Chasing Happy

Chapter 29

Kieran spent a few hours with Chantelle, Christina and Amelia on her birthday. She wanted girl time, though they would be joining in the birthday celebrations at The Mango Rooms in the evening.

Everyone, including her friends had given her space to grieve since the funeral. She enjoyed catching up on what was going on in their lives. It gave her less time to think about her problems.

She was dressed by the time Joshua returned home. Kieran knew he was stoned as soon as he walked through the door. Anger surfaced, but she asked him in a calm tone. "Where have you been?"

"With my brother,"

"Did you forget we are meant to be at the restaurant for eight?"

"No, I didn't. I'm ready, let's go," he said dangling his car keys.

Kieran held out her hand. He gave her a blank look. "We are taking a taxi," She told him. She was surprised when he gave her the keys without a fuss.

Kieran apologised for their late arrival when they entered the restaurant. Joshua sauntered in behind her and waved at everyone.

"It's your birthday you are allowed to be late," Chantelle said. Her eyes flickered towards Joshua and back at Kieran who shook her head as discreetly as she could.

She brightened when she noticed presents in the middle of the table. "For me?" she teased "Wow! And champagne?" She went around the table and kissed everyone hello before sitting down.

Joshua sat down noisily rattling the glasses with his movement. He looked tired all of a sudden. The shadows under his eyes were testimony to his lack of sleep.

"J, you need to have an early night bro," Jarrell told him.

"I will go to sleep when I like," Joshua snapped at his brother.

Kieran saw her parents exchange glances. The birthday dinner may not have been such a good idea. She sipped some champagne and picked up a menu, hoping everyone followed suit. As long as he wasn't antagonised, he would be quiet.

At intervals, Joshua would leave the table and return minutes later smelling of weed. He didn't seem concerned about keeping up the pretence. Kieran was perturbed. The previous day had been good. They had turned a corner, hadn't they? Maybe it hurt him to pretend he could be with her after everything she'd done.

While they were waiting for desert, the lights dimmed and a cheesy version of 'Happy Birthday' played through the restaurant stereo system. Kieran looked around horrified hoping it wasn't for her. Her friends and family were all laughing at her expression, all except Joshua. A waiter appeared carrying a cake lit with candles. Kieran hid her face behind the drinks menu, as other guests in the restaurant turned to watch. Some sang along, but it was hard to hear over the noise her family and friends were making as they sung. Kieran was mortified. Laughing she blew out the candles and the lights returned to normal.

"Speech!" Janet cheered tapping her glass with a knife.

Her friends joined in, drawing even more attention to their table.

Kieran glared at them as their chants grew louder. "Okay, okay," she said to silence them, before they were removed from the restaurant. She stood up and held up her glass. The chanting stopped. "Thank you all for being here. It's been a hard month and if it wasn't for each of you, I would be at home drowning my sorrows, so thank you for a special birthday." She turned to Joshua. "Thank you J."

He stood up without looking at her.

Kieran jumped when his phone fell off his lap with a loud clatter. He didn't seem to notice. Jarrell picked it up and placed it on the table while he gave his brother an anxious look.