Perspective

30-Birthday Girl

(The following Friday)

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHASE!" Everyone shouts as I enter my house.

I scream in surprise before letting out a laugh. "Thank you."

I spot my parents and run off to hug them. "Thanks, guys."

"Of course," Mom and Dad say.

I glance over at Asher who is talking to one of my cousins.

"I'm surprised you two haven't made out yet," Dad says, thoughtfully.

I groan. "Dad."

He grins. "You know you want to."

Yes, I do.

"Want to do what?" Asher questions, walking up to us and placing his hand against my back.

"Nothing," I say at the same time that my parents say, "You."

I gasp as Asher smirks. My parents are cracking up.

"That reminds me, Chase. I need your help," Asher says pulling me aside. "You see the girl with the dark brown hair and gold streaks?"

"Yeah, what about her?" I ask, knowing where this is going.

"Well, I keep flirting with her but she has no reaction."

I suppress the urge to laugh. "That could be because she's older than us and is married."

"Oh. Who is the lucky spouse?"

I gesture to my cousin who is a body builder. He's 6'6", 200lbs of pure muscle. He seems intimidating but he's a big softie.

"CHASE!" He bellows when he sees me waving at him.

"MICK!" I call back.

He walks over and hugs me tight before giving me a noogie.

"Dude, stop," I whine trying to fix my hair. I remember Asher and turn to Mick with a smirk. "That reminds me....how much do you love Layla?"

"A lot. Like a lot a lot. Maybe too much?"

"Nah, there's no such thing as too much love," I assure him with a laugh. "Oh this is Asher, by the way."

Mick sticks his hand out for Asher to shake. "I'm Mick." Once Asher shakes his hand, he continues, "Nice to meet you, man."

"Yeah, you too," Asher says with a grin.

"When'd you guys get together? I don't remember Chase mentioning anything to me."

I exchange looks with Asher before replying. "We're not together. Just friends."

Mick smirks. "That's what they all say."

"Fuck off," I say.

"Of course, your majesty, I wouldn't to interrupt your sexy time together."

"Mick. I'm. Going. To. Kill. You!" I snap.

:::

Everyone left except Asher. Harper went home with Jenny so that Asher and I could actually spend time together.

We sit on my bed with presents on the floor.

I reach for Asher's present first but he slaps my hand away. "That's going to be your last one to open."

I pout but open my parents present first.

Inside there's another box. I get through 7 boxes before finding my present.

I gasp, pulling out the small chunk of metal and plastic.

"MOM!" I scream, running downstairs.

I bust into their room and hug them tight. "I love you guys so much. Thank you, thank you."