The Winning Side

by C. M. Doporto

  “Says who?” Raven stepped into the room, carrying a tray with food on it and a single red rose in a vase. “Happy birthday, baby.” He set the tray on the nightstand and leaned over, giving me a sweet kiss. He had on a muscle shirt and shorts and his tanned skin made him look like he was a regular on the island. Sexy. I was one lucky girl.

  “Thank you. You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.” A perfectly folded omelet with shredded hash browns on the side and sliced strawberries waited for me.

  “I wanted to. It’s your day. I want you to feel special. Why not start it with breakfast in bed?”

  “Aww, babe. I don’t know what to say. You’re going to make me cry.” Raven was the sweetest guy ever. I swallowed a few times, warding off the tears.

  “It’s just the start.” Raven kissed my forehead and handed me a card.

  I glanced at the front — For my fiancée. I opened it and removed the card. Lying flat inside was a hundred dollar bill. “But you already gave me my birthday present.” I showed him my ring. “And something else.” I gave my body a little shake.

  “I know.” He grinned from ear to ear. “But I still wanted to give you something. I figured you might want to go shopping with the girls.”

  “And we know just where to take her,” Delaney said, taking the card from my hand.

  “Yes, I’m sure you can show me how to spend it,” I teased.

  “Hell yeah.” Delaney turned to Raven. “I’ll make sure to pick out something sexy for her.”

  “Please do. I want my baby to look really hot for her twenty-first birthday. I’ll make sure it’s a birthday she’ll never forget.”

  “Oh no, that sounds dangerous.” I threw back the covers and got out of bed. I grabbed the fork on the tray and started eating. “Maybe we should just hang out here. Have a nice dinner and watch a movie.” I covered my mouth, trying not to show my food. I desperately needed food to recharge.

  Delaney started laughing hysterically. “Are you serious?” She sat up. “That sounds like my old roommate.”

  I set the fork on the plate and crossed my arms. She was right. I did sound like the old Lexi. I didn’t want to, but things had changed. Raven was on probation; I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his chance at going pro. We didn’t have to celebrate my birthday at a bar or with a big party. “I know, I just…”

  Raven put his arms around me and turned me to face him. Looking me directly in the eyes, he said, “I promise things won’t get out of hand. It’s your day. Not mine. Let’s have some fun and celebrate, okay?”

  I chewed on the inside of my cheek, contemplating whether I really wanted to give in. Why did I have to be the one to make the decision? It didn’t seem fair. He should’ve been the one telling me he wanted us to take the safer route, the one less risky, but that wasn’t Raven.

  He lived.

  Lived for the thrill.

  For that once in a lifetime chance.

  He didn’t worry, not like I did. And that’s why he needed me. I brought balance to him, helped him see the other side. But the more I told myself that I shouldn’t agree, the more I realized I sounded like Collin. And that was the last thing I wanted.

  I wanted to live.

  Live like Raven.

  If just for one night.

  “Okay.” I spread my lips into a huge smile. “I want to have a good time and go dancing somewhere.” I did a little twerking action, showing Raven what the night had in store.

  Raven arched his brows. “Oh yeah, baby.” He raised his arms over his head and rocked his body against mine, doing an enticing dance that sent every one of my hormones on high alert.

  I was in trouble.

  Big trouble.

  “We’re going out!” Delaney chanted as she jumped up and down on the bed, dancing without any music.

  “Where’s the party?” Luke came into the room, looking at us like we were a bit crazy.

  “Luke!” I ran up to him and gave him a hug. “Happy birthday, Brother.”

  He hugged me tightly. “Happy birthday to you.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “It’s our twenty-first birthday,” he kept one arm around me, “did you think I’d be apart from my twin?”

  Our relationship had definitely taken a turn. Ever since Raven started working out with him, he seemed more accepting of our relationship. Now that we were engaged to be married, I think he finally accepted the fact that things were officially over between Collin and I. “What do you want to do tonight?”

  Shrugging his shoulders, he said, “I don’t care. You decide. It really doesn’t matter to me.”

  “I thought we could go dancing.”

  “That’s fine. Just tell me where the party is and I’m there.”

  “It’s right here, honey.” Delaney crooked her finger for him to come to her.

  He winked and then strutted his way toward her, doing a little gyrating action with his hips. Raven and I laughed as he teased her. Delaney acted like she was pulling on a piece of rope, reeling him in slowly. He stood at the edge of the bed, looking up at her. Delaney locked lips with him and he wrapped his hands around her waist. With swift movements, he lifted her in the air. Delaney squealed as he swung her around, holding onto her tightly. They looked so happy together.

  All of sudden, music started blaring through the house. We looked around, trying to figure where it was coming from. Raven pointed up at the speakers mounted inside the ceiling. The house was wired with a kick ass sound system. It almost felt like we were at a club.

  “Happy birthday!” Shelby screamed, piercing my ears as she rushed to join us. She threw her arms around Raven and me, dancing with us. “This is going to be one awesome party. You and Luke celebrating twenty-one years together!”

  “I hear it’s someone’s birthday.” Josh walked in next, his guitar around his neck. He strummed to the beat, doing a great job for a fast, top-forty song.

  Luke shook his head and laughed as Josh leaned against him, serenading him. My brother was definitely the more serious one, but he was loosening up to Josh’s playful antics.

  Kyle danced his way into the room, wearing a large sombrero and carrying a bottle of Tequila. Megan shimmied behind him and Raven shot me a quick look. Apparently, they had hooked up last night.

  “Oh no.” I shook my head. “I’m not doing that. I want to remember my birthday, not pass out drunk.”

  “Just one shot.” Shelby took the shot glass from the top and urged him to open the bottle. Kyle poured the clear liquid into the glass and Megan held out a lemon wedge and salt shaker.

  Raven ran his hand down his face and looked at me. “They’re determined to make you feel good.”

  “Uh. No. They want to get me drunk.” I backed away, burrowing myself deep into Raven’s arm as he protected me. “No, thanks.”

  “Please?” Shelby begged.

  “I haven’t finished my breakfast.” I pointed to the tray of food behind me. “But I promise, I’ll do a shot or two tonight.”

  “A shot or two? Sweetie, you’re going to do a lot more than that,” Shelby laughed, showcasing the rounds of her cheeks.

  “Give it here. I’ll do it,” Luke said, setting Delaney to her feet.

  “Woo hoo!” Josh yelled as he strummed his guitar faster.

  “Hell yeah!” Kyle handed him the glass and everyone chanted Luke’s name, over and over.

  Luke downed the tequila in one quick gulp and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Megan offered him the lemon and salt. “I don’t need it.” He held the glass up to the bottle. “Pour me another one.”

  “Oh, shit. He’s going to be drunk before we even get to the bar.” I peered from behind Raven’s shoulder.

  “No, I won’t,” Luke said in a very confident tone. So my brother knew his limit when it came to shots. He was full of surprises today.

  “We’re going to party, and party.” Delaney sung at the top of her lungs as Luke slammed another shot. />
  “Yeah!” Luke grunted and shook off the sensation that had probably burned his throat, like it had mine when I tried it at the frat party. He handed Shelby the glass and then turned his attention back to Delaney. They danced to the beat of the music and Luke got down, really showing another side of him. I couldn’t believe that was my brother. I had never seen him act or dance that way before. He was definitely ready to party.

  “Where’s the birthday girl?” Shawn marched in, maracas in hand, with Christine next to him. A Mexican serape covered her entire body and she looked a little hung over. She had spent the night with Shawn and it looked like they had started their morning off with their own private party.

  “Right here!” I laughed and danced around the room. My friends took turns twirling me around and around until I became dizzy. I was having so much fun and I hadn’t even had one shot. I couldn’t even contemplate what tonight would be like. But if I knew Raven, he would deliver on his promise of making sure it was a night to remember.

  ***

  Delaney and Shelby took me to get pampered while the guys stayed at the house. We invited Megan and Christine to go with us, but they said they had to get back to their hotel, promising to meet us tonight. Raven told me to get ready, because he had lined up something fun for us to do.

  We started the afternoon by getting a full body massage, compliments of Shelby. Or Josh’s parents, if I knew her, which I did. I kind of felt guilty, but Delaney said for me not to worry. Apparently, she was always blowing either Josh’s money, or his parents’. It didn’t seem right, but I decided that I might as well enjoy myself. After the massage, we stopped and got something to eat before heading to the nail salon.

  We got our toes and fingers done in bright, neon colors. Shelby insisted we get gel nails so it would last longer. The sand was torture on regular nail polish. I honestly didn’t know the difference, so I just got what they did. We stopped at a small boutique that Shelby claimed had the cutest clothes before heading back to the house. I thought the clothes looked a little outdated, like something my mom wore when she was in middle school, but I let them pick me out something and hoped Raven wouldn’t be disappointed.

  We pulled into the garage and went inside the house. Raven and the rest of the guys were sitting on the couch, watching a movie. “You girls back already?” Josh asked, looking up briefly. “Did you buy the whole store?”

  “No, we didn’t. Just got a few things.” Shelby raised the bags in her hands and trotted off to her bedroom.

  “Did you have a good time?” Raven reached up and pulled me onto his lap. My legs shot up in the air and everything turned upside down.

  “Raven,” I giggled as I toppled onto him. “Yes. I got my nails and toes done and had an awesome massage.” I showed him fingers and toes.

  “You look pretty.” He sniffed me. “And smell great, too.”

  “I look pretty?” I ran a hand through my frizzy hair. The humid temperatures of the island were not kind. “I’m sure I look like a poodle after that massage therapist rubbed my head and scalp.”

  He swept my hair from face. “You’re pretty no matter what. But go get ready.” He popped me on the butt with his hand and I squealed. “We’ve got everything planned. We’re going out to eat and then headed to a club to dance the night away.”

  I glanced over at Luke. “You okay with all of this?”

  “Yeah. I told you, whatever you want to do.”

  I pivoted, sliding off Raven’s lap. “It’s your birthday, too. I just want to make sure you feel included.”

  “I’m good.” He waved me off.

  “You look good.” Luke eyed Delaney from head to toe.

  Delaney plopped in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I do?”

  “Damn,” she waved the space in front of Luke’s mouth, “someone’s been drinking.”

  “Does my breath stink?” Luke tested his breath against his hand. “I haven’t had that much.”

  Delaney rolled her eyes. “Just don’t pass out before we leave the house.”

  “If you don’t hurry, I might.” Luke kissed her on the forehead. “I know it takes you like two hours to get all fixed up.”

  “No it doesn’t.” Delaney ran her hand down his chest and Luke’s eyes widened. “Only when you don’t let me get ready.” Their lips locked again and I turned away. I had never seen them kiss so much. It was kind of weird.

  “Take it to the room.” Shawn leaned forward, trying to see the TV.

  “Sorry,” Delaney said, breaking their kiss and getting up from Luke’s lap. “Come on.” She grabbed him by the hand and pulled.

  “What?” Luke said, giving a slight shake of his head. “I’m watching the game.” He pointed to the Ranger’s game on the TV.

  Josh made a comment that I didn’t catch and Raven whistled a sexy tune.

  “Yeah, I need your help.” Delaney did a little shake, trying to entice my brother.

  “I guess,” Luke said, getting up from the couch, a smile dying to be revealed.

  The guys whistled and made remarks, teasing and taunting them. Luke paid them no attention and followed Delaney. Wow. She really had a grip on my brother. I hoped she wouldn’t break his heart, but it wasn’t my business. I just wanted them to be happy and from what I could tell, they were.

  It took hours before we finally made it to the restaurant. Thanks to Delaney and Luke, we were running late, but no one seemed to care. We were there to have a good time and celebrate our birthdays. We piled into Luke’s car after Raven announced he’d be the designated driver for the night. It was kind of weird seeing him drive my brother’s car, but Luke didn’t seem to mind. He was either too into Delaney to care, or too drunk to make a fuss. I couldn’t wait to give him a hard time later.

  We devoured an incredible seafood buffet at a local restaurant. My pallet had definitely found something new to savor. From scallops, to lobster, to crab legs — it was all delicious and I couldn’t get enough of it. Just as we were finishing our dinner, two waiters appeared. One had two slices of key lime pie with a candle on top and the other held two very large stuffed animal lobster heads.

  “Hell no.” Luke shook his head. “I’m not putting that thing on.”

  “Oh my God,” I laughed. “That thing is going to swallow my whole body.”

  “Uh.” Delaney crossed her arms and made perfect duck lips. “Why not?”

  “Laney.” Luke gave one of his stares that said, “Don’t push me”, but she batted her long lashes at him and his faced relaxed. “Oh, alright.” He motioned for the waiter to give it to him. Everyone cheered as he put on the overstuffed sea creature. The other waiter helped me put on mine, and it covered half of my body, as I expected.

  “Great. Now we really look like twins,” Luke said.

  “Is that a bad thing?” I asked, struggling to move.

  “Smile!” Delaney said as she took our picture.

  “Um, you can’t see our faces,” Luke reminded her.

  “Whatever.” She snapped several shots of us. Everyone laughed and I’m sure we looked ridiculous.

  The waiters lit the candles and everyone sang happy birthday. The waiters helped us remove the lobster heads and we blew out the candles. After we finished our dessert, we headed to the bar. It was a few buildings over from the restaurant, so we walked. The line extended into the parking lot. It looked like every college student on the island was there.

  “Damn, it’s going to take us an hour to get in.” Delaney checked her phone. “And it’s almost ten.”

  “No it won’t. Just follow me,” Josh said, taking the lead. We followed him to the front of the line.

  “If he thinks he can buy our way in, he’s crazy,” Delaney told Shelby.

  Shelby gave a slight shrug. “Who knows?”

  “Just wait,” Luke said, lighting up a cigarette.

  “I thought you said you were going to quit.” Delaney pulled it from his mouth and took a drag.

  “Hey.”<
br />
  “What?” She laughed and then put it back in his mouth.

  Josh spoke with a huge guy standing at the front door. He had on a neon yellow muscle shirt and jeans. Sweat trickled down his bald head and he wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. It was definitely warmer tonight; the air was humid and sticky. I was now glad that Delaney had pulled half of my hair up. Otherwise, I would’ve really looked like a poodle.

  “He’s needs to see our IDs,” Josh said, stuffing his wallet into his back pocket. “Come on.” He took Shelby by the hand and waited for the guy to unhook the red rope that blocked the entrance. The bouncer released the latch and moved to the side, checking our IDs as he allowed us entry.

  “No way.” I smiled at Raven and he winked.

  “Bullshit.” Delaney shook her head and asked Josh, “What did you tell him?”

  “That I had a section reserved for us.”

  “Sweet.” Delaney turned to Luke. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “We wanted it to be a surprise,” Raven said, pulling me close. “Happy birthday, baby.”

  I gave him quick kiss. “Thank you.”

  We entered the huge, two story nightclub. Colored lights flashed through the smoky air, giving the place a very seductive atmosphere. Eighties music blared through the speakers and everyone was dressed to match it. I looked at my outfit and it made sense. “So that’s why you wanted us to dress like this?” I yelled to Delaney and Shelby.

  “Yep. It’s an eighties club.” Delaney laughed as she danced her way to our reserved seating. She and Shelby had on neon off-the-shoulder shirts and short jean skirts paired with Chucks, which had most of the guys turning their heads. “I’m glad you trusted me.” Delaney put her arm around me as we shuffled through the groves of people and entered the reserved area.

  With a direct view of the dance floor, we had the best seats in the house. Our reserved area was the size of a large cabana, with plush couches, lighted palm trees, and curtains on the side, for a bit of privacy. It was sweet.

  “Why didn’t you just tell me? I probably would have picked out something different.” I looked down at my see-through blouse that revealed my black bikini top underneath.