We walk inside the mansion blazing with lights. Jo looks at her phone. “Ivy says the twins are in the piano room.”
An excellent choice, I think. I would’ve picked that space for a party because it’s huge, with a good view of the garden. Once the sun goes down the outside lights come on, and the place takes on a magical, fairytale-like feel.
Wonder if my friends hired a DJ. I want to dance with Declan against the fantastical backdrop.
The second I cross the threshold to the piano room, Ivy and the rest of the gang jump up from behind couches.
“Surprise! Happy birthday!”
Loud pops go off everywhere and confetti flutters in the air like flower petals. I gasp and put both hands over my mouth.
“Oh my God, guys!” I let out a squeal and scan the crowd to spot Declan. Except I don’t see him…which is strange.
Still, I maintain my happy smile. He probably went to the bathroom or something. There’s no way he would miss my birthday. There’s nothing on his calendar for today. I checked.
“To our best and most awesome friend, Yuna!” everyone says in a chorus.
“And to my best and most beloved daughter,” Mom says from behind me, putting her hands on my shoulders.
I turn around with a fond smile. “Mom!”
She cradles my face tenderly. “Happy birthday, my peach child.”
She always calls me her peach child on my birthday because she said she dreamed of a gorgeous peach when she had me and craved the fruit so badly.
I hug her. “Thanks, Mom. I’m so happy you’re here for my birthday, even though we’re celebrating in America.”
Everyone comes over and hugs me. I hug them back, my heart full of joy. This is seriously the best.
Even Bobbi’s here. New profession
or not, she still looks like an Amazon warrior and squeezes me like an anaconda.
“You’re so buff,” I say with admiration for the strong lines on her arms.
“It’s all the kneading,” she says.
I laugh. “I can’t wait to see the cake you must’ve created.”
“You won’t be disappointed.” Bobbi winks. “It’s the best I’ve ever made. And it’s huge!”
A big cake… Now I understand. Declan’s hiding in it to jump out later. I’d plan something like that if I had the time to commission a cake large enough. And one of my chaebol heiress friends actually did have that happen. Her boyfriend jumped out of a cake and said he was her present, which was hilarious and adorable.
Hopefully, Declan doesn’t pop out in nothing but a thong and a huge bow around his neck. Mom’s here, and while I wouldn’t mind, she’d probably faint.
Ivy comes over to kiss me on the cheek. “Happy birthday, sister.”
“Thanks, sis. You’re the best.” I smile, then remember I should pretend to be concerned that Declan’s not here. Must set up my stunned reaction for later. Hehehe. “By the way, did you invite Declan?”
“Of course! He helped with party planning. I don’t know what’s holding him up, but he should be here soon.”
Well, Ivy’s gotten really good at acting, too. Must’ve gotten some pointers from Declan. Heh. “Awesome.”
We grab snacks and mingle a little. The DJ is playing an upbeat tune.
“Do you want to open some presents first or do the cake first?” Evie asks me.
“Oh my gosh, that’s so hard.”