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 guys go ahead. I’ll meet you at 808.”
“I’ll help you.” Blake started gathering the crumpled wrapping paper.
“Sure you will.” Luke smirked.
Farrah’s cheeks reddened. She ignored her friends’ suggestive hoots as she swept the gifts up from the table. “C’mon, Blake. Let’s go. Maybe when we return, they’ll have matured,” she said pointedly.
“Maturity is overrated.” The opening beats of Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex” blasted from Courtney’s iPhone. “Have fun,” she sang. She dragged the last word out to multiple syllables.
Blake chuckled. Farrah’s flush deepened. “I hate you guys.”