Fireworks & Hearts

Chapter 8

Sam

I bury myself underneath my blankets and desperately try to ignore the banging outside my door. "Sam." The voice screams. "Seriously, get up." I groan and pull the pillow over my head and ignore Rose screams of terror. What could possibly be going on at this time of morning. "It's Miranda."

I shoot up quickly and almost fall out the bed. I catch myself and hurry to open the door. "What?" I question with sleep still in my voice. Rose looked frantic and her hair is pulled up into a high ponytail. She is wearing a short sleeve shirt and it showed off her tattoos with a pair of jean shorts. Rose shifts from one foot to the other. "Austin called me and told me to tell you to come to the office immediately."

I frown and try to shut my door but Rose foot catches it. I roll my eyes, "I can't just waltz into Miranda building anymore. We're not together remember." I remind her and myself. Rose roll her eyes and brush past me. "Austin is your friend." She reminds me. "And he needs your help. It has something to do with the twins birthday." Rose throw me a shirt and some pants. "That's today by the way."

I couldn't argue with that. I had a soft spot for the twins. I hurry and dress on my off day and we head to her car. Once the doors shut she drives off heading towards Mirana building. Rose fingers is tapping nervously against the steering wheel. She's never like this. "What's going on?" I question her.

"What?" Rose snaps back to reality. "Nothing."

I arch my eyebrow at this. "Rose. Come on. I thought we were better than this."

She run her fingers through her hair, "I just want today to be perfect." She say.

I nod. Rose has missed a few of the twins birthday and I guess she wanted today to be very special for them. "The twins will love you no matter what, Rose. Showing up and being there is enough."

Rose squeezes the wheel and nod her head. "Right." She chuckles nervously. "You're right." I narrow my eyes because that didn't seem to convince her

We finally arrive to Miranda building. We park and quickly head inside. We walk towards security and one of the men in uniform smiles politely towards me. "It's been a while. How are you?" He questions.

"I'm great." I answer. "How's your daughter. Is she liking middle school?"

"She love it too much." He smiles but then frown. "I believe she's developed a crush for some boy. She's growing up too fast."

I chuckle and say, "It will be fine. She's a smart girl."

He smiles and give me a nod before we continue walking towards the elevators. Rose look at me and roll her eyes again. "I can't just waltz into Miranda office my ass." I choose to ignore her comment. The elevator comes to a halt and the doors slide open. I take a step out first and everyone is running around and brushing past me and Rose. We walk further down the hall and into another part of the building.

Five defeated heads look towards me and Rose.

"Finally." Austin shouts. "You're here."

"Who is she?" One of the others speak.

"Someone who is going to save your career." Austin respond with more bite in his tone than usual. "Sam I know I told you that I would stop using you to get ahead with Miranda but this is important and it's for the twins."

I roll my eyes at that. "What do you need?"

"I have the impossible cake Miranda asked for but she wants it in thirty minutes. The designers is still finishing the final touch ups. The cake won't arrive to Joy house until four-thirty."

I frown and glance at my watch. It was noon. "The party starts at three."

"I know." Austin groans. "But, Miranda wanted fireworks....

"I get it." I reply. "But, how I suppose to fix this?"

"I was thinking maybe you and Miranda could take the twins and distract them until four-thirty." Austin pleads. "Please."

I run my fingers through my hair. Before I could answer Miranda is walking into the office. She looks at me but her face stay neutral. "If that cake is not at the location in..." She glances at her expensive watch. "Twenty-minutes. You're all fired." She then head into her office and shut the door. "Where is my coffee?" She hiss.

One of the girls hurry and jump. Austin slams his palm against his face. "No one thought to go get her coffee." He hisses silently.

"Austin." Miranda calls.

Austin hurry and run into the office. Rose chuckles and watches in amusement. I don't hear much of the conversation but something about prints and disappointment. Austin sprints out the office and grab Rose by her hand. "We'll see you at four-thirty." He whispers before disappearing behind the door. The other interns stand before hurrying behind Austin. I guess he was the leader of the this small group.

I walk into Miranda personal office and shut the door behind me. I take a seat on the couch and let her work silently. Once she is done tapping away on her computer she take off her glasses and ask, "Why are you here, Sam?"

I couldn't tell her that Austin and Rose came and brought me here. "I wanted to see you." It wasn't a complete lie. I walk closer to the desk and say, "I was thinking we could go get the twins and take them somewhere nice for their birthday."

Miranda narrow her eyes at me. "Is this about the cake being late."

I smile. "Maybe."

"I don't understand how ordering a cake could be so difficult." Miranda frown. "What will I tell the twins."

"The cake will just be a little late." I explain. "You want it to be perfect for the twins right? It takes time to make a cake explode with fireworks and still be safe enough to eat."

"Excuses." Miranda snaps.

I move and take a seat in front of her desk. She arches her eyebrow and I take notice in what she's wearing today. A white tailored blazer and there was a sheer blouse underneath with a low dip. I wet my lips, blink, and then say, "It will be fun."

Miranda frown becomes a predatory grin. She stands and I see her black trousers. She walk around her desk and stand in front of me. I look up at her and my fingers twitch. I wanted to grab her hips but I didn't think that would be appropriate. Miranda lean on the desk and fold her arms. She was thinking silently. "Austin has the cake, Miranda. But, it will be impossible to be at Joy house in twenty-minutes. Let's just go get the girls and take them for ice-cream or something."

Miranda shake her head. "No ice-cream. They will have sweets later. I don't want them to get sick before the party."

I chew on my bottom lip. I didn't think about that. When I was a kid I could devour sweets all day and be okay. But, I guess for health reasons Miranda was right. "Okay." I agree. "We can take them to the park. They will love it."

"I suppose." Miranda frown.

I grin in victory and think to myself that Austin owes me. I watch as Miranda pack up her things before grabbing her purse. She then dial someone's number on her phone and begin to bark out orders. Several things she wanted done and documents she wanted on her desk by tomorrow morning. As we begin to walk out, someone is rushing through the door with coffee in her hand. She hands it to Miranda. "What is this for?" Miranda questions. "Get it out of my sight."

The young woman, she look likes she around my age pout sadly and move around the two of us. Miranda and me step outside the office and everyone in the hallway part like the red sea. We finally get into the elevator and the doors shut. When we make our way outside the building Miranda driver is waiting for us. The two of us slide inside the car. I pull out my phone and text Austin, 'You owe me. Big time.'

He send back a few emojis and then say, 'Enjoy your time with your girlfriend. Thank me later.'

I roll my eyes. No one was taking me seriously when I say Miranda and I were not together.

"Baby? Are you listening?" Miranda squeeze my thigh and I jump internally. "Sorry." She mutters and move her hand quickly. I blink and remove myself from my inner thoughts.

"No. Sorry. I was zoned out." I explain.

Miranda hums and begin to scroll through her phone. I sigh. Miranda hated being ignored. Her dark shades is shielding her eyes but I know she's annoyed with everyone today and now she is annoyed with me. The rest of the ride is silent and we arrive to Joy house. We don't even have to get out the car because the twins is running out the door. "Slow down." Joy screams after them.

The driver open the door to the SUV. It was weird being in this car but we did need more room. The twins crawl into the back behind Miranda and me and they wave politely, "Hey Mira. Hey Sam" They both say at the same time. I smile and Miranda face lights up.

Joy approaches the car and she say, "Behave. I don't want to hear anything about you two misbehaving."

"Yes mom." Lily smiles.

"You hear me, Delilah?" Joy ask sternly.

"Yes mom." Delilah frown.

"I will have them back by three." Miranda whispers lowly.

"Take your time." Joy smiles. "I need some alone time to finish up everything. Rose and Nathalie will soon be here to help."

"Perfect." Miranda say. "At least someone is doing what they should be doing." Her voice get low but I can hear her clear. "The cake will be late." She frown. "I apologize for the inconvenience. I know I told you I could handle all of the arrangements."

Joy chuckles, "I'm positive the twins will be distracted by Princess Tiana, Mulan, Peter Pan and the pirates to even think twice about the cake." She pause. "Don't stress over this. We both know how you can get."

Miranda hums and purse her lips annoyed. "I have expectations for a reason."

Joy reaches through the window and squeeze Miranda upper arm and she chuckles, "Relax, Miranda. Everything will be fine."

"Mom." Delilah screams. "Let us go. We're not babies anymore. We will come back safe. Promise."

"Yeah, mommy." Lily smiles.

Joy gives Miranda arm a final squeeze before peeking back at her children. "Behave." She reminds them again. "I love you."

"I love you too." Lily grins.

"Love you." Delilah reaches over and gives her mom a kiss. "Now go. We wanna make it to the park."

[][]

We arrive to the park and the twins rush out in excitement. There is children everywhere and my eye widen at how quickly I lose them in the mass of other children. Miranda squeeze my hand. "They're fine." I squint my eyes in Miranda direction and my heart settles when I find them by the swings.

"They should have wore bright colored shirts." I say. "How are you keeping up with them?"

"Practice." Miranda answers with a laugh. "Nathalie was a hand full. She was curious and loved to get into things."

"Really?" I ask with a laugh. "I can actually picture that."

Miranda chuckles and her hair is blowing in the wind and falling back into place perfectly. "I was so young." She tells me. "But, she was my world."

We both take a seat on one of the benches and I can't help myself but to say, "You and Joy is more close than usual."

Miranda is silent for a moment. "She's an exceptional friend."

I kick the dirt below my feet. "Are you over there often?"

"Yes." Miranda replies. "Mostly when I don't want to be alone at home. Sometimes it's difficult for me to sleep."

I shift in my seat. "Why not call me? You can always come to my place."

Miranda cock her head to the side. "Because we're figuring things out. Calling you in the middle of the night for comfort only brings in more confusion."

I run my fingers through my hair in frustration. "Yeah. Well. This is me telling you that you can call me. You can come over."

"There is no need." Miranda replies. "I'm fine at Joy house."

I clench my jaw in aggravation. I couldn't be mad I tell myself but I can't stop myself from asking, "Where do you sleep?"

Miranda look at me in confusion. I can tell even though her glasses is shielding her eyes. "In the guest room." She answers. "Why are you drilling me with these insignificant questions."

"I'm curious." I reply. "It's been awhile for us two. You know..." I shift uncomfortable.

Miranda chuckles and pull off her glasses and her stare is blazing in anger. "You think I'm having sex with Joy?" She hiss. "Not that it's any of your business, I'm not."

"I believe you." I say. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help but ask."

"You have no reason to be jealous of Joy." Miranda replies calmly. "Plus." She hisses. "It doesn't look good on you."

"Why not?" I ask while rolling my eyes and ignoring that last comment. "She knows you as well as I know you. She's your age. She's mature. She can offer you more than I can right now. I don't even know what I want."

Miranda frown and her eyes narrow towards the playground, "She's not what I want. I don't want to talk about this anymore, Sam." She then stands and move closer to the playground. I groan and throw my head back. "Stupid." I tell myself. I watch her from a distance. She's running her fingers through Lily hair and Delilah is speaking animatedly and waving her fingers around. I stand when another small body collides with Miranda side. Lily and Delilah watch curiously.

I stand and walk over and it's Piper. She's wearing bright yellow shorts and a red shirt with flowers all over it. Its tattered at the bottom but she still looks adorable."Randa." She screams in excitement. Miranda bends down and pick up the small girl.

"I saw you from over there." She points at the slide.

Delilah frowns and then moves to wrap her arms around Miranda legs. "Mira. I wanna leave."

"Just a second, Delilah." Miranda mutters while her eyes shine as she hold Piper in her arms.

Delilah pouts but she doesn't move.

"What are you doing here, sweetheart?" Miranda ask the small girl in her arms.

"It's park day." Piper grins, her missing tooth and pigtails making her even more adorable. At this point Lily has made her way over to me. She also wrap her arms around my leg. She pulls at my pants. "Yes." I ask looking down at her.

"Who is that?" She ask curiously.

"Piper." I explain. "She's a sweet girl that attends the center during the day."

"Why is she dressed like that?" Lily ask. I look down at Lily in confusion. It was insane how children could see the differences in other children but not understand it.

"Well. She's young." I explain. "She love bright colors."

Lily shake her head. "No. Her clothes old."

"Well. We don't judge people from their appearance. She's really sweet." I explain. Lily look up at me in deep thought. I run my fingers through her hair again. "Be grateful that your mom can buy you whatever you want."

"Can I come?" Piper ask Miranda with excitement. "I love birthday parties."

"No." Delilah grunts. "You can't come."

Miranda look down at Delilah in displeasure. Piper pouts and say, "Okay." But she forces a smile anyway. "Happy Birthday. I turn six." She throws up too many fingers. She ponders. "Next year sometime."

Delilah narrow her eyes and shows six fingers correctly, "That's seven fingers." She tells Piper with more bite in her tone. "You don't know when your birthday is?"

"I mess up my numbers sometimes." Piper explains sadly. "But, I'm better at coloring, Randa."

"That's amazing." Miranda smiles.

Piper wiggles herself out of Miranda arms. Miranda puts the small girl down and Piper squeeze her hand. "You have to come and see my drawings. Please."

"I wanna go home, Mira." Delilah pull on Miranda pants.

"One second sweetie." Miranda tells Delilah trying to balance her attention between the two. But, Delilah is pulling on her pants and Piper is pulling her hand in the opposite direction. It was almost funny seeing the graceful Miranda Grayson awkwardly trying not to loose her balance.

I move forward to help but Delilah clenches her jaw and stomp her foot, "I wanna go home now!" She screams out in a tantrum. Lily hide her face in my leg. I cover her ears. She hated when people scream. I remember Rose telling me this.

Piper take a few steps back in confusion. Miranda turns around and bend down. She grab Delilah arm and say, "You're being very disrespectful young lady. Now we can leave and when we get back you can tell your mother about your actions."

Tears begin to spill from Delilah eyes.

Miranda shake her head. "No tears. Wipe them now." Delilah take the bottom of shirt and lift it up to wipe her face. However, she continues to sniff.

"Don't cry." Piper say trying to grab Delilah hand. But, the twin snatches her hand away. "It's a special day cause' it's your birthday." Piper whisper.

"Yeah." Lily agrees.

Piper smiles widely at Lily.

Delilah frown but continue to wipe the tears from her face.

"Now apologize." Miranda tells Delilah. "For being mean."

Delilah nod her head and say, "I'm sorry for being mean." She forces out her mouth. She then storms off and take a seat on one of the benches by herself.

Piper pout up at Miranda. Lily wave but then she runs off towards her sister. They sit next to each other quietly. I run my fingers through my hair. God. It was insane how much children could express their feelings.

"You'll come?" Piper ask. " To see my drawings later?"

"Yes." Miranda replies.

"Pinky promise." Piper smile.

Miranda wrap her finger around Pipers. One of the young girls from the center comes over announcing that it was time to go. Piper gives Miranda a big hug. "Bye bye." She say. She then runs off.

[][]

We all hurry to the car and Delilah is silent the whole ride. When the car stop Lily climbs over the seat, eager to see her mother, and jump out the car to rush inside. However, Miranda stops Delilah. "Come up here." She pats the small space next to her. Delilah climbs over the seat with a huge pout on her face.

"Do you wish to speak about what happened today at the park?" Miranda ask.

Delilah shake her head no her eyes becoming red and teary again.

"Come on." Miranda pushes. "I'm not upset. Just a little disappointed, Delilah."

Delilah sniffs, "I didn't like your new friend Piper. She ruined my birthday."

"Piper is a sweet girl." Miranda replies. "How did she ruin your birthday?"

"Because..." Delilah begins to sniff and fumble over her words. "Because...she called you Randa. That's not your name and you never hold me but you hold her. You're gonna leave us behind like how Rose left. For her. She can't even count."

Miranda run her fingers through Delilah dark tresses and say, "There is no reason to be mean to Piper, Delilah." She then hold the young child chin. "There is also no reason to worry. I will never leave you and your sister. However, Piper needs all the attention and love because she doesn't get it on a regular basis just as you and your sister. Don't you think she deserve that?"

"Where is her parents?" Delilah ask. "She get love from them. Your love is for us."

I almost snort at the possessiveness this young child holds.

Miranda shakes her head. "She doesn't have parents. She doesn't have anyone. But, you." Miranda points at Delilah. "You have your mother, Rose, Nathalie, Sam, and me. I think that is enough love to share."

Delilah kicks her feet back and forth and think over Miranda words. "You're right. I'm sorry for being mean to her." She then pause. "Can we bring her here. Then we all can give her love since her parents is gone?"

"Of course." Miranda kisses the top of Delilah head.

[][]

The party is in full swing by three o clock. There is children running around everywhere. The Pirates is walking around with swords. Princess Tiana and Mulan is over by the tents speaking to the small girls and boys. Delilah and Lily is having the best time of their lives. It was insane for Miranda to think they would care if the cake was late or not.

Delilah is dressed as a young pirate with a fake sword on her hip and Lily is running around with a bright yellow gown with a sparkling pink and gold crown on her head. Lily chooses to stick to Princess Tiana side while all the other children play pirate and desperately try to find the pot of gold that's hidden somewhere around the house.

Piper is standing next to Miranda on the side lines. She is still in her bright shorts and shirt. But, she is too shy to go and play with the other children. I walk over towards them and take a seat on the bench with a huge grin on my face. Piper smiles up at me, "Sammy." She smiles.

I poke her small tummy and she giggles before climbing into my lap. "Are you gonna go and play?" I ask her. She grabs the leftover cookie behind me and bites into it. I chuckle at all the icing that gets all over her face. Miranda shake her head and grab one of the napkins before wiping her face. I wonder how Miranda even got the permission to take Piper out. I don't have the chance to ask because Piper is playing in my hair getting icing everywhere.

"There is so many cool things to do?" I say. "You don't wanna miss out."

Piper shrug her shoulders and bury her face into my neck. "Too many people." She mumbles against my neck. "I stay here with Randa."

I shift so she is looking at me. "How about we go together? Get our face painted."

Piper eyes shine brightly at the idea. But, she still thinks it over. She look up at Miranda and the other woman say, "I'll be right here when you choose to come back."

"Okay." Piper agrees. I pick her up and walk over toward the face painting booth where Nathalie and Viv is sitting. We wait in the small line behind a mass of children and when it is our turn I almost laugh at the colorful paint on both Nathalie and Viv face. "You guys look awful"

Nathalie flicks paint at me and I try to dodge it but it still lands on my jeans. "Hey." I say. She ignores me and ask, "Who do we have here? A princess, a cat, or..."

"I wanna be a butterfly." Piper screams in excitement.

Viv leans forward before dipping her paintbrush in various of colors and then begin to draw onto Piper face. Piper sits quietly and when she's done someone come rushing over. "Piper!" Delilah screams. Lily is standing next to her. "Come play. We have to find the treasure before the pirates do." She breathes harshly from sprinting all the way over here.

Piper look up at me and I nod my head. "Go play. I'll be right here." She wiggles her way out of my arms and run away with Lily and Delilah. It's funny to watch because her legs won't go as fast as the bigger kids. I'm almost worry for a second. What if these kids is too big for her? I didn't think about that. I look around searching for Miranda.

I frown. She was standing and laughing with Joy. The two of them was standing very close. Joy is laughing at something and she squeezes Miranda shoulder. Miranda just stand there with a smirk on her face. I'm not sure what type of conversation they are having. My legs begin to move in that direction but Viv stops me. "That little girl is so freaking adorable." She comments. "I just wanna take her home."

"She is." I reply. I look over back to Miranda and she is still smiling and talking to Joy. I swallow and stop myself from walking over there. I didn't have the right to be jealous or to crash whatever conversation the two of them was having. Miranda was happy and if Joy was there to make her sleep better at night then who was I to stop that.

I take a seat in defeat. Maybe Joy and Miranda was better for each other. And Miranda was just too stubborn to see it yet. I would sacrifice anything for Miranda happiness. Even losing Miranda.

"Everything okay?" Nathalie touches my shoulder.

"Huh." I jump. "Yeah." I run my fingers through my hair. "I'm just tired."

Nathalie narrow her eyes in suspiciously but since Viv was sitting along with us she chooses to let go of the subject. "Where is Rose?" I ask instead.

"She's out with Austin." Nathalie answers. "She's been jittery all day. I'm not sure why."

"I think it has something to do with the twins birthday." I reply. "She wants it to be perfect just like Miranda."

Nathalie shake her head. "No." She say. "It's something else. I know it. Hopefully, soon she will be ready to talk about it. I'm trying to be patient and not pry her."

I frown and wonder what could it be if it wasn't about the twins birthday.

The party continues on and the cake finally arrives. It take Austin and Rose plus three more people to carry it and place it on the table. The cake is huge and that's a understatement. It's more on the gigantic side. It's has big red hearts and swords all over it while at the top there is black sticks. All the children hurry over and surround the cake and all I can hear is "wow." from the small children.

Austin and Rose light the cake while everyone sing Happy Birthday and as everyone sing the cake begins to sparkle in different colors. It goes from red, to green, to blue. Austin also pass out sparkles for all the small children and lights it for them safely.

Once the show is over Joy and Miranda begin to cut the cake and hand it to the small children. I scan around for Piper and she is sitting in the small circle surrounded by Delilah and Lily and two other boys. Austin come stand next to me and he slumps onto my shoulder. "I did it." He mutters exhausted. "I did it."

I chuckle, "You did."

[][]

After everyone leave, the cleaning begins. I choose to clean the living room alone. I needed time to think and give Miranda her space. I could tell that she cherished her friendship with Joy. I didn't want to ruin that.

Miranda didn't have many friends. Well. She didn't have friends at all. Joy was good for her. I shake my thoughts away and my phone vibrates and I check the message to see its Tessa reminding me about an assignment. I text back with a short thanks and lock my phone.

I hear muttering towards the backyard and head that way. There was still lights dangling everywhere and a few toys and colorful paper on the ground. The closer I get the more I can hear Rose and Nathalie argument. I groan. I wasn't in the mood and too exhausted. I throw away the remaining trash and I can hear Nathalie hissing, "Just tell me. I know you, Rose. You can't hide whatever it is forever."

Rose frown. "You're making a scene." She catches my eye and I choose to turn around to give them their privacy but I end up running into Miranda and Joy. I clear my throat and avoid Miranda questioning stare. "Sorry." I mutter. I didn't want to squeeze through them so I turn around and think it's best to walk around the house instead.

Nathalie fold her arm across her chest and seethes, "Making a scene?" She chuckles madly. "My most humiliating moments has been with a audience, Rose. Please let the world know what secret you have this time."

I cringe at that comment. When Nathalie is upset she doesn't hold back. I choose this moment to step in. "Nat. Come on. You and Rose can talk about this later, privately. The kids will hear."

Nathalie clenches her jaw and I can see the anxiety building in her eyes. She was freaking out. Probably thinking the worse. I really couldn't blame her. She shifts from one foot to the other. I'm not sure how long Rose been keeping this 'secret' if there was one at all. But, Nathalie was soon gonna explode. "Don't follow me home." She frown. "Unless you're ready to talk. I'm not doing this."

"Okay. Okay." Rose frown. "You stubborn woman. You wanted a scene. You got it." By now Austin and Viv is standing in the grass confused. The music is still playing lowly and it's really late that the stars is out. Delilah, Lily, and Piper is trying to squeeze their way through Miranda and Joy leg because the two women is blocking the doorway. Rose exhales nervously and run her fingers through her black hair that had blue streaks. She was wearing loose jeans and a white button up.

I swallow in anticipation. I didn't know what to expect. Everyone in this house including myself was known for having some surprising secrets.

"I was going to wait." Rose starts. "I've seen this moment in my dreams and every time it ends worse than the other. I didn't want it to happen this way."

I run my fingers through my hair in confusion and Miranda is quietly sipping on her champagne elegantly waiting for the ball to drop. Joy is standing beside her also confused.

"In every scenario I make up in my head. You're slapping me. No matter if we're in a restaurant, at the park, the mountains, the beach, even the bedroom after good sex. You're slapping me." She chuckles madly. "I guess I deserve it because this is insane. But, no matter what Nathalie. I just want you to know that I love you. I'll always love you." Rose then fish around in her pocket and get on one knee. Nathalie gasp and cover her mouth, my eyes widen in shock, and Miranda spits her champagne everywhere.

However, Rose doesn't seem to notice anyone else in the room. All her attention is on Nathalie. "Sam did warn me about the Graysons." She laughs nervously. "Even though you tell me no in my dreams. I can't stop myself from letting you know how much I love you. I decided to take you on a cruise because I know you love the sea. But, here we are. You're so unpredictable baby and I love you and I will never trade you for anyone in the world. I'm sorry for keeping you on edge for so long. But, you're a Grayson and I'm just me." She pulls out a white box from her pocket and open it. Tears is falling down Nathalie face and I stare at the gigantic, sparkling, diamond ring inside the box.

"Nathalie Grayson. Will you marry me?"