*on hold* Until Callan moved in next door, Presley was one hundred percent, completely fine with how her life was turning out.
She never regretted dropping out of college or wasting her days working in a diner for minimum wage. Boredom never plagued...
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"Happy birthday, sweetheart. Are you doing anything special tonight?" Mom's forehead, perfectly sculpted eyebrows, and laugh lines filled my phone screen.
"Mom, I can't see you," I said, stifling a giggle. FaceTime wasn't her strong suit.
"Sorry. Is that better?" She moved the camera down slightly so her nose became visible.
"That works. Where's Dad?"
"Oh, he picked up a job building some planter boxes for a lady down the street. I'm sure he'll work until it's dark."
"Isn't he supposed to be retired?" I laughed.
"You know he can't sit still. Anyway, you didn't answer my question. Anything special going on tonight?"
She knew the answer, but she always asked in hopes I'd change my mind and celebrate my birthday, which I hadn't done in two years. Mom and Dad were the only people I tolerated gifts or well wishes from. Brie knew better, and so did my other close friends.
"Nope. Just hanging out at home. We're going to have a movie night and maybe a couple drinks. Just like any other night," I said.
"Sounds nice," Mom smiled. "Well, I'll be in town next week with a little gift for you."
"Thanks, Mom."
"So what else is new? Tell me everything."
I glanced towards my closed bedroom door, debating if I should cut the conversation short or head to the kitchen and drown myself in tequila. The selfish side of me wanted to do the latter. It took everything in me not to pour myself a shot when I woke up this morning, but somehow I'd managed some self control. But I felt bad that I'd been avoiding Mom so much lately, so talking with her for a few more minutes wouldn't kill me.
Somehow a few minutes turned into twenty. "Your Dad and I love you so much. Be good tonight."
"Love you guys too."
Ending the call, I hopped off my bed. I heard noise coming from what I assumed was the living room, thinking Brie had the TV on, ready to pick a movie. But when I came down the hallway, the room was completely empty.
Laughter sounded, drawing me towards the back door. As I grew closer, I realized Brie was not alone on the deck.
Suddenly, I was engulfed in a bear hug and a wave of Love Spell by Victoria's Secret. "Noah?!" I almost couldn't believe my eyes.
"Pres! I missed you so much!" She said, then pulled back and cupped her hands to my face. "You're still as gorgeous as ever." She hugged me again.
"What are you doing here?! You're supposed to be halfway across the world," I said. Then it dawned on me, and I narrowed my eyes at Brie, who was standing a few feet away watching our interaction with a sheepish grin on her face.
