«I'm a man who's got very specific taste.»
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Birthdays weren't always her favorite thing, but Aurora had to admit that she enjoyed some of the perks that came along with them. For example, it was always nice to have Sloane calling her first thing in the morning to sing her a birthday song; even if that year was different. Her best friend did promise she would make it up to her once they were reunited again, and Aurora didn't doubt that.
Another thing she enjoyed, even when it was a bit embarrassing, was when the communications team forced her to stand in the middle of the table while they sang happy birthday to her in Italian. There was always a cake involved, and that year they had gotten one of those party hats for her. It was like the budget for their birthdays was increasing as each year passed by. She could joke about that later.
It could be strange, but even when she stood there, her cheeks flushed from embarrassment, and not knowing what to do with her hands, or herself at all, Aurora felt good.
"You have to make a wish." One of the team members encouraged her as soon as the birthday song was over.
Aurora smiled, leaning down to blow the candle. Her wishes were never special. Aurora could remember Sloane always telling her what she had wished for after she drank way too many margaritas during her birthdays, and her dreams were very detailed and specific. Aurora always wished to have a good rest of the year, it didn't have to be only about her professional career or her love life, she just wanted to be in peace.
"You're a great asset to our team and it's a pleasure to work with you, Aurora." Silvia smiled at her, giving her a quick hug.
Hugs came and went as everyone on the communications team wished her a happy birthday. Aurora just smiled and thanked them politely, they always did the same for every member of the team, but it still felt weird for her to be the main focus once in a while. But she appreciated the gesture, she always did. Plus the cake was always delicious.
She excused herself to go to the bathroom while everyone took a piece of the cake and just chatted with one another. It was always nice to get a bit out of the normal work schedule and enjoy it for a bit.
"Aurora!" Her quiet trip to the bathroom got quickly interrupted as Carlos wandered around the building. "As always, such a pleasure to see you." He smiled.
Aurora waved her hand as he approached her. "How are you, Carlos? I hope everything is going alright this week."
"Oh you know, it's been a wee—"
"Carlos, you're such a little shit." Oh, Aurora could recognize that accent anywhere. His expression changed completely the moment he saw her. Charles grinned. "Hey Aurora." Aurora waved. "Cute hat."
Her hands reached to take off the party hat with a swift move. She had forgotten it was still there. Aurora tried to fix her hair, as she hid the hat behind her back, seeming embarrassed that they saw her with it.
"Are we celebrating something today?" Carlos raised an eyebrow. Charles stood next to him when he was close enough to them.
"It's just, uh, it's my birthday so it's a little celebration from the team." She chuckled awkwardly.
"Happy birthday Aurora!" It didn't take Carlos long enough to embrace her in a hug, which she returned. Her eyes looked at Charles over his teammate's shoulder. "Where would we be without you?"
She shrugged. "Probably complaining on live television." Aurora joked, and Carlos nodded.
Charles hesitated for a couple of seconds about whether he could hug her or not, but eventually gave up and acted on instinct. The truth was he wanted to hug her, so Charles took the time to do it. Aurora could remember his scent from her jacket exchange during one of the race weekends; it almost made her want to closer her eyes.
