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Aaliyah knocked on the Howard's residence door and waited patiently with a gift bag for Maddy's birthday.
The door swung open and Cassie's smile dropped but was once again put on "Hey, Lee. Come in."
Aaliyah didn't question the girl's sudden disappointment and walked into the house.
The music was blasting and colourful decorations were spread all over the house.
Aaliyah watched as Maddy rushed over to her and the two embraced in a hug.
"Lee, I'm so happy you're here!" The two pulled away and Aaliyah handed Maddy her gift "Happy Birthday, Mads."
The girl smiled widely and quickly opened the present to reveal a pair of expensive Jimmy Choo heels.
Maddy's eyes widened at the gift and gave the girl another hug "Thank you so much, Lee! I love them!"
Aaliyah laughed and Maddy then grabbed her hand pulling her towards the kitchen "Come on, there's someone that I want you to meet."
Aaliyah noticed a boy around her age leaning against the counter and drinking a beer.
The boy quickly straightened his posture at the sight of the girl and put his beer down.
"So, this is the famous Aaliyah, right Mads?" Maddy smirked at the boy "Yes, it is."
Aaliyah looked confusingly at the boy and he immediately put his arm out to shake "I'm Rico. Maddy's cousin."
Aaliyah took his arm and he brought it up to his face to kiss it. Aaliyah watched him in amazement as she had never had someone kiss her hand before.
"I'm Aaliyah. Did you come down for Maddy's birthday." The boy let go of her hand and nodded "Yeah, I only live 30 minutes away so I thought it would be nice to spend some time with my cousin."
Maddy smiled at Aaliyah "Rico's just started University so he's used to these sort of occasions."
She then spoke to the two of them "Well, I'm happy you guys have met but we really need to get this party started so let's go and get you a drink, Lee."
Aaliyah laughed at the girl and the two left the kitchen. She looked back and saw Rico wink at her.
Aaliyah turned around quickly as she didn't want him to see her blush and she started whispering to Maddy. "What the hell is your game?"
Maddy pretended to look confused "I don't know what you're talking about."
When Aaliyah went to the living room she greeted Kat, Lexi and BB who were all dancing with Cassie's mom and she then stood next to Maddy who was getting her a drink.
"Honestly, Lee, I think Rico really likes you. As soon as I showed him your picture he couldn't stop asking questions."
Aaliyah looked down "Really?" Maddy smirked "Listen, Lee. I honestly think that you should talk to him. Even if it's just for a night I think you should just go for it."
Aaliyah sighed "Okay, fine. But if I see any red flags I'm outta there."
Maddy hugged her "That's my girl!"
The doorbell then rang and Maddy pulled away "That must be Nate." The girl walked towards the door leaving Aaliyah with her drink.
She thought about Rico and decided that maybe getting to know someone else would keep her mind busy.
She downed her drink in one and walked over to the kitchen.
Rico was smoking by the window and smirked when Aaliyah walked through the door.
"Miss me already. We barely know each other." Aaliyah shrugged "I came to get a beer. Can I have one?"
Rico grabbed a beer, opened it with his teeth and passed it to Aaliyah with a smirk "I didn't take you for a beer type of girl."
Aaliyah took a sip and shrugged "Well, don't judge a book by its cover."
Rico laughed and put his hands up in surrender "I wouldn't think to judge you, Lee."
Aaliyah smiled "We're at a nickname basis now, are we?"
Rico winked at the girl "We can if you want to. Besides, I thought we were getting along."
Aaliyah took another sip of her beer and nodded "We are. So, what did Maddy tell you about me?"
Rico shrugged "Well, she told that you were newly single and that you're hot and dangerous. I don't what she means by dangerous though. That's what intrigued me."
Aaliyah but her lip and shrugged "I don't know what she means either. Are you gonna get in the hot tub?"
Rico smirked "Why would I do that when I have one back at my place? Care to join me?" Aaliyah laughed "I can't do that. It's Maddy's birthday."
Rico licked his lips "Don't worry about that. I'll talk to her and she'll understand."
Aaliyah put a strand of her hair behind her ear "I'm okay for tonight. I should go and join the girls."
Rico nodded "Okay, I'm actually gonna head out so can I ask for your number?"
Aaliyah tried to hide her smile but failed miserably "Sure. I'll put it in your phone."
The two exchanged numbers and Aaliyah walked out of the kitchen and saw Cassie walking drunkenly down the stairs in a pink swimsuit.
Cassie walked past Aaliyah and she frowned at the blonde.
Aaliyah could sense that something was wrong with Cassie. She had been acting out a lot recently and she didn't understand why.
Nate walked over to Aaliyah and looked down at her "Do you wanna stay at mine tonight?" Aaliyah nodded "Yeah, okay, sure."
Nate nodded and Maddy grabbed Aaliyah's hand "Come on, I wanna go in the hot tub."
