Page 54 of Patiently Yours
Still, I can’t lie to that ridiculously handsome face. “Yes. Of course I do.”
His face lights up and he sighs with affection. “Good. We’ll make your birthday a good one. I promise.”
And of course, I believe him. The question is, why don’t Iwanta good birthday? It just feels like I keep getting more and more things that I don’t deserve, and at what cost?
TWENTY-EIGHT
Playing: Face the Music by Louis Tomlinson
I keepmy attention on Stacia as we enter the semi-crowded bar hand-in-hand. She’s looking around for anything that can explain why we’re here. It’s adorable, seeing her scrunch her forehead and gnaw at her lip in concentration.
“You’re trying really hard over there. You may pop a blood vessel,” I joke, and she looks at me like she wants to give me the finger.
“I’m just not sure whythisis the best place to spend my birthday,” she comments. “I mean, we’re pretty far away from campus and Uriah isn’t even here.”
Yes, he is. He’s just not withus.
Ciro, Atlas, and I may have kidnapped our scent-matched omega for tonight. She agreed to let us take her out when Ciro talked to her a few weeks ago, but she’s allowed us to be very vague on our plans. I understand, from our beta’s snooping and Rory’s warning, that she hasn’t had the best of birthdays, but we all know she’s going to enjoy the hell out of this.
Atlas looks back at Stacia as we continue to make our way through the space. “He’ll be here, don’t worry. He wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.” And then he kisses her forehead. Her features relax, and her hand in mine seems to lose some tension as well.
Ciro makes a turn to hit the bar. Atlas keeps going, leading us to our designated spot on the other side, where the band equipment is already set up. Stacia’s eyes widen when she sees the banner around the stage.
“Sacred Sound?” She tilts her head in confusion. “We’re here to see a band?”
I give her a cheeky grin. “We sure are.”
She’s racking her brain, and when she finally figures out the puzzle, her whole face lights up.
“Holy shit!” she screams, bouncing up and down almost involuntarily, all without letting go of my hand. “Is Uriah’s band playing tonight? Is that what we’re doing? Please tell me I’m right.”
Atlas and I look at each other. Her reaction fills us with glee like nothing else. We knew this would make her happy, seeing Uri in his own environment, but her response is even better than we anticipated.
“Yes, angel. They should be going on any minute. And then, there’s an after-party we need to attend.” He watches her face, which is still lit up and has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. “Is that okay?”
“That sounds wonderful!” Her voice cracks, showing a little bit of emotion. I reach out to comfort her but before I can say anything Ciro comes around the corner carrying two beers.
He hands one to me but looks at Stacia with a guilty expression. “Sorry, Stacia. I’d try to sneak you something but this venue is important to the band so it’s risky.”
She waves her hand at him. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just excited to see Uriah play.”
“You’re not the only one, either. I don’t turn twenty-one until May, so we’ll be sober together.” Atlas’ words make her smile wide.
Someone claps me on the back, and I turn to see a familiar long-haired fellow, his cinnamon scent potent as ever. “Hey, Bels.”
“I’m glad you guys could make it,” Bellamy retorts as he flashes a blinding smile at all of us. “Uri should really let you guys come to more gigs.” His eyes land on Stacia and his eyes squint with curiosity as he eyes our interlaced fingers.
Atlas puts his arm around Stacia. “Stacia, this is Bellamy Aymes, the lead singer of Sacred Sound. And Bels, this is Stacia, our…” He looks at our omega, trying to determine how she wants to be introduced, but she beats him to it.
“I’m their scent match.” She gives him a tiny wave instead of a handshake. The gesture causes my alpha to preen in my chest.
Bellamy’s face lights up. “Ah, shit. A scent match? Is that why Uriah’s been on a buzz lately?” He shakes his head, nothing but delight in his expression. “Leave it to him to keep that kind of life-changing information to himself, the scoundrel. If I ever meet my scent match, I’m going to scream it from the rooftops.”
Ciro chuckles. “Knowing you, you probably mean that literally.”
Bellamy returns his laugh before turning his attention back to Stacia. “I’m guessing you’re the reason Uriah let these goofballs show up.”
I give him a playful push. “It’s her birthday, so it’s a special occasion.” It’s true, though. Uriah doesn’t invite us to many gigs. He’s a bit shy when it comes to his music, specifically performing, but he had no qualms about tonight. He knew Staciawanted to see him play, so he was determined to make that happen.
