The Fling

24

"Shawn!" a voice rang out and the next thing I knew, Hannah flung herself at me. "It's so cool you're here!"

I was finishing up taking photos, and one of Lizzie's friends looked annoyed at the interruption. "Hey, Hannah! How have you been?" I asked as I knelt in front of her.

"Good! I had surgery! Did Mommy tell you?!"

Apparently the kids didn't know we were no longer friends. "No, but let me finish up with these last few people and then I want to hear all about it, okay?"

She nodded and stepped aside as I took half a dozen pics with the party guests. When I was done, I looked around for Abigail to let her know but didn't see her. "Why did you have surgery?" I asked Hannah.

"It was my appendix. Do you know what that is?"

"I do, and you know what? I had an appendectomy, too!" I told her.

A pretty young blonde approached us. "I'm Reagan, Bert's wife. Am I too late for a photo?" The photographer had already stepped away so we took a selfie. When she put her arm around me, her hand rested just above my ass. "Was Hannah telling you about her surgery?"

"Shawn had the same kind!" Hannah exclaimed. "I have a scar. Do you?"

"Yep."

"You should show us," Reagan said with a wink.

Was she flirting with me? I ignored her and squatted again so I was eye-level with Hannah. "Where's Bertie? Can you take me to him?"

She grabbed my hand and led me through the party to the far end of the yard where her little brother was playing with toy cars.

He saw us and jumped up. "Hey, Shawn!"

"How's the arm, kiddo?"

"Good. I have a scar from where the pin was. Look!" Bertie showed me his wrist.

"Very cool!" I told him.

"My scar is bigger," Hannah boasted. "Mommy said if any of us need surgery again she's not sure if she can take it."

"Where is your mum?" I asked.

"She went inside to do something before the cake comes out. It's on a cart and will have sparklers in it!" Hannah said excitedly.

Bertie tugged at my sleeve. "I'm asking for a guitar for my birthday. Can you teach me how to play it?"

"I could show you some chords, but I'm not a music instructor."

His little face fell. "I want to learn whole songs."

I pictured myself sitting next to Bertie in Abigail's charming living room, taking the time to educate him on guitar basics. The image was a lot more enjoyable than most of the things I did in my day-to-day life. "Let me talk to your mom about finding a good teacher. I can supplement with some private lessons, if needed."

The music stopped playing and Bert's voice boomed out through the speakers. "It's time for cake! Everyone gather on the patio!"

"That's my cue to sing Happy Birthday. I could use some back-up, though. Wanna help me?" I asked.

They both squealed with excitement at my suggestion. After we made our way to the patio and found a spot next to Lizzie, I was handed a microphone. Together with the guests, we sang to the birthday girl as the cake sparkled in front of us. The photographer took more photos, and the cake was cut and distributed by the catering staff. When they were done eating, the teens went inside and changed so that they could get in the pool. The adults continued to drink wine and chat among themselves.