Guests

Happy Birthday!

"Happy birthday, Thee!" Kay exclaims, bursting into my bedroom and startling me awake.

"Not again, Kay!" I reproach. I fall back onto the mattress and cover my face with my palm. "I can't pretend to make it to thirty alive like this..."

"Don't be so dramatic, babe! Look what I've got for you."

For a moment, I hoped she would bring Rick with her, but all she held was a tray with a cappuccino and freshly baked bread, accompanied by butter and jam. That's the typical breakfast Rick usually has. I usually load up on energy and flavors with half a burrito, scrambled eggs, chorizo, avocado, rice, and beans. Yes, it's a hearty breakfast, but it keeps me satisfied for my long mornings where lunch can become a timeless or ethereal concept.

"A nice gesture, but I think I'll be starving again in two hours."

"A good excuse to treat ourselves again! Besides, you have a full day ahead."

"Can't I have a peaceful day on my birthday?"

"I'm afraid not, honey. We have a considerable delay in advertising contracts."

"I feel like I'm talking to your father or Denise. This stern look of yours isn't very familiar to me."

"I am the almighty's daughter, and his word comes out of my mouth," she says, striking a pose like the Virgin Mary.

"What a lack of respect! Alright, tell me what's on my plate for today."

"At ten, we have an appointment with Puma for the photoshoot of the upcoming Fall/Winter season for the casual segment of the brand. At one, we're expected at the studio for you to approve the artwork for your new single and the radio version. And at five, Frances Hallbright is waiting to interview you."

"It's going to feel eternal..."

"At seven, you'll be free to celebrate your birthday. Theresa, her husband and daughter, your mother, her husband, and your step-siblings will be there. My father will also drop by for a moment to pay his respects. It'll be quite a family affair."

"Is Connor here? If you tell me he came for me, I'll cry."

"I won't tell you yes, but I won't tell you no either. He wanted to see you live and has a couple of things to sort out, contracts to sign, and artists to entice."

"I want Rick to be here," I comment sadly. His absence hurts, saddens me, and my fears accelerate until I receive a message from him. I try not to overwhelm him. I don't want to drive him crazy. It's all been very difficult. "I miss him so much. He told me he couldn't come until August because of his damn work."

"Is it true he's going to sign with Penguin?"

"Yes, it seems so. They're going to publish all his books and want to acquire the rights to 'The Goddess of Death.' Although he wants to publish it on Wattpad, Penguin, which also publishes the platform's most famous novels, prefers to have exclusivity in print. So, between one thing and another, he has to transfer all his knowledge to his company's replacement before leaving."

"What a whirlwind! You changed his life."

"He changed mine in a more substantial way."

"Time flies, Thee. Before you know it, he'll be appearing behind a door."

I gaze at the bedroom door as if it were a sign, but nothing happens. I won't receive that kind of surprise today.

I sigh, get out of bed, and push Kay, who was moving hangers from one side of my wardrobe to the other.

"Are you going to choose my clothes now?"

"No, I was just seeing that you haven't worn this in a while, to wear it today for Frances' place."