excitement over something like another year of life when your life was a living hell.
“Because it’s not a big deal.”
Bathroom steaminess forgotten, he pulled me down from the counter and planted a sweet kiss on my mouth.
“We have to celebrate. Let me take you to lunch and a show.”
“Both of us are broke. How are we going to make that happen?”
“Listen up, princess, I grew up poor as dirt. I know all about making a dollar stretch. Come on.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the bathroom.
I caught my shirt in the air when he threw it at me and then I pulled it over my head. I kind of appreciated the fact that Zeke put my birthday before sex. It said a lot to me about where I was on his list of priorities.
“Okay, first thing’s first, I’m taking you to the best restaurant in town.”
The best restaurant in town ended up being McDonald’s. Zeke schooled me in the ways of the dollar menu and when I pointed out that Transformers was one of my favorite movies, he used his skills in persuasion to con the little brunette behind the counter into giving him a happy meal toy of Optimus Prime for my birthday. It was quite possibly the sweetest birthday present I’d ever received.
When we left, he held my hand as we walked to his car. I didn’t even think he was aware of it, but I was. I was aware of everything about him.
The show he promised ended up being a trip to the local aquarium. A friend of his ran the front booth so he was able to get us in free. The place was dead, so as we walked around the hallways, we were alone. Still, he held my hand.
“That fish looks like Chet when he plays the drums,” he laughed as he pointed out a fish with a squished-up face.
That was how the rest of our day went. When we got back to the motel, it was almost time for Zeke to go to Boy’s Club. I hadn’t been in a while, but I really needed to get home and check on Mom and Sydney.
We went inside and I gathered up my things. He stood to the side and watched with an awkward expression on his face. I wanted to ask what was wrong, but I didn’t want to dig too deep.
Once all my things were packed, I walked to the door. He followed behind me so closely that when I turned around to say good-bye we were face to face. He peered down at me with eyes so dark they looked black, and I sucked in his attention.
“Thank you so much for today. It was by far the best birthday I’ve ever had.” I smiled up at him.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.” He reached out and pulled me to him.
“I’m not.”
He leaned in and kissed me softly on my lips.
“Goodnight, Zeke.”
“Goodnight, snowflake.”
Nineteen
Zeke
I was convinced there was nothing more gorgeous than Patience with the blue lighting of the aquarium reflected on her face. The radiant smile she wore for most of the day made me forget that my life was in shambles. I felt proud for being able to make her smile so beautifully.
Watching her pack her bag to go home made me sad and it shouldn’t have. Actually, I was starting to feel way more for Patience than I was okay with. I hadn’t even realized throughout the day that we’d been holding hands most of the time. It was as if I didn’t want to be disconnected from her.
That night Boy’s Club was a total blow. I enjoyed spending time with the boys, but I’d rather be with Patience or practicing with the band. I really needed to get some playing time in since Finn told me there were going to be some record executives at our show the following weekend.
By time I was done with my hour of community service, I’d texted Tiny, who lived on his own, and arranged to move in with him in a few days, and I’d already talked to Javier about more stuff to sell. Things were coming together and I was starting to feel a load lift from my chest.
That night, while lying in bed watching TV, I could smell Patience on the pillows and sheets. I snuggled into the pillow she’d used the night before and breathed her in. I really loved being around her.