The Fine Line - Rafe Cameron

Chapter Ten

Alexandra's eyes fluttered awake, a warm rush of realization washing over her: today was her eighteenth birthday.

She sprang out of bed, a smile spreading across her face as she hurried to get ready.

Pulling back the curtains, her heart sank at the sight of Rafe's window—its curtains tightly drawn. She glanced at their driveway and noticed his bike was missing.

Shaking off the disappointment, she made her way downstairs, the mouthwatering scent of pancakes and bacon lingering in the air. As she entered the dining room, her heart melted at the sight of her family gathered around the table, their bright smiles welcoming her.

"Happy birthday, Alexandra," her mom cheered, pulling her into a warm hug.

Her younger brother, Ethan, sat at the table, a mischievous grin on his face. "Happy birthday, I guess," he added sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

She laughed and teasingly shoved his head. "Thanks, dork."

Her dad wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Happy birthday."

"Thanks, Dad," she chuckled, settling into her seat at the table.

"We made all your favorites," her mom said, raising her eyebrows as she placed her napkin in her lap.

"Look at all this!" Alexandra exclaimed, taking in the breakfast spread—fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and a colorful assortment of fresh fruit.

"Open my gift first!" Ethan urged, practically bouncing in his seat.

"Okay, okay," she laughed, curious to see what he'd picked out. He handed her a small box, his eyes wide with excitement.

She opened it to find a silver necklace—one she thought she had lost forever. "Ethan! You took this from my room!" she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-scolding.

He rested his chin on his hand, a proud grin spreading across his face. "I knew you'd love it."

"Thanks, little thief," she said affectionately, pulling him into a hug that made him cringe. She then shifted her focus to the gifts from her parents.

Her dad handed her a beautifully wrapped package. She eagerly ripped it open to find a brand-new book from one of her favorite authors—one she had been waiting for, even though it wasn't set to be released yet.

"No way, this isn't even out yet," she muttered, flipping through the pages in disbelief.

He shrugged, giving her a small smile. "One of my partners knows the author and pulled a few strings."

"Dad, this is insane. Thank you," she gushed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

Her mom slid a small red box with a white bow in front of her. As Alexandra opened it, her eyes widened at the sight of a breathtaking pair of diamond earrings.

"Mom, these are beautiful," she breathed, holding them up to the light.

Her mom looked at her with glistening eyes. "My mom gave me these for my eighteenth birthday, so it only felt right to pass them on to you."

Closing the box, Alexandra placed her hand over her heart. "Thank you so much, Mom."

"Of course, sweetheart," her mom replied with a small chuckle. "Now," she added, clapping her hands together, "let's dig in."

After breakfast, Alexandra cleared the dishes, her excitement growing as the day passed. The suspense of her party later in the evening had her practically buzzing. Just as she was about to head back upstairs, her dad stopped her.