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The cake was a masterpiece, bursting with the vivacious spirit of Carli's twenty-first birthday. It was a heart-shaped wonder, enveloped in a dazzling coat of electric pink frosting that shimmered with each tilt and turn. Adorned with whimsical white polka dots and delicate heart-shaped accents, the cake was a canvas of playful elegance.
The edges were framed with dramatic swirls of fuchsia frosting, each curl crowned with gleaming white pearls that caught the light with every movement. Atop this confectionery marvel, glittering pink cherries with their slender stems added a touch of flirtatious charm. But the true crowning glory lay in the bold, white frosting script that boldly declared "Twenty fucking one," embodying the audacious and unapologetic joy of marking this unforgettable milestone.
Carli's smile was unstoppable as her friends, despite their less-than-perfect rendition, sang "Happy Birthday" with heartfelt enthusiasm. The off-key notes and mismatched rhythms only added to the charm of the moment, making it all the more special for her. As the final lines of the song trailed off, she heard Jax's voice close behind her, his reassuring hand gently resting on her shoulder. "Make a wish."
Turning her gaze towards Juno, Soren, and Suki, her face radiated joy, illuminated by the flickering glow of the candles. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her as she made her wish and blew out the candles, the tiny flames surrendering to her hopeful breath.
Amidst the clamor of the bar, Carli's friends erupted in cheerful applause, their boisterous celebration drawing curious glances from other patrons, which they cheerfully ignored. "What did you wish for?" Suki asked, her cigarette dangling precariously from her lips. With a mischievous grin, Carli snatched it from her, tucking it between her own lips as she leaned in.
"We all know what she wished for," Juno teased, a knowing twinkle in her eye. It had been precisely three months since Carli last spoke to Spencer, three months since their fleeting encounter that left a lingering taste of his kiss on her memory.
Carli sighed, her smile softening as she shook her head. "I actually wished for a job," she admitted, her voice touched with a mixture of hope and weariness. Her dark hair shimmered with glitter under the fluorescent lights, adding a touch of whimsy to her otherwise contemplative mood. Despite being immersed in her Academy studies, she knew she needed something more immediate to help with her bills. Asking her wealthy father for support wasn't an option; she was determined to carve out her own path.
