After reading a letter from someone she has never met, Gemma Moreno is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity that could change her life forever. Torn between accepting an offer she knows she will never be able to repay, Gemma needs to decide if...
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Resting my head against the headrest, I breathe in deeply, trying to find the energy to walk into the house. Maybe after spending some time with Dom, I will be able to take a nap before this evening's festivities because there is no way I will make it if my brain doesn't get some downtime.
With a huff, I reach for my bags and force my legs to carry me inside. Lazily making my way up the walkway, I finally reach the front door only to find it is slightly ajar, and a pit begins to form in my stomach.
Dom knows better than to leave anything open while I'm not home.
Flinging my belongings on the couch, I yell, "Dom!"
When I don't hear a response, my heart rate skyrockets as I frantically rush towards the kitchen.
"Surprise!"
Trying to catch my breath, my hand holds onto my chest tightly.
Dom runs over and wraps his small arms around me. Falling to my knees, I bury my face in his neck and squeeze tightly. "I thought something happened to you."
"I'm fine, Gemma," He says as he kisses my cheek. "Happy Birthday!"
Standing up, I notice the kitchen fully decorated with balloons and streamers, while a two-tier cake sits in the middle of our kitchen table. My friend Alexis, who has her hands thrown up in the air as she runs over to me, screaming, "Happy Birthday, Love!"
When her squealing dies down, I make my way over to greet Monica and her son Kenny. The two live across the street, and I don't think Dom and Kenny have left each other's side since we moved in.
Monica's ebony skin radiates as her glowing smile takes over her face. "Happy Birthday, Gemma."
Standing with my mouth open, I take in the group before me and feel blessed they have become a part of my life.
"Hey, don't forget about us!"
Listening to where the voices came from, I find Mr. and Mrs. Newman huddled together on a video call on Dom's phone.
Turning the device, so my face is in view, my heart bursts with joy when I see them. "Hey, guys."
Adele's emerald eyes beam as her cheeks rise in a breathtaking smile. "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. Sorry, we couldn't be there to celebrate, but it sounds like Alexis has planned a night filled with fun."
Remembering the things my dear friend has previously listed off causes me to roll my eyes. "We will be lucky to accomplish half the things on her list. I'm exhausted."
"Long day at school?" Bruce asks.
Thinking back to the four classes I just sat through, I nod my head. It's only my third day of school, and I am already counting down the weeks until my first break. "Very."
Bruce has been my biggest cheerleader since I announced that I was going to further my education. His optimism in my abilities fuels my fire to accomplishing my goals. "You'll get back into the swing of it soon."
