Hanging With The Bad Boys (Edited)

Chapter 36- It's My 18th Birthday - Part 1

I wake up around 10:00 am, thanks to my friends. Last night, we went to a movie, got into some mischief, and nearly got caught by the police due to Jordan's reckless driving. I had never been so scared in my life.

It's finally my 18th birthday.

I receive happy birthday wishes from my family on Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter, and all my friends, including Gregory, text me their greetings.

Then my dad comes in singing, "Happy birthday to you, you belong in a zoo, you look like a monkey and you smell like one too."

I chuckle as our butler, Freddie, enters with a cake adorned with eighteen candles.

My dad says, "Happy birthday, sweetheart," kisses me on the forehead, and hands me a gift bag. I open it and gasp—it's my own credit card.

Freddie adds, "Since I only met you yesterday, I brought you a $50 gift card for One Direction and 5SOS songs." I smile and hug him.

"How did you know?" I ask.

"My niece is obsessed with them," he replies.

"Now make a wish," he says. I do and blow out the candles.

My dad snaps a picture and says, "Freddie, why don't you bring the birthday girl her breakfast?"

Freddie nods and leaves. My dad suggests, "You can shop all day at the mall; there's over $20,000 on the card." My jaw drops—more than what? I must be hearing things.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

He sighs, "I have to go to work. I'm needed there. I'm sorry, Anne, but I promise we'll hang out later."

I sigh and nod, then enjoy waffles and blueberry pancakes while flipping through TV channels.

I text Arlene.

Me: Hi bestie, want to go shopping?

Best girlfriend: Sorry, I'd love to, but I have to help my mom today. No getting out of it. Happy birthday again!

Me: That's okay, thanks!

Next, I text Justin, knowing he won't turn me down on my birthday.

Me: Hi jerk, want to hang out?

Jerk: Sorry, Anne, but my dad really needs to talk to me. I'll see you later.

Me: No worries, I understand; a man and his son need bonding time.

Jerk: Don't worry; you'll see me later.

I text Luke, who is usually free.

Me: Hi Lukey, want to hang out?

Lukey: Sorry, but Kyle and I are going to a game at the stadium. You know how we love our football!

Me: Okay, I'll see you guys later.

Luke: Yep, see you, and happy birthday again!

Then I text Brandon.

Me: Hi bbfl, want to hang out?

Brandy: Sorry bgfl, but I'm working this morning. Sorry! xoxo

I sigh; everyone is too busy for me, so I won't bother texting Carlos.

Then I get a text from Greg.

Greg: Hi, heard you're looking for someone to hang out with. I was heading to the mall; do you want to come?

Me: You're a lifesaver, Greg! I'll meet you there in an hour.

Greg: Thanks! See you, and my sister is coming too.

Me: No problem.

I jump up and down on my bed before rushing to the bathroom. Greg is a true friend; who ditches their friends on their birthday?

*******

Justin's POV

Everyone gathers in front of the five-star hotel as Mr. Montez arrives. Anne is unaware because Gregory is the distraction.

I clap, "Alright, everyone is here, and Anne doesn't suspect a thing. Let's get to work. Jordan, tell everyone there's a surprise party for Anne tonight here, but Stephanie and her friends aren't invited."

He nods and pulls out his phone.

Mr. Montez speaks with the manager. Arlene informs me, "I brought a dress for Anne for later. It will be delivered in the next hour, so when she comes home, she'll see the box."

I nod.

We enter the hotel's large ballroom, perfect for any occasion.

I say, "Get the decorations; we have a lot of work to do."

Everyone gets busy.

Mr. Montez whispers, "I'll order the chocolate fountain and see if the One Direction manager can come since they're touring privately in the city today."

I smile; Anne will be blown away.

I see Jordan checking out the party planner instead of spreading the news.

"Hi Jordan, get back to work. We still need a DJ; that's your job too."

He sighs, mumbling that this is more work than Luke's party.

Mr. Montez explains, "Her favorite colors are blue and pink, so everyone must wear something blue, pink, or white—that's the rule."

****

Anastasia's POV

I reach the mall and spot Gregory texting.

"Hi, where's your sister?" I ask.

"She didn't want to come again, so I left her home. What do you want to do?" he replies.

I suggest, "Let's get a milkshake and then do some shopping."

Gregory says, "I'll meet you at Starbucks in an hour," before running off. Great, another person ditches me.

I walk into Starbucks, order a milkshake, and sit down.

I see Nikki enter with Stephanie, both in crop tops and mini skirts, drawing the attention of all the guys.

I leave before they notice me and head to a store called Gorgeous Divas.

Inside, a girl my age greets me, "Welcome! How can I help you?"

"I need new skinny jeans, dresses, bikinis, and crop tops," I reply.

She nods, and we browse the sections before I'm pushed into a dressing room to try things on. It's going to be a long day.

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