Summer of Second Chances - Andrea Hurst Page 0,107

Everyone was capable of change if they really wanted to, he guessed. Even him.

"It makes me happy to see how well things are working out for each of you,” Shelby said.

"You'll be next," Theo said. "Don't you fret.”

Around the table, everyone nodded and assured Shelby that all would be well, and soon. Theo stood, adjourned the meeting, and thanked everyone for their input. Then he turned to Shelby and Alice and offered to walk them home. Mission complete.

Chapter 36

The next few days were filled with paperwork, deciphering the computer research Mindy had done for her, and meeting with the registrar at the high school. Tonight was Logan’s surprise party. He hadn’t even told Shelby it was his birthday. He probably didn’t want to make a big deal of it. Shelby was glad she had some notice so she could buy him a present. She’d texted Iris that she would bring a birthday cake.

Perfect, Iris texted back. My husband Anthony is going to try to be home tonight. He called yesterday. Logan spoke to him about your situation and said he will help.

Great news! Shelby texted back.

Shelby and her grandmother had spent the morning baking a beautiful triple-layer chocolate cake with ganache filling and caramel buttercream frosting. It said “Happy Birthday, Logan” piped in dark chocolate icing on top. Then Alice had spent the afternoon cooking fried chicken and cutting up a fruit salad to fill the picnic basket for her movie date in the park tonight with Theo.

They’d both retired to shower and dress, which was taking Shelby a little longer than usual. She wanted to look her best for Logan and if Mr. DeLuca turned up as well.

Alice walked into Shelby’s bedroom and twirled in a circle, showing off her embroidered jacket set over a rose-colored shirt. “What do you think?” she asked. “I’ve tried on several things trying to figure out what would look nice and still keep me warm in the park tonight.”

Her grandmother looked like a flushed schoolgirl getting ready for a first date.

“You look very pretty, and so does the new lipstick we picked out. I’m sure Theo will agree.”

Alice grinned. “I hope so. And look at you, gorgeous. Now, you better be off and go surprise that boy of yours.”

“Right,” Shelby said. She retrieved the cake and present but realized it wouldn’t be a surprise if she just walked in with it through the front door. She wasn't sure what to do, so she texted Iris. Should I carry in the cake and say “surprise?"

That works, Iris wrote. Logan thinks we're ordering pizza. He probably thinks we're all being pretty mean forgetting his birthday.

Shelby sent a smiley face back and turned off the phone. She took one more glance in the hall mirror to make sure her white capris and lacey blouse worked. Her dark hair cascaded over her tanned shoulders. She’d put on some Pretty-In-Pink lip gloss and a touch of mascara. Content with her appearance, she headed out across the street.

When she knocked on the DeLucas’ front door, no one answered at first. Probably Iris and Gabe were hiding so the birthday boy would answer.

"Surprise! Happy birthday!" Shelby said as Logan opened the door.

Shock registered on his face and then a huge grin. "Thanks. I think you're the only one who even remembered."

"That's not true," Iris said as she, Gabe, and Mutt bounded out from the back room. "Happy eighteenth birthday.”

“You guys,” Logan said. “You had me wondering all day if you forgot.”

Gabe grinned. “That was the idea.”

Mutt barked in affirmation.

"Thanks, everyone.” Logan ran his fingers through his hair and glanced down at his old t-shirt and gym shorts. “You could have given me a little warning.”

"That would spoil all the fun," Gabe said. "We ordered three different kinds of pizza. They’ll be here soon.”

They moved into the kitchen and Shelby put the three-tiered cake on the granite island and the gift box next to it. Everyone grabbed a bar stool while Iris made up some drinks, handed them out, then took a seat beside them.

"The pizza's not going to be here for about half an hour," Iris said. "I wanted to make sure we had a little time to talk.” She winked over at Shelby, and Shelby figured it out. They probably put a delay on the pizza hoping that Mr. DeLuca would arrive.

"That’s fine,” Logan said. “I'm not that hungry yet. But that cake looks amazing.”

“Later,” Shelby said. She held up the sea green envelope with a sea turtle engraved