If We Ever Meet Again - Ana Huang Page 0,74
been able to take another second of tiptoeing around Courtney and Leo, trying to avoid saying the other’s name.
“I love presents, even when they’re not for me.” Courtney shoved a medium rectangular box into Farrah’s hands. “Open mine first. Pleeeease.”
“Ok, ok.” Grinning, Farrah unwrapped the present and opened the box to reveal two framed prints. One was an architectural sketch of Shanghai, the other a photo of the group at the Bund last semester. They were on a post-midterms high and had spent the night eating, drinking, and laughing their way through the city. It must’ve been four, five in the morning by the time they circled back to the Bund. By then, the lights were off and the city quiet. Farrah didn’t remember what they did there, but she remembered how she felt—like she’d never been more in love, with a city or with the people around her.
Like anything was possible.
Like the moment would last forever.
In a sense, it did.
Farrah skimmed her fingers over the frame. There she was with her friends, their grins immortalized for posterity.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it.” Farrah hugged Courtney, breathing in her friend’s familiar Tommy Girl perfume. “Thank you.”
“Any time, babe.” Courtney squeezed her tight.
Farrah pulled herself together and finished unwrapping the rest of her presents, which included a beautiful monogrammed sketchbook from Olivia, delicate gold-and-aquamarine earrings from Kris, a fun tote from Sammy, and a silk scarf from Leo. She saved Blake’s for last.
Farrah shook the large box. It rattled in response.
“Ooh. What’s this?” Jewelry didn’t make that noise. Maybe a book? No, there were definitely multiple objects in there.
“You’ll see.” Blake’s dimples flashed. The sight eased the tension in Farrah’s shoulders. He’d been acting off these past few weeks—more so than at the beginning of the semester—but he seemed in a better mood tonight.
Stop overthinking. He’s stressed about the bar. That’s it.
It was her twentieth birthday. Farrah wasn’t going to sabotage her own celebration with her doubts.
“Open it,” Blake encouraged. His eyes twinkled with anticipation.
Yep. She was overthinking. Things were fine.
Farrah ripped open the wrapping paper, determined to put those pesky voices in her head to bed once and for all. She gasped when she saw what lay beneath the multicolored foil. “Oh my god, where did you find this?!”
“It took a while,” Blake admitted. “Sammy helped me track it down to a little store in the art district. I think it's the only place in the city that sells it.”
“Are those…” Kris squinted at the box. “Markers?”
“They’re not just markers. They’re limited-edition Pantone dual-ended markers in 150 colors, created in collaboration with Kelly Burke, aka the best interior designer ever. They’re only on sale for a month.” Farah hugged the box to her chest. “They’re beautiful!”
She couldn’t believe it. She’d wanted the markers since Kelly Burke announced the collaboration last year, and now here they were, in her arms. Imagine all the things she could do with them!
Farrah’s mind buzzed with ideas. She was tempted to leave the party right now and start experimenting.
Kris wrinkled her nose. “To each their own.”
“Those markers are expensive.” Leo eyed Blake. “At least a few hundred bucks.”
“Really?” Kris reexamined the set with more respect. “Huh.”
In her giddiness, Farrah had forgotten why she didn’t buy the set for herself—the markers were expensive. Too expensive for her to justify their cost, no matter how much she wanted them.
“It was worth it,” Blake said before she could open her mouth. “As long as you like them.”
“I adore them.” Farrah set the markers on the table and planted a lingering kiss on his lips. “Thank you, babe.”
“You’re welcome.” He skimmed the back of his hand down her cheek. “Happy birthday.”
Farrah closed her eyes, reveling in his touch.
Twenty was freakin’ awesome.
She stepped away from Blake to hug Sammy. “Thank you for helping. And for the cake.”
It didn’t take a genius to figure out how Blake found out about the markers. The only person Farrah told was Olivia, who must’ve told Sammy, who told Blake.
Still, Farrah was touched Blake and Sammy went to so much trouble to find her present. Finding such a niche product in Shanghai wasn’t easy. She couldn’t believe they sold the markers here at all.
“It was nothing. Blake did most of the legwork. I merely translated.” Sammy kissed her cheek. “Happy birthday.”
“Mmhmm. Thank you anyway.” Farrah winked at Olivia. “You’ve got a good one.”
“Right back atcha.”
The girls exchanged knowing glances.
“I’m going to bring this—” Farrah gestured at the pile of presents. “—up to my room. You