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The sun’s weak beams intensify as I settle into the plush leather seat of Hayden’s sleek black BMW convertible. Maybe Mother Nature knows it’s my birthday and wants to turn up the wattage of the afternoon sunlight.
The soft purr of the engine fills the air. “This is really nice.” I run my palm over the red leather under my thighs. I’ve been under the impression money is tight in Hayden’s household since her parents divorced. Guess not.
“Early graduation present from my dear old guilt-riddled dad.” She sighs and clutches the steering wheel. “Still not used to it yet.”
My long hair ripples and tangles in the breeze. I slip a plastic hair claw in the shape of bright red apple out of my purse, gather my hair, and clip it back. The hour I spent curling each strand into perfect, beachy waves will be wasted by the time we get to wherever Hayden’s taking me, but the day is too nice to ask her to put the top up. She’s had convertible pinned to her vision board since we were twelve. There’s no way I’ll dampen her happiness because of my hair.
“I’m so excited.” I bounce in my seat and clap my hands together.
“About what?” she asks with an innocent lilt to her voice.
I throw her a sideways glance. “I appreciate your commitment to this surprise party plan, but you realize I figured it out days ago.” Days ago is a stretch. More like yesterday morning, when I caught Remy tucking red and purple party supplies into the back of his Bronco.
Hayden’s laughter floats through the air as we speed along Johnsonville’s tired old roads. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her lips twitch into a playful smile. “Just taking my best friend for a ride on her birthday.”
“Suuure.” I draw out the word in a teasing way.
Anticipation and sadness gnaw at me. The desire for a normal family flutters at the back of my mind, fleeting but still painful. Today, I miss my mom and grandparents more than usual. I miss “helping” Nana bake a heart-shaped cake for my birthday every year. The one living parent I do have is a violent disaster.
Wait, I have family. My brother and our friends. People I’ve chosen to be part of my life. That’s way better than some man I share DNA with who never wanted me in the first place.
We pass the faded sign for Zips and my mouth curls into a smile. “Gee whiz. Look at that.”
Hayden flips on her blinker and makes the turn. “Did you say ‘gee whiz?’”
I lean forward and point at the sign. “Weird how we just happen to be going to Zips.”
“Huuuh.” She frowns and draws out the sound. “That’s so strange.”
I run my hands over my short, purple dress, happy it’s finally warm enough to wear it. I can’t wait for Griff to see it on me. My legs are smooth and glowing after using my birthday-cake-scented sugar scrub, shave oil, and body butter on them this morning.
As much as I love Hayden, I wish I’d ridden to the party with Griff. He said he had work to finish at the garage this morning. But I suspect he was up to something else.
“Gee, look at all those cars and motorcycles I recognize.” I tap my finger against my chin.
“Like Harleys and muscle cars aren’t a dime a dozen out here?” Hayden says, driving past a bunch of vehicles and making her own parking spot behind the bleachers.
“Uh, that’s Vapor’s.” I point to a Harley-Davidson with green flames painted along the tank. My gaze searches the area. More cars, trucks, motorcycles. I don’t see Griff’s Chevelle or his Harley. Isn’t he here yet? Remy’s Bronco isn’t in sight either but they both could’ve parked inside the track.
“Please act surprised,” Hayden begs. She pulls her cell phone out of her purse and taps out a message.
“I’ll try.” I grin at her and open my door.
There’s a hush in the air. With all the vehicles we passed, there should be some noise coming from the area around the racetrack. I sniff, catching the scent of grilled meat. Eraser’s Uncle Pax is usually bellowing out orders when he’s manning the grill. Even from this distance, I should be able to make out his gruff rumble.
We follow the path to the racetrack area through a break in the bleachers and turn to the left, toward the barbeque area.
“Surprise!” a bunch of people shout. Shiny chunks of purple and red confetti rain down on me from above.
I burst into the biggest smile and can’t stop laughing.
Hayden jumps up and down next to me, her long blond hair bouncing all over the place. “Happy birthday, Molly!”
Remy rushes up to me first, pulling me in for a hug. “We didn’t surprise you at all, did we?”
“No, but that’s okay.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m so happy. Thank you.”
Griff picks me up and spins me around. “Happy birthday, Muffin.”
