by Piper Rayne
“Oh. I didn’t know you had a girlfriend?” From her tone, I think maybe she thought our friendship was leading somewhere else.
“It’s new.”
“That’s great, and it’s very sweet of you to make her a cake.”
“Well, our other roommate is helping me.”
She laughs and holds up her finger. “Hold up one second.” She turns and heads into the kitchen.
I turn around while I wait and see Seth walking by slowly, staring into the windows. He stops when he sees me, ushering me with his hand to come outside.
“Here, take—” Evan returns a second later, and I turn as she must see who I’m staring at. “Oh, that little spy!” She rounds the counter, shoving a bag of strawberries into my chest and heading to the door.
I follow her.
“Seth Andrews.” I’m not sure I’ve heard a more disgusted tone in someone’s voice before.
Seth stuffs his hands into his pockets and chews his gum harder. “Evan. Looking good.”
Her eyes narrow. “Stop spying on us.”
“I was walking by.” He shrugs.
Even with the obvious anger between them, they seem to almost soak each other in. Seth’s eyes don’t stop roaming and there’s a softness Evan is trying to hide.
“Still taking pictures of half-naked women?” She sneers.
“They’re called boudoir, and I’ll clear my schedule for you. You just have to ask.”
I shake my head.
“You’re disgusting,” she says.
“You’re jealous because I’m not the one stuck running a bagel shop.”
Evan scoffs. “Yeah, I’m jealous that you leave your poor parents to run that bagel shop all by themselves. That’s exactly it.”
Seth clears his throat. “Adrian, let’s go. This isn’t a real bagel place.”
Evan glances at me. “You two know one another?”
“He lives across the hall from me.” Seth waits for me to come, but he realizes Evan knows me too, and he scowls. “How do you know him?”
“He’s my employee,” Evan says. “At least he was until I found out he hangs with you.”
“You work at the Bagel Place?” Seth asks. “You’re a fucking prince. Why are you working?”
It’s in this moment I regret not telling the guys I got a job. They’re usually not around during the day anyway, and it seemed easier to keep this quiet once I heard about the situation between Seth’s family and Evan’s.
The door falls from Evan’s grip. “You’re a prince?”
Fucking Seth.
I sigh and shift the bag of strawberries to my other hand. “I am.”
“Like prince of what?”
“I’m surprised you don’t recognize him. You were always into all that gossip.”
Evan cuts her eyes to Seth. “Go away, we’re closed.”
She steps inside and I follow, then she locks the door and flips the sign to Closed.
Seth mouths, “Sorry” and laughs, walking down the sidewalk.
“Please tell me that’s Seth’s idea of a joke?” Evan asks, her hands shaking.
“Listen. I wanted a job and if you didn’t recognize me, that’s a good thing. It’s not like I’m the Prince of England. It’s just Sandsal. I needed a job. But my title doesn’t change who I am.”
“You lied.”
“I omitted.”
She shoots me a look that would make a lesser man’s balls shrivel up. “There’s no difference to me. Not to mention you’re friends with my worst enemy. How do I know you’re not giving him our recipes?”
“Evan, I would never do that. You saw yourself, he didn’t even know I worked here.”
She glances at the plaque. “Just go. I have to think about this, because if the Andrews find out any of our secret recipes, my parents will lose their shit and their store.”
I step closer to the counter. “I told you, I wouldn’t do that.”
“How do I know? I feel like I don’t even know you now.”
“That’s unfair.”
She’s busy writing down the morning orders. “Just go. I’ll tell you later tonight if you should show up to work tomorrow.”
I shake my head and hesitate, but when she doesn’t look up, I figure I might as well go.
So I leave the bagel shop like an overfilled balloon that just got popped. I was at the highest of highs with being named employee of the month, and now I’m not even sure if I have a job.
I stop and buy the strawberries, and on my way back to the apartment, I run into Seth coming from Ink Envy.
“I can’t believe you’ve been working for my parents’ competitor.” He sounds less pissed off than Evan was though.
“I needed a job.”
“My parents would’ve hired you.”
I shake my head. Evan and her family needed me a lot more than Seth’s did. “I think I’m fired anyway.”
“Oh, well, believe me, you don’t want to work with Evan. I’ve known that girl since birth and demanding is an understatement.”
We step into the elevator.
“Did you guys ever date?”
He balks. “No.”
He’s not even a little convincing.
“Never?” I ask.
“No. We haven’t even really talked since we were, like, nine or something.”
The fact that he recites the same age Evan told me suggests that they might have never dated but they still like one another.
“Well, I feel like an asshole now,” I say. “She’s hurt I didn’t tell her I know you, and she’s worried I’ll share the recipes with your family.”
Seth bites his lips, looking at me. “There’s a lot of history between our families. I’m sorry you’re stuck in the crosshairs.”
“It’s fine. I have to leave in a month anyway, but I wanted to finish out the month. They need it. Evan practically runs the place by herself.” I can’t stop myself from talking, although I’m sure Seth is the last person who would care. “She works all the time, has no social life. She said her mom and dad are busy with her brother.”
Understanding shows on Seth’s face. “He has Down syndrome.”
“Yeah, I met him earlier.”
The elevator hits our floor and I step off, but Seth doesn’t.
“Are you coming?” I ask holding the door.
He steps forward then back again, pressing the button for the first floor. “Shit. I forgot something at Ink Envy. I’ll catch you later.”
The elevator door shuts, and I walk to my apartment, trying to push away the thought that I might be fired so I can make a cake for Sierra to celebrate her birthday—even though she didn’t mention it to me.
I think about Evan’s words about an omission being the same as a lie. After four weeks, I feel like my omissions are catching up to me. It’s time I tell Sierra about Princess Adelaide before that blows up in my face too.
Chapter Twenty-One
Sierra
* * *
My day was long and shitty, in part because of the knowledge that my dad is due to return home tomorrow and I know he’s going to ask about my birthday. I haven’t even told Adrian about my birthday yet. Not that I care to celebrate—unless it’s him and me in a hotel room with its own Jacuzzi.
Opening the apartment door, the lights are off, and when I flip them on, the apartment is empty. Not that I thought it could be a surprise party. Okay, I thought it maybe only because Rian threw me one last year. But my birthday isn’t for two more days anyway.
I hang my keys on the key ring near the door and kick off my shoes before picking them up to take them into my bedroom. I put my shoes in my closet and drop my computer bag on the chair by my dresser. A chair that’s only there to hold clean clothes until I put them away, or for any other use besides sitting. Except for that time a few days ago when Adrian had me spread eagle on it. The bubbling sensation stirs deep in my belly at the thought.
It isn’t until I unbutton my blouse that I notic
e the outfit on the bed. It’s a Wonder Woman costume with a small note on top.
* * *
Put me on and meet the rest of the superheroes up on the roof.
* * *
I smile and dig into my purse for my phone to check for any missed messages. None.
Always one for a costume party, especially one where I get to be Wonder Woman, I quickly strip and morph into Wonder Woman.
When I walk up the stairs to the door that opens onto the roof, the music coming from the other side tips me off that the party is already going.
The door is locked or there’s something pushed against it, so I have no choice but to knock. The music shuts off and I hear Rian telling everyone to hide. I chuckle.
A minute later the door opens and it’s Adrian dressed as Superman, tights and all.
There’s no time for me to give him a flirty comment about his bulge before everyone jumps out, screaming surprise. The lights we hung years ago illuminate a table with a cake and pizza.
Blanca jumps out as Catwoman with Ethan behind her as Batman, not nearly as excited about acting out his character as she is.
Rian is Supergirl, looking cute as ever, with Seth as Green Lantern and Knox as Aquaman.
“Ironman?” I point at Dylan with a cringe.
Everyone shakes their heads in disappointment at him.
“Apparently Ironman isn’t a DC Comics character? It had man. I thought they were all the same thing.” Dylan shrugs, downing half his beer.
“It just feels like a compliment that you dressed up.”
We’ve tried years of Halloween parties on the rooftop only for Dylan to come in his regular clothes with the lame joke that he’s a tattoo artist.
“Well, I love yah. Happy early birthday.” He kisses my cheek and hugs me.
“Thanks.”
After I say hello to everyone, I find my Superman by the ledge, talking to Knox and a girl dressed as Poison Ivy. I think she’s the same girl who delivered Adrian’s luggage, but it’s hard to tell because she’s outdone herself by painting herself green.
“Hey, you,” I say to the group. “Do you mind if I steal Superman for a second?”
Adrian’s hand falls into mine, and he leads us to the other side of the rooftop, the side people usually go to make out.
“Did you plan this?” I ask.
“I did. I wasn’t sure about the theme, but I liked the idea of you in that costume, so I went with it.”
“I had a Wonder Woman party when I was nine. Did Blanca tell you?”
“She mentioned something after I told them the theme. So it’s cool?”
I smile and nod. “Definitely cool.” I lift on my tiptoes and press my lips to his. “So do I get both Clark Kent and Superman tonight? Do you have a pair of dark-rimmed glasses to change into later in the bedroom?”
“Is it not enough you get a prince and an everyday guy? I kind of feel the pain of Superman having more than one identity on days like today.” There’s a melancholy look in his eyes.
“What happened?”
He’s quick to shake his head. “Nothing. Let’s enjoy tonight. We can talk about it tomorrow.”
He takes my hand again, kisses the back of it, and leads me away from the make-out area where I thought we’d have a little fun before returning to the small party.
“Did you look at the cake?” he asks.
We head over to the table so I can check it out. Vanilla with sprinkles. My favorite. “Rian did a great job.”
“Actually, Adrian helped me, so next year when you celebrate your birthday, it’s all on him.” She pats him on the back, her smile suggesting she’s not second-guessing his motives anymore.
“You did?”
“I did.” He pulls me into him.
I love the fact he’s done all this for me, and I let my hand roam down his chest. “How can I ever thank you?”
“I have a few ideas for later on.” He waggles his eyebrows and I playfully smack his puffed out chest, but I’ll be more than happy to fulfill those wishes tonight. His laugh dies down and he sets his gaze on mine. “I told you, I want the responsibility for these things. I want to be the one to put that smile on your face by planning a birthday party and making your birthday cake. Now, it would’ve been easier if you’d told me that your birthday is in two days. I found out today and wanted to surprise you, so I threw it all together last minute. Thank God for same-day delivery.”
I swear I must have cartoon heart eyes right now. “Now you know.”
“Now I know.” He kisses the end of my nose. “Go have fun with your friends.”
“Great job on the cake, Adrian,” Blanca says as she comes over.
“Thanks.”
Eventually Adrian and Ethan start up their own conversation, and Blanca, Rian, and I are huddled in the corner of the rooftop.
“So he’s all that and a prince, huh?” Blanca asks.
I nod, my eyes finding his across the dark rooftop. “I guess so.”
“And you guys are, like, legit a couple?” Rian asks.
“Yeah, I guess.” He winks and my stomach somersaults.
“You’ve fallen for him,” Blanca says.
“No.” I shake my head. “I mean, I have, but it’s not love or anything. It’s just heavy like.”
“And what’s going to happen in a month?” Rian asks.
She’s the most concerned about my heart. I love her for being such a great friend, but I knew what I was risking when I agreed to be with him. I understood that he might dupe me and I’d end up in the fetal position on my bed when he decides to go back to Sandsal.
I sigh. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it. Yet.”
Rian purses her lips. “He definitely has all the moves of a prince.”
“He definitely does,” Blanca agrees, but her words come out in a dreamy tone whereas Rian sounds more like a detective looking at her first suspect.
“Relax, Rian. I’m a big girl.” I put my hand on her shoulder.
All three of us look at Ethan and Adrian talking. A man who I thought was my future at one time and now dates my best friend is talking to the man who’s occupying my bed and quickly stealing my heart. I don’t tell either of my friends that though, because if they knew how much I care for Adrian already, they’ll know how badly it will hurt if he leaves me.
The pizza box is empty, and the cake plate has been licked clean by Dylan.
“Strawberries and everything,” I say to Adrian as we lie on a blanket under the stars.
To make my night even dreamier, he set up an air mattress and candles all over the roof, the heater to our side. He even blocked the entrance to the roof like he did earlier so no one can bother us.
Pulling out a bottle of champagne, he pops the cork, and nothing sprays out. A perfect pour into two flutes later and he’s on the mattress with me, handing me my glass.
“Happy birthday, Sierra,” he says, holding up his glass.
“Thanks for all this,” I say for what I feel is the millionth time. But not many people have gone to this much trouble for me.
“I’ll always celebrate the day you were born. It’s like a national holiday to me.” We clink glasses and sip our champagne.
I nuzzle into his chest and try to remember the names of the stars.
“What are you thinking about?” he whispers.
“Just my last birthday with my mom. She did the superhero thing. She was big on celebrating birthdays. I’d wake up and she’d tell me about the day she found out she was pregnant and how horrible of a delivery she had, but how when she saw me, it made up for all the pain. The usual mom stories. But she’d come up with the theme for my birthday months in advance. I’d been so into Wonder Woman when she planned that party, but when my birthday got closer, I didn’t want it anymore. Some girls at school said it was lame.” I laugh, remember Blanca telling one of them off at the lunch table.
“I didn’t want to ruin it for her, so I went through the day, not as happ
y as I should’ve been. When she tucked me in that night, she asked me what was wrong. I told her about the teasing, and she told me never to be afraid to tell her anything and we could’ve changed the theme.”
“She sounds amazing,” Adrian says.
I nod and clear my throat, resting my chin on his chest. “I don’t want to relive those memories and get sad. I want to celebrate my twenty-eighth birthday with you.” I run my hand down his cheek.
I get up, set our champagne glasses to the side of the air mattress, and straddle him, his hands landing on my hips. “I think I need to thank you properly for the party.”
His hand moves to my chest, finding the zipper and lowering it down the bodice of my costume, making the top fall down between us. He flips me on my back and his hands make quick work of my costume.
“I’m not done with the birthday gifts yet.” He slides down my body, sprinkling small kisses on my stomach. “And the boots are staying on,” he orders, licking a path from my navel to clit.
“Oh, Adrian,” I moan, my head falling back so I’m looking at the night sky.
He picks up his head. “It’s Superman tonight.”
“By all means, show me how super you can be.”
A devilish expression lands on his face and he dives between my thighs.
Then Adrian, or Superman, gave me a birthday I’ll never forget.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Adrian
* * *
A knock sounds on Sierra’s bedroom door. She grumbles and rolls her naked body off of mine. “What?”
“Um…” Rian clears her throat. “There’s someone here to see Adrian.”
Sierra peeks one eye open at me, and I shrug.
“I have no idea,” I whisper to her. “Give me a minute,” I call to Rian.
I fling my legs off the bed and grab a pair of sweatpants while dread settles in my stomach. I talked to my mom the other day and everything was still a go for another month. The boulder gaining weight in the pit of my stomach says this is bad. That the hesitation in Rian’s voice is a warning.