Page 73 of The Stranger

A smirk plays on his lips as he wraps his fingers around mine. “Anytime.” I get the impression he enjoyed this as much as I did.

I glance over at my father as I stalk towards the exit. “C U Next Tuesday.”

“What’s next Tuesday?” his lawyer asks him confused.

Logan briefly chuckles before clearing his throat and saying, “I think my client just called your client a cunt.”

Damn right I did.

Delilah would be proud.

Despite the clusterfuck I just had to sit through, I grin all the way to the elevator.

Chapter 25

Delilah

Thursday morning, I woke to a text from my mother. I wasn’t expecting to hear from her today considering how strained things are between me and my family right now, but deep down, I was hoping to.

Mum: Good morning, Delilah. Wishing you the happiest birthday, sweet daughter. I hope your day is as special as you are. I have a present waiting for you at home. Hopefully, I’ll get to see you soon so I can give it to you. Love Mum xxx

Her message has my day starting with a pep in my step. That pep only gets peppier when I enter the kitchen to retrieve my packed lunch—last night’s leftovers—from the fridge. Because sitting on the island is a propped-up envelope that has my name scrawled across the front.

I open it and find a birthday card inside. How did he know it was my birthday today?

Although what’s written inside is generic at best, I still find a lump rising to my throat as I read it.

To Delilah,

Happy Birthday.

From Spencer.

I’m touched that he not only took the time but thought enough of me to do this. Inside is a thousand-dollar gift certificate for a day spa. It is way too much, but given the pampered lifestyle he is used to, in his eyes maybe it isn’t.

Me: Thank you for my card and the gift certificate. It was very thoughtful of you. Can I ask how you knew it was my birthday though?

Spencer: You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure what to get you. Obviously, flowers were out of the question! My first thoughts were a pair of roller skates, a hula-hoop, a Barbie doll, or maybe a skipping rope, given your youth. But then I realised in ten short years you’ll be over the hill like me, so I ended up going for a more grown-up gift.

Spencer: And I knew it was your birthday because you work for me remember?

He’s typically a serious person and laser focused on his company, so I cherish the moments when he lets his guard down and allows his playful side to shine through.

Me: Hah. Very funny! But I do appreciate the more grown-up gift. You should consider getting a massage sometime; you’ll probably find it will do your weary old bones the world of good. And does your company have some kind of employee birthday database?

Spencer: My bones are neither old nor weary. And no to the database. I remember you telling me the first night we met that your birthday was approaching, so I made a note of the date when you filled in your employee details.

I hug my phone to my chest when I read his reply because his response means everything to me. Things may still be a little weird between us, but his thoughtful gesture means so much.

My day only continues to improve from there:

10 am – a dozen beautifully decorated cupcakes appear on my desk.

11:30 am – a colossal bunch of colourful helium balloons comes next, with the number twenty-two staked in the centre.

1 pm – a box of custom cookies is delivered.

3:15 pm – a tray of assorted handmade chocolates arrives.