Instincts

Visitor

Note: 18+ content.

The next day, Sunday, there is a small bbq in Lorena's house to celebrate Allie's birthday, and Andy was invited but he knew Caz would be there. Instead, in an attempt to get Allie out of his mind for a while, he goes over to Kate'a place.

Allie texts him, asking if he would like to come. He only says he is occupied.

Caz shows up to the party with flowers, peonies and hydrangeas, her favorites, and a pack of beer.

There is cake, and they sing her happy birthday when she blows on the candles. It is the first time in years Allie is happy to make it to 26, even though she is scare and sad that she has not accomplish anything, none of the dreams she had before.

Her younger self would be ashamed of who she has become.

But she is 26, and she has her mother and sister, her sister in law, and a friend in Caz. She still has the chance to become someone to be proud of.

After the cake, her mother goes back home, and it is just Susie, Lorie, Caz, and Allie. Lorie brings some wood for the fire pit they have in the backyard, and the four of them sit around in the lounging chairs to drink and burn marshmallows in the fire.

Caz is looking at Allie from across, she has her bare feet tucked under her, and wrapped on a light throw blanket. Her hair is flowing in the light breeze, eyes reflect the orange of the flames.

What is she thinking?

It used to be easy to read her mind. That was when her eyes weren't so melancholic. She is the kind of person that smiles with her eyes, that can't contain the shine in them when they are actually excited or happy.

"Don't you think it's time for presents?" Susie suggests.

There is only three of them. One from her mom, one from Susie and Lorie, and one from Caz.

The couple has bought her clothes and given her gift cards for some of her favorite stores. Caz, he had put a lot of thought on his gift.

A handmade leather cover journal. He had curated the leather, made the paper, and bond the journal himself.

"You did this?" Allie looks at him as if he is someone new. Her fingertips caress the edges.

"I did." He sheepishly nods. " I also got  these for you."

Caz presents her with a colorful bouquet of flowers. When they were younger, Allegra used to put her hair in braids around her head and stick fresh flowers in it. He remembers that all too well.

She takes the flowers and buries her nose in their fragrant petals.

"Thank you Caz. It means a lot to me." She smiles.

Susie and Lorie watch them approvingly. Caz is the perfect person for Allie, if only she would see that.

After the marshmallows are gone, they pick up the rest of the party, and Caz offers to take Allie home. They walk down the street side by side but not holding hands. Holding hands is for couples, and so is kissing. He hasn't attempted to kiss her aside their hook ups.

Allie, she is thinking of Andy. Of how she promised she would never mention what happened at the beach ever. That she has to live with that knowledge. She is not sure how she will do that.

"Hey.." Caz pulls her out of her thoughts. "I hope you had fun today."

"I did." She answers. "Thank you for coming."

"I am surprised you didn't invite your boss."

"I did. He was occupied." She shrugs her shoulders, already practicing to appear as if she doesn't care at all about what Andy does or doesn't do.