Others join us and I look around; Tate and Bennett are engrossed in one another and many of my teammates look to be having a great time as well. Sawyer and Zach aren’t out here as far as I can tell, how a girl hasn’t dragged one of those wonderful boys out by now is beyond me. Huh, so this is what it feels like, having a lot of friends and doing the public party type thing. It definitely feels strange, but a lot like magic.
Dane and I are forehead to forehead, barely swaying to the umpteenth slow song in a row, when he asks me if I’ve enjoyed my birthday so far. I gush to him about my wonderful day with Bennett, her and Zach’s generosity and how much I am enjoying this surprise party.
My cheeks heat and eyes sting as I describe how special it made me feel and how happy I am that so many people came out. I’m hopeful there’s a spot for me at Southern after all.
He watches me with a satisfied look on his face the whole time and I can see it—he’s genuinely happy for me. I finally take a breath from my rambling and he beams at me. “One more song and then it’s time for one of your presents.”
“I thought your song was my present? And it was a wonderful one indeed.” I smile up at him. It really was the most spellbinding gift I’ve ever received and I’ll cherish it always.
He grasps my cheeks and kisses my nose, moving teasingly slow to finally land on my lips. “I’ll play for you anytime, Disney.”
I wrap my arms even tighter around his neck and lay my head on his chest for “Flightless Bird” by Iron & Wine. “I love this song.”
“Thought you might. Me, too.”
“You know our tastes are pretty scattered. We may be the only two people our age who get it,” I mumble into the sculpted plane of his neck.
“Perfect, since I was thinking we’re the only two people right now anyway.” He brushes his soft lips across my forehead. “You speak my language.”
We enjoy the rest of the song in silence, wrapped in each other.
“Now let’s go open presents,” he says as he folds my hand in his and pulls me to a table. He pulls a chair out for me and once I’m settled, moves to stand behind me, leans over me, and whispers on my neck, “close your eyes.”
I glance back at him questioningly. I’m so nervous, but he winks at me and I know it’s alright. I turn and do as he asked, closing my eyes.
“Lift that beautiful hair for me,” he commands.
I do, as smoothly as I can despite the trembling throughout my body. I feel cool metal slip around my neck; oh my God, he got me a necklace! Instinctively, I drop my hair and my fingertips move to touch it, but I can’t quite make it out.
I hear his voice, coming from in front of me now. “Open up, my brown-eyed girl.”
I open my eyes and Dane is in front of me holding up a small mirror and I see it-he’s placed around my neck a diamond “D” necklace. The signature Disney “D” is unmistakable. I gasp and feel the tears starting to bite; damn, this boy is good.
“Oh, Dane! I couldn’t love it more; it’s perfect,” I say between slight sniffles, my heart about to burst. “Thank you so much. You’re wonderful.” Before I know what I’m doing, I jump into his arms and squeeze the life out of him. The gift symbolizes what he told me before, maybe it’s not about the length of time you’ve known someone; maybe it’s about instant recognition on an unconscious level. Our souls know each other.
“Had a feeling you’d like that, Disney girl. My pleasure.” He winks.
“Put her down, fool, I gotta give her my gift!”
I laugh when I hear Sawyer behind me. Back on my feet, I turn and hug him. “You got me a present, too? You didn’t have to do that...but gimme it!” I laugh.
He sticks his fingers in his mouth and lets out a wolf whistle, pulling a shriek from me in shock, then waves Tate, Bennett and Zach over. “Come ‘ere, ya’ll, time for Laney’s present.” Oh God, Sawyer, present, he wants an audience...if he starts stripping or dancing on my lap, I’m gonna kill him. Surely Zach or Dane will stop him short of catastrophe.
Once they’re all gathered around, Sawyer disappears for a bit and comes back rolling a beautiful brown and cream Louis Vuitton suitcase! “Thank you, Sawyer! I love it!” I move to hug him, but he gently holds me off, laughing.
“Love the enthusiasm, but lemme finish, woman!” He guides me back to my chair and hands me an envelope.
I open it to find a crude but funny birthday card, of course, and a note. Besides lugging this bag around for you all night, my gift to you is to gather all your work over the next two days, watch Dane’s house, and help your coach run stations in exchange letting you go. Now get the hell out of here.
Wait...what? I turn back and look at Dane, who has a sexy as hell lopsided grin going on with a gleam in his eyes. I turn back to Sawyer, who’s holding out his arms to me.
“Now you hug me, sugar,” he says.
I jump up and hug him; apparently I’m going somewhere with my new suitcase and he’s in charge of taking care of all the loose ends that make it possible.