by E. K. Blair
“To the chariot!” Sawyer exclaims and we all follow. “Have fun, sweetie, it’s your day and I’m right behind you,” Bennett whispers as we walk down to the parking lot.
*****
A short limo ride later we arrive at The Kickback. I don’t even ask who paid for the sleek ride because I give up on that mystery; surely someone’s about to drop over from all the plasma they’ve donated for money, and then I’ll know the culprit. Oh crap, I didn’t grab my ID! Oh well, I don’t have to drink.
There’s no line at the door and the bouncer just lets us in with not one check. We walk in to total darkness, and I’m frazzled for just a second before people jump up into beaming lights and yell “Surprise!”
First thought: I don’t know this many people, who’s here? I see Zach front and center, I have Bennett, Tate and Sawyer yelling behind me, hmmm. I spot Drew with a girl I don’t recognize and several girls from my softball team, some with what look like dates—that was so nice of them to come. I then I realize we have this place to ourselves, how’s that possible? They have to be losing a ton of revenue on this. And where is Dane?
“Are you surprised, sweetie?” Zach bear hugs me and asks with a kiss on my head.
“Oh my gosh, yes! How did you guys pull this off?’ “I’d tell you, but then I’d have to spank you. It is your birthday,” he teases and I slap his arm.
Several of the girls from the team come over and greet me, a few even hand me cards; it’s touching, really. Maybe this new team could be my team, my new sisterhood. Several guys are introduced to me. Some are dates, some aren’t, but I keep flicking my eyes around the room, trying to spot only one guy.
Tate has jumped behind the bar and is starting to sling drinks. I just order an “anything” when Sawyer scoots in beside me.
“So, Laney, I gotta say, I thought you were the exception, but softball girls are fucking hot!”
“Um, thank you?”
“WHO is the brunette in the red to our 3’o clock?”
I look over his shoulder; ah, he has a good eye. The Andrews twins, Avery and Kirby, are gorgeous girls and they’re a pitcher/catcher combo, which of course means they’re cool as hell. Honestly though, I don’t know which one we’re looking at this very moment. The only difference I can find is that Avery, the pitcher, is taller, so since there’s only one of them right now, I have no idea.
“It’s either Avery or Kirby Andrews,” I tell him with a shrug.
“Or?” It takes him a minute, and I bite back a giggle as I watch him work it through his mind. I see when it dawns on him, I have to laugh and he literally rolls his eyes up into his head and groans, “if you’re teasing me, I’ll beat you...are you telling me there’s two of that? Like twins?”
“That’s what I’m telling you.” I tap the end of his nose, knowing I’ve just made him extremely happy.
“Oh, fuck me twice, I’ve died and gone to heaven.
So what do you know about her, them, whatever?”
“Very little, actually,” I say with a shrug. “Avery is the pitcher and she’s the taller of the two. She has a 67mph fast ball, a drop curveball and a sneaky change. Kirby talks more, she’s our catcher so she takes charge, she’s a freakin’ wall back there and she’s got a cannon on her, she bats like 400...”
“Laney!” he interrupts me. “What?”
“Seriously, woman, I need the important stats, like boyfriends? Same-sex oriented? Reputation? Views on anal?” He actually said it with a straight face, not possible, and ewww.
“Oh my God, Sawyer, how am I possibly friends with you?”
“Cause I’m adorable and you love me.”
He’s right, he is adorable and I love him already. He’s a good one; he’d have a friend’s back. He’s got mine, I know it.
“Okay, I’ll get you an intro, but if the word ‘anal’ leaves your mouth, I will ball check you myself—hard. You got it?”
“Got it! All other words are acceptable, though, right?” He smirks.
I point my finger in his chest. “I mean it, mister, do not embarrass me! I barely know these girls and I have to play ball with them. Don’t you dare disrespect them!”
“Ah, Laney, I’m just playing. I would never...now go hook me up woman!”
It turns out Avery is in the red tonight. I talk with her for a few minutes, thanking her for coming.
“I’m really happy to be here, Laney. I’m looking forward to the season and your bat.” She knuckle bumps me. “Maybe we can hang out sometime, get to know each other.”
“That’d be great. I’ll give you my number.” I hope my face doesn’t give away how pathetically happy I am at the idea of a new friend. “So, where’s Kirby?” I glance around the room, not spotting her twin.
“Good question,” she says, looking around, “not sure where could she be. There’s not that many of us here.”
“Um, let’s ask my friend Sawyer, he knows the layout better than me. Sawyer!” I shout. Oh yeah, he heads right over, not even attempting a blasé approach, looking more like an eager beaver trying not to trip. He’s precious.
“Sawyer Beckett, my good friend, this is Avery Andrews, our pitcher. She seems to have lost her twin, Kirby, could you help her find her? You know the building better than me.”
“Of course, I’d be happy to. Nice to meet you, Avery.”
I almost chuckle as I watch her reaction to him; her eyes are about to pop out of her head...he is a lot to take in at once. The blush that creeps up her neck and cheeks is sweet, though, and I make a polite departure. There ya go, Sawyer, make me proud. I wink at him as I walk away.
When I hear music start, I smile; I’d know that intro anywhere. I turn to the stage and the single light illuminates him. He’s sitting at the piano, half looking back at me, and he winks. “This one is for the birthday girl,” he says. He plays “This Year’s Love” by David Gray, his voice perhaps even more beautiful than the original.
It’s the most mesmerizing thing I’ve ever seen or heard and when he finishes and stands, cheers go up all around but I remain frozen. I have tunnel vision straight to his eyes and can barely comply when he crooks his finger for me to join him.
My legs are wobbly as I make my way to him, limbs heavy. It seems to take forever to get to him, as though walking through sand. He mercifully meets me halfway.
“Happy Birthday, gorgeous girl,” he whispers in my ear, tucking a piece of hair behind it.
“Thank you. I thought you weren’t here,” I answer breathlessly, shaking, unable to mentally process what the serenade did to me.
“You knew better than that.” His lips are now touching my ear. “Didn’t you? You think you don’t know me and you shouldn’t feel this, but you do feel it. Don’t you, Laney?” One hand moves to the small of my back and ignites my skin through the thin fabric of my dress.
“Maybe,” I barely whisper. I’m terrified of the way he makes me feel; my pull to him is animalistic.
I feel his laugh against my skin as he moves his other hand over my heart.
“No maybe to it. You feel that, Laney? Your heart beats that fast for me, for us.”
I say nothing. I can’t. He moves his arms around my waist to hold me up, thank God. He starts to walk backwards, pulling me with him to the center of the dance floor and as is if on cue, the DJ starts the music, “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias. Dane so gets the right song for the right moment thing, once again he’s nailed it.
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 t
o 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.
Bennett pushes through and wraps me in a hug, then pulls back and squares my shoulders, looking right into my eyes. “You light up our lives, Laney, now go light up your own. Have the most fun possible, every single second! Oh, and bring me something back!” She kisses each of my cheeks. “I love the necklace, it’s perfect.”
Ahhh, it clicks right then; I forgot the no necklace comment earlier, she knew what I was getting and knew my neck had to be bare. Little sneaks.
Next, Zach makes his move, pulling me into his big ole chest and kissing the top of my head. “He’s a good one, let him be good to you, girl.”
I still have no idea where I’m going and I’m slightly apprehensive. They’re talking like I’m leaving forever, to some island where they can’t communicate with me.
A panic attack is moving in fast; cue the comforting arms snaking around my waist from behind.
“Let’s go, Disney, I got you. Trust me?”
I instantly nod, because I do. I trust him completely, and secretly, I cannot wait to go wherever he’s taking me. I wave goodbye to as many people as I can as Dane pulls me out with one hand and my suitcase with the other. Outside the door is a different black stretch limo and a beefy man in a suit and hat opens the doors for us and takes the bag from Dane. Okay, now I’ve seen a lot of movies, but I guess I thought those were “prop limos,” I didn’t realize you could actually get a limo that looked like this on the inside. This is clearly how Dane does “limo,” no comparison to the one the rest of us rode over in.
There’s a TV, a small bar, wall-length bench seats that may be wider than my dorm bed, and a sound system. I know Dane lives in a big house, obviously his parents do well, but is he just allowed to spend it on whatever he wants?
And what about the rest of them? I feel sure the mob wouldn’t think Bennett’s flowery soul has what it takes, so I obviously haven’t fallen into a crime ring. I just can’t fathom having all this money to “play.” Dad used to take me for burgers and bowling almost every Friday when his job was good, that was our “special splurge time” together. It kicked this limo’s ass, but still...
Dane sits across from me and pours us both a glass of champagne. “Happy Birthday, Disney. I hope you had a great time and an even better time to come.”
I blush. “This may be the best day and night I’ve ever had. By far the most extraordinary birthday ever! I feel like a Princess!”
“And you have the crown, and now the necklace, to prove it.” He smiles. “You are a Princess. I’ll always see to that.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
WHEN YOU WISH UPON A...
Laney
“So, where are we going?” I half fear the answer; I’ve been ready to faint all night. I don’t know how many more grand gestures I can take.
“Well, about that...” He’s making me skittish now and I think he can tell by my face. “It’s a surprise, and I really want it to stay that way, but imagine my challenge of hiding the geography outside the windows. So, I ran through my options and I’m still undecided,” he laughs. “I decided I just couldn’t secretly drug you to keep you asleep.”
Um, that’s refreshing news and he’s lucky I know he’s kidding or I’d jump out the moon roof right now.
“So I thought maybe I’d blindfold you, but it’s a long drive and you probably wouldn’t go for that. So, what do you suggest I do?” He rubs his chin and scrunches his eyebrows.
“Ok, just winging here, but how about if I just try not to look out the windows?”
�
��Excellent plan, Ms. Walker, you’re brilliant. So, to occupy your attention,” he says, reaching behind one of the seats and bringing out my pillow from my room and a blanket, “we offer you an in-drive movie service. So get comfy and choose.” He holds up the cases for several movies as I sort out my nest and remove my shoes and earrings.
I choose one and after he gets it ready, he removes his shoes, loosens his collar and joins me on my seat, sitting at the end of my pillow where I lay down. We aren’t even touching, but it feels intimate and oddly familiar. I shouldn’t feel this comfortable with him; it should take him as long as it’s always taken everyone else to get this close. For God’s sake, I’m heading off to who knows where with him in the middle of the night. I’ve gotten cozy in a hot tub with him. Who is this girl and why does she feel so content?
I wake to him gently stroking my hair. “Time to wake up, birthday girl.” It takes me a minute to sit up and take in my surroundings. I’m still in the limo and early daylight streams through the windows.
“How long was I asleep?”
“About five hours. You did perfect, doll, we’re here.”
“We’re where?”
“You’ll see, just close your eyes for me one more time and I’ll help you out, okay?”
Now how am I gonna get my shoes on and climb out of a limo with my eyes closed? I feel him slip on my shoes for me and somehow we maneuver our way out. Warm air hits me and it takes but a second for me to pick up the music. “It’s A Small World.” I remember him telling me that it really wasn’t. What’s he playing at?
“Open your eyes, Laney,” he whispers in my ear, taking his hands away from my eyes.
NO WAY.
This can’t possibly be real. I blink a few more times, trying to see if I’m really awake. I am, I’m awake, this is happening. My fingers and toes tingle, my breathing rapid with excitement. I fall back into him; his arms reach around to catch me and he laughs.
“Easy, baby, I got you.”
I’m standing in front of a huge hotel, but it’s what I can see behind it that lets me know where I am, what’s he’s giving to me—THE Castle. Dane brought me to Disney World!!!! I repeat, Dane “are you for real?” Kendrick has freakin’ brought me to Disney “the most magical place on Earth” World!