Page 64 of California Love Songs
Crystal ran straight to the sugar canister. Inside was a gold-wrapped gift box about the size and shape to hold a pen. When she pulled off the paper, she discovered a box from her favorite jeweler in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her heart was actually pounding when she opened it and found a gorgeous diamond tennis bracelet winking up at her.
She would so much rather have opened it with Damien and let him fasten it around her wrist. But there was no way she wasn’t going to put it on. She did it herself and then held out her arm to admire the twinkle of the stones. It was so beautiful—by far the most beautiful piece of jewelry she’d ever owned. Damien knew her taste and it was perfect.
Erin called soon afterward, and even though she’d yet to spill the whole story to her best friend, she had to tell her about the bracelet.
“I can’t wait to see it,” Erin said, with her customary tact. If Damien had let things slip to his youngest sister, then Erin wasn’t about to give anything away. Crystal could tell Erin was patiently waiting for her to talk about Damien in her own time. She didn’t know why she hadn’t yet. Maybe there was still a part of her that didn’t believe it was real, or that things would actually work out. Maybe it was part of protecting herself from that reality. But right now, things felt so good between her and Damien that Crystal decided she’d tell her friend everything. Later. At girls’ night.
Erin said, “I’ll pick you up at seven this evening and drive you over to Jay’s place. That way, you can drink as much champagne as you want.”
Crystal wasn’t a big drinker at the best of times, but she appreciated that Erin was giving her the opportunity to go wild if she wanted to. And who knew? Maybe she would. She’d certainly enjoy a glass or two.
When she arrived at work, her staff also sang “Happy Birthday” and she was treated to a beautiful cake. Thirty candles were crammed onto the buttercream frosting, but she managed to blow them all out without embarrassing herself. And then she got on with her day.
It was a good day too. She successfully secured a speedy viewing for a venue that she thought would be perfect for Mila’s wedding, then caught up with paperwork. She treated herself by leaving work early and having her hair and nails done. She so rarely took the time to pamper herself. She admired her bouncy blow-dry and shiny red nails in the rearview mirror as she drove home.
She thought about just wearing comfy jeans and a shirt to have dinner with the girls. No. You only turn thirty once. She chose one of her favorite dresses, a floaty number in greens and blues, and pretty sandals to show off her pedicure. The outfit was perfectly finished with her new tennis bracelet. She couldn’t stop staring at the way the diamonds caught the light.
Erin picked her up and, to Crystal’s surprise, also looked particularly dressed up. She’d gone a little heavier on the makeup than usual and wore a black dress that was definitely new.
“You look so nice,” Crystal said.
“Thanks,” Erin replied. “It’s my best friend’s special day. I wanted to dress up—and why shouldn’t we, even when it’s just us girls?”
“That’s what I was thinking too,” Crystal agreed.
They drove a little way and then Erin smacked her forehead. “I left my favorite sweater at Damien’s place. Do you mind if we run by and pick it up? I want to wear it tomorrow.”
“No, of course not.”
It felt funny to drive into Damien’s place, knowing he wasn’t there. As they drew near the house, Erin said, “Do you mind just running in and getting it? Then I don’t have to park. It’s the blue sweater. I left it in the living room. I’ll text Mila and make sure she’s got the champagne chilling.”
“Yeah, sure,” Crystal said, her mind already on her evening ahead, and that cold, crisp glass of champagne.
She headed up the path and walked into the kitchen, allowing herself a moment to wish Damien was at the stove, cooking her a special birthday dinner. She would have loved to have him throw his arms around her and kiss her in that sexy, melting way of his, but he’d be here later. She could wait.
She walked into the darkened living room, looking for the blue sweater, when suddenly the lights turned on and a bunch of people jumped out, yelling, “Surprise!”
She gasped, shock coursing through her body, and stared open-mouthed as the Davenport clan and all her friends jumped, crawled, and leaped out from curtains, closets, and furniture. It was like an explosion of glitter. The room had been decorated with gold, silver, and purple streamers and a disco ball hung from the high ceiling, showering everyone with its flickering, shimmering light. Everyone had dressed in sparkles and sequins to match the gaudy décor. There were beautiful bouquets of pink and purple flowers everywhere and glitter balloons to match.
She burst into happy, shocked laughter and before she could open her mouth to speak, Erin came up behind her, laughing. Mila, grinning, stepped forward from where she’d been hiding behind a couch and said, “You were totally surprised, weren’t you? I knew we’d get you.” She grasped Crystal’s hands and squeezed them tight.
Crystal, who had organized more surprise parties than she could count, realized she had been completely blindsided. Instinctively, she glanced around, hoping against hope that Damien might be there, but of course he wasn’t. And that was fine.
His brothers, sisters, and parents were, however, and loads of Crystal’s friends—those she’d had since childhood, from salsa dancing, from old jobs, and even a couple of her employees who had said goodbye and wished her a good evening only a couple of hours earlier.
They’d got her good. Crystal felt suddenly overwhelmed by the love so evident in the room. She was so lucky to have so many wonderful people in her life.
Erin put a tiara on her head, while Mila hung a gold boa around her neck.
And then the music started, a funky disco beat filling the room.
A lot of effort had gone into planning this—she more than anyone knew how hard it was to organize a surprise party. Where had they all parked? Who had managed to get everyone in place in time, and so well hidden?
Mila checked her watch and said, “I’ll let the caterers in.” She headed outside and soon Crystal’s favorite catering company was setting up a buffet in Damien’s kitchen. Every single detail had been thought of. She was so touched.
When Crystal instinctively headed toward the catering staff, Erin stopped her. “Oh no you don’t. You’re the guest of honor. No trying to organize anything. Tonight is all about you.”
Finn came forward holding a tray of champagne and offered Crystal a glass. He was dressed to go to a disco and he looked magnificent. His usually brooding dark eyes were full of life as he gave her a mock bow and continued into the living room with his tray.
