The Moment

Chapter Twelve

"There she is!" Arriving at brunch, I looked around a table of all my closest friends and couldn't be happier. I don't need a fancy party or wild party, I just need my friends who are honestly more like family than anything else.

"Regs." Tayler said, getting up from the table and coming over to me. His hands wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him and engulfing me in the biggest hug he's probably ever given me. "Happy birthday, babes." Keeping his hand around my waist, he guided me towards the table, seating me right next to him.

"Thanks guys. Honestly, having you all here...it's amazing and it just makes me feel really special and I wouldn't want to spend my birthday with anyone else." Looking around the table, I noticed Bryce wasn't there but Addison was and I just knew they hadn't worked everything out yet.

"Well, the day is just beginning." Casey said, grabbing her mimosa and raising it. "And even though it started with Noah, it'll be sure to end with...well...maybe Noah as well." She let out a laugh as I looked down to avoid seeing the confused faces of everyone, I heard the clinking of glasses and cheers.

"Are you and Noah?" Tayler whispered, as everyone began digging into their food.

"Tayler...it's Casey." Trying to avoid saying anything else, I took a sip of my drink.

"Fair enough." He said, laughing. Yeah, Casey likes to just tease people and half the shit she says isn't true but I guess this kind of was. I mean, I don't exactly know what's going on with Noah but I'd like to at least figure that out myself before everyone else figures it out for me. "So I got you something and I didn't know if I should give it to you now or later but I figured I'd give it to you now and then you have it for your day, you know?" Watching as he pulled out a little blue box, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"Tayler, you didn't-"

"Regs, I know you're about to give me shit for this and trust me, when I bought it, I could hear your voice in my head but you haven't stopped raving about this for months now so just shut up and open it." Placing the box in my hands, I honestly couldn't believe it was real. It was perfect...it was pretty...it was Tiffany. Unwrapping the bow from the box, I opened it up and was now staring at the most gorgeous pair of earrings I'd ever laid eyes on. Immediately wrapping my arms around his neck, I never wanted to let go. I hated him for buying this for me but I loved him for buying this for me.

"Thank you." I whispered, placing a kiss on his cheek before pulling away.

---

Heading to my front door as it continuously rang, I opened it and was greeted by the boys, once again.

"Happy birthday, Regs." Bryce said, pulling me into a hug. "I'm sorry I wasn't at brunch. I knew it would be weird and I didn't want that vibe for you."

"It's okay, Bryce, I get it. Have you at least spoken to her?" I asked as we walked into my living room.

"I've gotten as far as saying 'hello'." He explained, shaking his head as he looked down at the ground. "I don't think she's ever going to forgive me for it."

"I'm sure she will." I comforted. "Like I said, it'll just take time. It hurts now but it'll hurt less later on."

"Wow, God must've gave you wisdom for your birthday." He joked, lightly punching my shoulder. "So what else have you got planned for today?"

"Well you'll have to ask Casey."

"No, he'll have to ask me." His voice filled the room and I swear, it was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Noah stood there with a cheeky smile on his face and it wasn't until now that I realized the balcony setup wasn't the only thing he planned for me.

"We have a problem." Tayler said, walking into the living room with his phone in hand.