30. Birthday + Band

"Pres! You're alive!" I screech as I run toward my best friend, nearly pulverizing her with my hug.

"Alive and thriving," she giggles, hugging me back tightly as I breathe in her familiar rose-scented shampoo.

I take in the sight of her. She's tanned and carefree, I'd even say glowing, having just returned from her Christmas break trip with Cole.

"How was Aruba?" I grin, glad that she's home. He'd invited her back in September. On the day we'd skipped school, she'd told me about it, and I'd tried to talk her out of it. But she ended up going anyway. Although I'd never say this to her face, I had been really worried that Cole was going to do something awful while they were away. I'd said several prayers that she wouldn't end up getting sold into the sex trade or something.

"Oh, Fal, it was amazing!" Presley flourishes her arms and falls backward onto her bed. "The beaches were incredible, we did snorkeling and horseback riding and drank way too much," she props herself up on her elbows, her white teeth standing out even more than usual against her freshly tanned skin. "It was a dream."

"Sounds like a good time," I nod, silently overflowing with gratitude that she'd come home safely.

"You seem happy," Pres remarks, quirking an eyebrow as she sits up, crossing her legs and patting the space next to her.

"I'm happy to see you!" I crawl onto the comforter, sitting cross legged next to her.

"Uh huh," She eyes me suspiciously. "As much as I believe that you missed me, you're like, really happy... Did Jayce text you or something? I haven't seen you like this since before he left."

I lower my eyes, watching my fingers as I fiddle with the hair tie on my wrist. Trying not to smile, I reply, "He might've reached out. Also, we're going to a party at his family's house tonight."

I proceed to tell her about the Christmas conversation between Jayce and I, which still has me giddy almost a week later.

I can't believe that I finally get to see him tonight. I'll finally be able to tell him. It took all of my self-control to not spill the beans through text, telling him that I wanted to give us a real shot. I wanted to do it in person.

"Holy shit," Presley's eyes are practically sparkling when I finish. "Look at us! All grown up and getting into real relationships. I'm so proud," she places her hand over her chest, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Remember at the beginning of this year when you were 'oh-so-convinced' that you didn't like Jayce?" She asks cheekily, giggling.

"I remember," I laugh, my heart already pattering just thinking about him. "You were right."

"Damn right I was," she lifts her chin into the air and crosses her arms victoriously. "And tonight will be the moment of truth."

~

Several hours later, Presley and I are walking up the steps of the Solis home.

We had to give our names to a guard at the gate. I'd worried for a moment that Presley wouldn't be on the list, but I guess Jayce knew me better than I thought because the guard had checked our names off and waved us through without hesitation.

Pres is in a tight, nude dress that showed off her perfect figure and I was in a silky champagne high-low with an empire waist. It made my boobs look fan-fucking-tastic.

There's a doorman posted at the large front door. He swings it open as we approach, tipping his hat toward us in welcome.

Stepping into the entryway, I'm immediately in awe of the place. Everything is iridescent. Long strips of thick silver and gold fabric hang from the ceiling, creating a canopy over everything. In the center of the canopy a huge disco ball rotates, sending glittering light in a thousand directions as "I Like It" by Cardi B blasts through surround-sound speakers, perfecting the undeniable party vibe.

"Fallon!" Celeste's angelic accent floats to my ears and I turn to see her adorned in a shimmering silver dress and platform heels, her long hair swept into an elegant updo. Her vanilla scent greets me as she pulls me into a hug and kisses both of my cheeks.

Over her shoulder, I see Presley shoot me a wink before walking into the crowd, clearly indicating that she's trying to do me a favor by leaving me alone with Celeste. She releases me, a huge smile on her plump lips.

"I'm glad to see you here," her eyes crinkle around the edges, just like Jayce's.

"I'm happy to be here," I give her my best smile. I really am pumped, even if it's mostly because I finally get to see Jayce again. "Thank you for the invite."

"That was my son's doing," Celeste's eyes glitter, her grin almost suggestive. I can't help but wonder if Jayce gets his coquettishness from his mother.

"So how was Paris?" I ask, quickly changing the subject before my nerves can give me a stomachache.

She adopts an indifferent tone, looking a bit bored. "Paris is as it always is. It's a beautiful treat to visit, but I've grown tired of doing business away from home."

"How bad can it be when you're in the City of Light?" I genuinely wonder, more to myself than to Celeste. "It seems like it'd be practically impossible to escape inspiration."

Celeste takes a champagne flute from a passing server. "And what would inspiration have to do with business?" she asks lightly.

"They're pretty dependent on each other," I scoff accidentally, recalling the conversation I had with Jayce while sitting on the winery roof, when I told him just how much my business meant to me.

"How so?" Celeste looks at me pointedly and I wonder if I've upset her. My stomach flips at the thought.

"I... I just mean that in the little experience I've had, I've noticed that the more inspired I am, the better my business does. When I'm uninspired, just doing what I'm 'supposed' to do and maintaining everything... I end up in a slump, and so does the business."

She nods thoughtfully before replying. "I'm impressed. Many of our colleagues, even myself, easily forget that truth..." She looks me slowly up and down like she's assessing me before meeting my eyes again. "What do you want to do when you graduate, Fallon?"

"I want to study business, hopefully at Brixton." I feel like I'm being interrogated. Sweat is starting to prick at my armpits.

"So Jayce tells me," she says, still studying me. Her mind is clearly moving very quickly.

"Oh?" My heart skips a beat and my cheeks threaten to flush as I register that Jayce has talked to his mom about me. "What else has he said about me?"

"Enough," her eyes sparkle with laughter, a soft smile spreading across her lips. "He was very happy after he spoke with you on Christmas Day. I don't know if I've ever seen his smile bigger," she remarks casually.

"O-oh," I stammer, flushing bright red and dropping my eyes to the floor.

"He's been different ever since he met you," she continues. "He's come alive."

My eyes dart up to meet hers, and I instantly feel my cheeks flush even redder when I see her huge smile.

"Our family endured some trauma several years ago, and Jayce never really recovered," her voice and eyes turn sad for a moment. "But meeting you this year..." her beautiful grin returns. "...I've gotten my son back."

My heart might've leaped out of my chest if it hadn't completely melted just now. I want to give her a bear hug. My nose begins to prickle as I stand in the middle of the party as a bright red, teary mess.

"There's something about you Fallon..." she processes slowly, narrowing her eyes slightly in thought. She suddenly snaps her olive, manicured fingers. "I've got it... duende."

"What?" I feel my eyebrows furrow, though I'm still touched at her words.

"Deunde," she repeats, her white teeth shining. "You know what it means, no?"

I shake my head. I don't know what it means. I mean, I know it's the name of their vineyard, but that's about it.

"My husband chose the name Duende. We were dating and had gone to Spain to spend the summer with my family," she explains, looking as regal and angelic as ever. "The word means 'an indescribable passion, charm or magic'... When he heard that, Alexei said that's how he's felt about me since the very first time he saw me," her eyes glaze over for a moment, as if she'd been swept away in the happy memories of their Spanish summer. "It's difficult to translate into English... It describes anything from the inspiration you get from a beautiful song or dance, to the awe of watching a sunrise over the mountains. It describes an overwhelming sense of beauty and amazement that isn't always tangible." Her eyes seem to snap back to reality, her soft smile bathing me in warmth. "Jayce sees your duende, just as my love sees mine."

"Wow," I breathe, honestly at a loss for words. "I love that."

Celeste grins in reply. "My son is very passionate, as you probably know," her eyes suddenly take on a mother-bear demeanor. "His heart was broken many years ago in an extremely unforeseen way. You seem to have repaired it, which is something I am very grateful for... but don't get involved with him unless you plan on giving it your all," she eyes me fiercely.

My stomach clenches as I realize just how much she cares for and wants to protect her son. I can't help but wonder how her bold, warrior spirit was birthed.

Just then, her face softens as she places a smooth hand on my shoulder. "I would be proud to see you with my son."

A single tear manages to escape, rolling down my cheek before I can wipe it away. "Thank you," I rush forward and hug her shamelessly, inhaling her vanilla perfume.

I fucking love this lady, regardless of her shitty husband. From the moment I met Celeste, I felt a connection with her. All those months ago, I never could've guessed that I'd be having a "you-have-my-blessing-to-date-my-son" conversation with her. After all, when I first walked into this house and met this living, breathing angel, I was convinced I'd be spending the rest of my year avoiding Jayce. Hah. Oh, the irony.

"I think..." I pull away, wiping another tear from my face as we beam at each other, both of our eyes watery. "I think I need to find Jayce."

"I think you're right," she winks, pointing a French-manicured finger over my head.

I turn to see a connecting room, which has tables overflowing with food platters and an array of drinks. But surprisingly, for maybe the first time in my life, the food isn't what holds my attention. No. What catches my eye is a figure facing away from me with a head of wild, curly brown hair.

"Jayce!" Celeste calls over the music.

Jayce turns, a laughing smile on his face, and his eyes instantly meet mine. He looks over my body slowly, his expression turning from humor to pure desire.

"Tink!" He rushes through the crowd, pulling me into his arms and spinning us around as I chortle. The butterflies from my stomach have obviously had children that've taken up residence in my heart.

"I missed you so much," his voice is muffled, his face buried in my hair.

"I missed you too," I say as I exhale happily, my nostrils full of clove and perique. I close my eyes and snuggle into his embrace, a huge smile glued to my face.

He doesn't let me go and I don't protest.

We stand there in silence, clinging to each other, for several perfect moments.

Finally, we separate. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see several people glancing at us. But for the first time, I don't care. Celeste is nowhere to be seen.

"Happy birthday," I smile at him, almost choking up as I realize just how much I've missed his intoxicating brown eyes.

"It is now," he says, one corner of his mouth twitching up.

I feel myself blush, but I don't move my eyes from his. "I have to tell you something," I grab at the necklace he gave me, which is my only accessory for the night. A lump is already forming in my throat and my stomach has knotted just like it has from day one.

He eyes me carefully. "Go for it," he smiles, running his fingers through his curls, which just fall right back in front of his eyes.

"You being gone for these past weeks has really put some things into perspective for me," I start, tucking some stray strands of hair behind my ear.

"Oh really?" He smirks down at me like he's been anticipating what I'm going to tell him.

"Yes," I roll my eyes. That confidence of his never misses a beat. "I made a huge mistake when I walked away from you at homecoming. The whole time you've been gone, I've been replaying those moments in my head, wondering what would've happened if I'd stayed... if I had said yes."

"You'd have gotten way more than a magazine for Christmas, that much is for sure," he teases with one of his knee weakening smiles.

"You're not making this any easier," I sigh, slightly annoyed by his commentary.

"Good," he winks, but smiles reassuringly. "I'm sorry," he chuckles, shaking his curls back and forth. "Please continue, I like where this is going."

"Anyway," I give him a little glare before continuing. "As much as I felt like I was doing the right thing for both of us, I've realized that..." I swallow the lump, preparing to bare my heart to him. "I've realized that all I want is to be with you, Jayce. For whatever fucked up reason, my life isn't the same without you. Everything is duller and less colorful when you're not around. At the end of each day, I found myself just wishing I could talk to you. Hear from you. Anything."

"Why didn't you reach out?" He questions slowly.

I shake my head, feeling tears threatening to form again. "I was scared that I had hurt you too badly. I didn't want to see you in pain because of me."

"I wish you'd told me this, Tink," he says sweetly, stepping closer to me and lifting his thumb to stroke my cheek. "I didn't realize..." he trails off, seeming to get lost in his thoughts.

"You didn't realize what?"

His eyes meet mine, boring into my soul. "I didn't realize you need me as much as I need you."

I let out a relieved exhale.

He still likes me.

"So you're not dating some super hot French model now?" I tease.

He shakes his head, a smile breaking across his face. "Nope."

"That's really good, because..." I bat my eyelashes at him over exaggeratedly. "I'm still wearing the necklace you gave me when you asked me to be your girlfriend."

"Are you now?" He smirks, his eyes sparkling.

"Mmhmm," I nod. "And, well, I was just wondering if that offer is still standing?"

"What, exactly, are you saying?" He grins, acting clueless.

"I'm wondering..." I step forward, taking his warm, strong hands in mine. "If you'll officially be my boyfriend, Jayce Solis?" I finish with a smile so big, it's probably a bit deterring.

He matches my smile, his entire face lighting up. "I never thought you'd ask," he says as he cups my face in his hands and brings his lips down to mine.

Our lips meet in an explosion of passion and suddenly I'm grabbing at every part of him I can get my hands on.

His lips move on mine for a few more moments before he pulls away and glances around. "We can't here," he growls, bringing his eyes back to mine. "Come with me."

"Your room?" I ask, trying to catch my breath.

"No, the kids are playing in there," he takes my hand and leads me through the crowd, into the kitchen and out the backdoor.

The freezing air instantly washes over me, waking up my senses even more than they already are. Chill bumps rise over my entire body, but it barely phases me.

"I know it's cold out here," Jayce says over his shoulder as he leads us around the side of the house. "But," he leans down to my ear. "I'll have you burning hot in no time," he whispers as we round the corner, his voice an octave lower.

In any other moment, that comment would've sent me over the edge. But what I saw before my eyes as we rounded the corner of the house made me so sick to my stomach, I barely registered Jayce's words.

Haven is pressing a redheaded woman against the side of the house. Her legs are wrapped around his waist and they look like they're each trying to suck the other's soul out of their mouth.

"Haven?" I don't recognize my own voice, it's so shocked and full of disgust. Luckily, they were both fully clothed, but still. I just saw my brother making out. That's fucking gross.

"Oh shit," he fumbles, nearly dropping the lady as he steps away from the wall, wiping his mouth and stuffing his shirt back into his pants.

"You're the mayor's daughter," I breathe. My disgust only grows as I recognize the redheaded woman. "You're Layla's aunt. I saw you sitting with the Wright family at the Founder's Council dinner."

"Guilty as charged," she croons, patting down her hair and repositioning her necklace.

That's when I see it.

"Is that a fucking wedding ring?" I screech, pointing at Layla's aunt, my eyes still on the band of glittering jewels on her fourth finger.

"Now, Fallon," Haven steps forward, holding up his hands, probably trying to calm me down. "Let me explain."

"Explain that the whore you've been fucking is married?" I can't control my temper as I yell at him, wondering why the fuck he'd be this dense.

"Her name is Tamara," Haven's voice is filled with warning. "And she's not a whore."

"Then why is she sleeping with you?" I point an accusing finger at Haven when an unsavory thought rolls into my head. "Oh god," I feel my eyes get big as I drop my hand. "You're not married to her, are you? Did you knock her up?" I don't know if I could handle having any sort of relation to Layla.

"No, we're not married and she's not pregnant," Haven is obviously very frustrated. Little shit. He should be.

"Whore speaking," Tamara raises her hand and smirks, her voice condescending. "I am, in fact, married. And, not that it's any of your business, Fallon, but Cole and I have an open marriage."

If I thought I was sick to my stomach before, I was full on diseased now.

"Did... did you just say Cole?" My mouth dries up instantly and my entire stomach feels like it's going to come up my esophagus. "As in, Cole Davenport, the Chief of Police?"

"The one and only," she replies, pulling the strap of her dress up, completely oblivious to the proverbial bomb that she just dropped at my feet.

I have to find Presley.

~~~

Oh shit y'all. IM ON THA EDGE OF MA SEAT.

Alsooooo.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, J!!!! December 31st. 😉

Press the STARRRR to wish our boi Jayce a happy birthday! ⭐

Who is ready for 2019?!

Or was 2018 such a good year for you, you don't want it to end?

I spent several hours this morning journaling (I actually filled up the last pages of my journal!) about this past year, as well as the future and my goals for next year.

I know this is cliche, but I don't care. I'm writing a dang heckin high school love story, for crying out loud, obviously I don't mind cliche things 😂

What is your New Year's Resolution?? Or, if you're like me and aren't into New Year's Resolutions, but like setting goals, what are some of the goals you have for next year? If you don't set goals... then what's something you're looking forward to about this upcoming year? Summer break? Graduating? A trip you're taking or a concert you're going to? Seeing your crush again when school starts back up? It can be anything!

All my goals for the year can be summed up in three words: Health, Peace and Purpose.

Health, because not only do I want to put more of a priority on my physical wellness and strength, but on my mental and emotional health, as well as my spiritual, relational and financial strength.

Peace, because I want to simplify and minimize the clutter in my life - not just physical objects, but also the clutter in my mind; thoughts that don't benefit healthy practices. I want to break habits that don't lead to harmony in my marriage. I want a sound mind and heart that isn't riddled with stress and anxiety, so I'm going to figure out what leads to peace for me, and do more of that. In the same way, I'll do less of what leads to the alternative.

Purpose, because I want to be an intentional person, who has purposeful actions and words. I don't want to spend my time on things, unless there's a purpose for those things. No more endless scrolling on Instagram. No more messaging memes when I could be working out. No more wasted time and wasted energy. I want to build an awesome future for my family, so there MUST be purpose behind the things I do.

Anyway.

That's me. 😂

I'm pretty gung-ho about this stuff, if you couldn't tell lol!

Final note... THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH for almost 70k reads!! Can you believe it's been just over 2 months since I published the first chapters?! So freaking crazy. Ahhh. I love you so much. Your support truly means the world to me. You have no idea. 💙💙💙

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LOVELY! 🎆🍾🎉🍻🎇🎊🥂🕛💛

⭐ And HBD, Jayceeeee ⭐

Read on!