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I did, twisting it slightly so she could see the pumps better. “They’re Jimmy Choos. Jake’s surprise. Well, one of many, apparently. But he has no clue what a big deal that is.”

“It’skiller. And, oh my goodness, look at that watch!”

“I get the feeling now’s a good time to go grab a beer. They can talk for hours. You with?” my Dad asked Jake.

“Yeah. Beer or mixed drink, sweets?”

“Beer, please.”

“Natalie?”

“Beer sounds good, thank you.”

Jake nodded before walking away with my Dad.

“How’re—” I started.

“Okay, they’re gone. You were way holding out on me, girly.”

“I told you about Jake.”

“Yeah, making it seem like he was no big deal. That conversation about him should’ve lasted like three times as long.”

I looked over and caught Jake’s eyes on me. I smiled at him before turning back to Natalie. “Probably longer than that.”

“How serious are things?”

“Very.”

“Since he hasn’t looked away from you yet, I was guessing that.”

I looked over, wiggling my fingers in a wave and watched as his lips tipped up.

“You owe me the full talk. But here comes your man.”

Jake handed us our drinks.

“I’m gonna go see what your dad is up to,” Nat said with a smile. After giving my hand an affectionate squeeze, she headed towards the bar.

Jake slid his arm around me. “Surprised?”

“That’s the understatement of the century.”

“Hungry?”

“Not right now. I wanna see everyone.”

The next hour and a half passed in a blur of birthday hugs, wishes, drinks, and shots.

While I’d never been big on my birthday or surprises, Jake had worked miracles. He was thorough and everyone I’d want invited was there. My boys, Ray and Edge, plus Rhys, Harlow, Gia, Melanie, Lily, and Marcy. Even Gage and Jet showed up, though they couldn’t stay long.

“Where’d you meet these people?” Harlow asked as she pulled me aside. Since meeting officially at lunch, we’d become fast friends. “Everyone is flippin’ beautiful. Even your dad is a total D.I.L.F. Dad I’d like to—”

I covered my ears. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t go there. I don’t wanna hear it. La, la, la!” I yelled over her.

Ick!

She pulled my hands away. “What? I was just gonna say he was a dad I’d like to be friends with because he seems like a cool guy. Sheesh, perv!” she said as we erupted into giggles. “Seriously though, I feel like I crashed a flippin’ Hollywood party. Oh wait. Some of the X-ers are here. So, yeah, total Hollywood party!”