Small Town Girl, Big City Dreams • Kate Martin

Chapter 11: Surprise!

Inspiration Song: Comfortable by H.E.R.

As I opened the door to my hotel room, I was met with a pitch-black space. I could've sworn I had left the bathroom light on before I had left, but maybe I was mistaken. I tensed up in the dark.

I carefully flipped the light switch only to see a ceiling filled with silver balloons and a happy birthday sign hanging above the TV. My body automatically relaxed again.

"You guys are so extra," I called loud enough in case the girls were waiting on the outside of my hotel room door. On the table next to the TV was a bottle of champagne and a small cake. When I got closer, I looked at the cake to see it read "Happy Birthday, Superstar!"

"So, now I'm extra?" I heard a soft voice call from behind me. I jumped.

"Jesus," I said and whipped around. Jade was standing before me. I laughed, "I thought you wanted a phone call?"

"I figured hearing your voice in person would be better," she shrugged with a smile, walking towards me and wrapping me in a hug. "Happy Birthday, Kate."

"Thank you, babe," I said, inhaling her scent and wrapping her tightly in my arms. "I can't believe you're here."

"Nice steals tonight, by the way."

"Wait," I pulled back to look her in the eyes. "You were at the game tonight?"

"Well, duh," she said with a small eye roll. "You think Kelsey and A'ja would've let me live it down if I showed up and didn't come watch them play?"

"You've been here this whole time and I'm just finding out?"

"Well, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if you knew I was here now, would it?" she arched her eyebrow. "Plus, I wanted you to have time with your teammates today, too. I can share you on your big day."

"Well, you didn't have to," I said quickly. "I would've let you take up all my free time."

"I know, Kate," she said kissing the corner of my mouth. "I just wanted to set this up and surprise you. It would've been hard to do that if the girls didn't distract you tonight though."

"You're the best, sweet girl," I murmured softly. My heart was swelling at her efforts.

"I'm sorry it's not much," she frowned. "I wasn't 100% sure I was going to be able to pull this off until last night."

"Jade," I said pulling her in tighter and kissing her forehead. "This is more than enough. This is perfect."

"You're the sweetest," she said blushing. "Has anyone ever told you that?"

"I think you did, just now," I cheekily replied.

She laughed and rolled her eyes, "Okay, Kate."

"Okay, Jade," I mocked her and tickled her sides. I loved hearing her laugh. It was quickly becoming one of my favorite sounds.

I pulled her back into my arms fully and glanced around the room. I noticed that one of the balloons had a picture that Jade and I took after one of my games taped to it. She really had put some thought into this, no matter how last second it was. When I looked over to the bed, I noticed rose petals in the shape of a heart and two glasses on the bedside table.

"What's going on over there?" I nodded my head in that direction.

I could feel Jade's face warm against my neck. "I don't know. I just figured maybe we could have some champagne and see where the night goes."

I felt her fidgeting with the fabric of my sweatshirt. When I pulled back a little to gauge her reaction, she wouldn't meet my gaze. I grabbed her hands and squeezed them reassuringly, "Sounds great. Do you want some cake?"