Me: Where the hell are you?
London: Getting ready? Why?
Me: People are asking for mom
London: Hold your pants on. Four women getting dressed and trying to convince Riley to come is taking our time.
Me: Is she okay?
London: Yes. Riley was in a fire when she was younger and has scars on her left side of her face. She doesn’t like showing them and she is stepping out of her comfort zone. Mom pulled her hair up so she is feeling exposed.
Me: Oh
London: In the hallway, coming in.
I put my phone back into my shirt pocket and set down my scotch on the bar to head out so I can meet up with my mom. I’m frozen where I am standing at as I get a look at the red-headed vision that I have been dreaming about for a month now. The green dress really brings out her eyes. I feel a slap on my back and see Jacob, my best friend since middle school. “Who are the babes with your mom and sister? Especially that red head?”
“Brittany and the red head is not in your league,” I snap at him.
“Oh, someone has already staked his claim on someone?”
“Yes, Devin likes her, and I can’t get her out of my mind. There is something so different about her.”
“Okay, then I will dazzle the other beauty. Brittany, you say? We need to hurry, though; it looks like Howard has set his eyes on her.” I nod my head as we walk over to the ladies. Howard Michaels is a toad. He uses women for their money and connections then tosses them aside when he no longer has a use for them. I won’t let him near Riley or even Brittany.
“Wow, ladies, don’t you look amazing? Mother, happy almost birthday. London, where is your dress?” I see her knee-length black dress, and I want to send her back upstairs to change. London rolls her eyes at me. “You must be Brittany, the woman always taking my calls.” She nods and smiles up at me. “From your selfie to Devin, you are the infamous Riley, the all-knowing Ninja Turtle lover, Xbox playing, Devin’s best friend.” Riley laughs, and I can’t help but smile at her. She holds out her hand for me to shake. I take her hand and bring it to my lips. I kiss her softly as I hear London gasp beside me. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you face to face.” Riley blushes, and I can’t help but smile. London and my mother go inside then Brittany and Jacob take off somewhere. “You’re seated with us and next to me. I believe my sister and mom are matchmaking.”
“They would never do such a thing.” Riley’s lips twitch trying not to smile. I hold my hand out to her and she slips hers into mine. We make it to the table, and I pull out her chair for her to sit down before I sit on her left side. My aunt starts the third degree her about who she is, how she knows me, and I go to stop the questioning, but Riley squeezes my thigh to stop me from talking. I happen to look at her profile and notice that her left ear is slightly disfigured. I lean over to Riley to ask if she’s okay but she doesn’t even acknowledge me as she stares around the room looking at people. London throws a bun at me and has the death stare on her face. Right then, I feel my pocket buzz.
London: Stop staring at her ear
Me: Sorry, I noticed it when I went to ask her if she was okay.
London: She can’t hear out of that ear so if you need her, touch her back, shoulder or hand to get her attention.
Me: Okay, sorry.
I take a deep breath before touching the back of Riley’s neck because all I can imagine is getting her into my bed so I can finally fulfill my fantasy. Riley stiffens at my touch then relaxes into my hand. She turns to look at me and all I can imagine is kissing her lips. “Yes?”
“Is everything ready for our speech?”
“What speech?” I see the panic in her eyes as they go back and forth from me to London. “What was I supposed to have ready?”
“The video and pictures, at midnight, London and I are telling everyone close to midnight about the birthday.” Riley smiles and lets me know that it’s all ready, and all I have to do is press the button. I relax as I look around the room and realize that my mom is smiling because her family is here and her closest friends are here to ring in the New Year with her. Our food gets delivered and we all eat in silence. Jacob is making faces at me like we did when we were in school to get the other one to laugh so we could get in trouble with the teacher. I can’t help but laugh, trying to cover it up with a cough. I’m nervous as hell. I don’t know what to say to her. I am usually in control of my life, but with Riley so close to me, I’ve forgotten how to talk.
“How is Devin feeling?” My mom breaks the silence.
“Bad day. I might have to leave a couple of times to check on him depending on Sandy. When he doesn’t feel good, he tends to act out a little more. I’m going to call the doctor on the second to get a visit.”