The Brightest Star

Prologue - 4 Years Ago

The party is in full swing. My parents had saved up for a while to throw this party for me and it's perfect. Bright flowers are strung together all around the yard and my family fills the tables.

Music is playing but I'm not quite sure who's controlling it. I make my way around the guests with a smile; giving hugs to aunts and uncles I haven't seen in a while and making sure everyone's drinks are full.

The only thing missing is Tony and Dom. They said they had something important to take care of but that they would be back in time for the party. The sun is starting to set and they still aren't here yet.

Dominic has been my brother's best friend since they were little. With such a small age gap between us, Anthony and I have always been close. I was never particularly good at making friends so I tended to hang out with Tony and Dom growing up.

I've had a crush on Dom for as long as I can remember. He has dark curls that are usually messy and bright green eyes. He's tall, I'm not going to pretend to know how tall, but I'm 5'7 and I still have to look up at him. When he started to play lacrosse in high school, he got jacked, and has maintained that physique.

"Look who finally decided to show up," my dad scoffs.

I turn around and break out in a wide smile. Tony and Dom are walking up the driveway, side by side. Tony breaks away and takes off in a jog. He drapes his arm around my shoulders and smiles.

"Sorry we're so late," he says, slightly out of breath, "we didn't expect it to take so long."

"Where have you been?" Dad asks, arms folded over his chest.

"Dad," I say softly, "please don't start. At least wait until tomorrow."

"No," he huffs, "I want to know where the hell you've been, Anthony."

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. I don't think the two of them have ever had a civil conversation and it got old a long time ago.

"Shut it, pops," Tony scoffs, shaking his head, "I'm not a kid anymore, you don't get to order me around."

"Like hell I don't," he retorts, "I'm still your father."

"Dad," I plead, "please."

Dad looks Tony up and down before turning on his heel and stalking away, cursing under his breath.

"How's it going?" Tony asks, gesturing vaguely to the guests.

"It's great!" I reply with a smile, "we were just about to cut the cake."

"Hey there birthday girl," Dom says as he approaches.

"Hey Dom," I grin up at him.

"You having fun?" he asks, tilting his head.

"Yup," I chirp, "but it's even better now that you guys are here."

Tony offers a wide smile while Dom chuckles and looks away. His hands are imbedded into his pockets and I furrow my brow.

"Did you-," I can't get my question out before Tony cuts me off.

"I'll be back," he says as he steps away, "don't have too much fun without me."

Tony makes a beeline for the bar, probably hoping to get a couple of drinks down before our mom notices. I watch Dom as he carefully pulls a sunflower from the garland above his head. He takes a step closer and my breath hitches.

"Why were you late?" I somehow find the courage to ask.

Dom brushes my hair behind my ear and tucks the flower into my hair. I gaze up at him and my heart starts to race.