Page 101 of To the Chase

This was my first time actually stepping foot inside, and it was stunning. Polished wood floors, thick cream rugs, and immaculate pale-beige walls were the backdrop to his colorful, vibrant art collection. Everything was new and beautiful, and…I couldn’t breathe. That was all there was to it. My lungs were smushed from the crushing emotion of all the balloons and loveliness that had been heaved upon me without a second of warning.

“You guys…” I whispered. “What—?”

Lacey threw her arms wide. “Do you love it, or do youloveit?”

“I—I love it.” My voice cracked as I looked down at the plastic wineglass in my hand. “Oh my lizards.”

Tony came out from the kitchen in a “Kiss the Cook” apron, wearing a huge, smug grin.

“Buon compleanno, Marilyn,” he said warmly. Taking me by the shoulders, he kissed both my cheeks.

Talon slid between us, holding his empty tray by his side. “It’s Bea, Grandpa.”

“How did you know it’s my birthday?” I rasped.

Lacey jumped in. “Me! Your birthday’s in June, and mine’s in August, remember?”

My nose tingled as I nodded. “Yes, darling girl. I remember very well. I just can’t believeyoudo.”

She grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight. “That’s the day we became neighbors and friends. You don’t forget something like that.”

“No. Definitely not.”

Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse—or better—Tore appeared at the top of the stairs. He descended slowly, taking in the scene without any discernible expression. His gaze landed on me, staying only briefly before sweeping by.

“Uncle Sally, come here,” Lacey cried. “Come meet Bea.”

He approached, stopping beside his niece. For her, he smiled softly. “We’ve met, Lace. You know that.”

Her forehead scrunched. “Oh yeah. At the hospital.”

I didn’t know why I’d opened my mouth, but I couldn’t hold back. “Actually, we met before that too.” Tore went perfectly still, but I continued. “I’ve been catering Nox’s weekly meetings. I just never realized your Uncle Sally wastheTore Gallo who protects all the computers in the whole world.”

“Not thewholeworld,” he refuted automatically.

Tony and the kids glared at him for keeping that information to himself, and I felt a flicker of triumph. It didn’t last long, but it was enough to get me through the moment.

Scarlet hooked her arm through mine. “Come on, Bea. We decorated the dining room too.”

Lacey crowded my other side, her fingers wrapping around mine. “And we made you a surprise.”

“Another surprise?” My eyes bugged out. “I don’t know if I can take it.”

She giggled. “You can. You’re gonna love it.”

She was right. I did love it.

The tablescape was a gaudy masterpiece. I couldn’t begin to guess where the kids had gotten the ruffly lace tablecloth and scads of massive, fake diamonds they’d scattered between gold vases filled with tropical flowers. They’d turned my chair into a throne, with balloons tied to the back and velvet material woven through the slats.

I was even handed a crown, which I happily put on my head once I confirmed everyone else had one too.

Even Tore.

Watching him let Lacey settle a tiny silver crown on his head hurt for reasons I couldn’t quite put into words. Honestly, though, I’d been jabbed in the heart so many times tonight, what was one more?

During dinner, Tony remarked, “I bet you’ve never had a birthday celebration like this, huh?”

I shook my head, smiling. “I can honestly say I haven’t.”