthday party. Or just pop by for a drink?”
“Will Colin be there?” I ask. “Perhaps with Elaine?”
He hesitates a moment, but it’s long enough to tell me everything I need to know.
I stop at Lindsey’s car and turn to face him. “Ah, the nice guy act proves to be a bullshit cover for douchebaggery once again. Sorry, Oliver. Not gonna happen.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Before I can turn away, he snags my hand, and a current of warmth sparkles up my arm. He bats his long lashes, and I swear I’m momentarily hypnotized as he slowly lifts my hand and places a gentle kiss on the back of my fingers. “Happy sweet sixteen.”
He drops my hand and hops in Nate’s car as it pulls up beside us. It speeds away, leaving me standing there with butterflies fluttering from my belly all the way down to my toes.
“Were you just talking to Nate?” Lindsey asks, eyes narrowed as she hurries over.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Just Oliver.”
“Oh,” she says, visibly relaxing. “What were you talking to him about?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly. I know better than to mention having something to celebrate. If there’s one thing Lindsey won’t tolerate, it’s being upstaged when she’s grieving. That’s the real reason I didn’t mention my birthday, but it would sound too weird if I tried to explain that to Oliver.
Besides, it’s none of his business. It’s not like we’re friends. I don’t even know why he went out of his way to wish me happy birthday, like he just can’t stand that one person sees through his nice-guy persona.
At her house, I’m listening to Lindsey agonize about whether she should have broken up with Chase for the hundredth time when a notification pops up on my phone.
AllThatDiaz: ISO my bestie. Come over? Magic Mike all cued up + ice cream
SkyIsFalling: later? So sorry!!!
AllThatDiaz: u w lindsey?
SkyIsFalling: pls don’t be mad
