Thorn in My Side (Bunch-A-Blooms 2)

“Happy birthday, brother.”

“Unicorns?”

“To symbolize we’ll be forever young.”

I chuckle. “If you say so.”

I turn to her future husband and hold out my hand. “Hey, Joseph, How’s it going?” We shake. He’s a nice man with a promising career, and he dotes on my sister. I couldn’t ask for more in a mate.

“It’s good. It’s nice to see you not working.”

“I know, this new launch is going to rocket us or kill me. Maybe a bit of both.”

We chuckle.

“You didn’t bring me a present?” Rachel asks.

“Oh, but I did. You’ll have to wait and see.”

Her eyes sparkle, and I laugh.

“So will you.”

I shake my head. I’ve got her one-upped, but I’ll let her think this will be the year she outdoes me. I’ve arranged for a two week long honeymoon through Europe.

“I look forward to it. Who all did you invite to this shindig?” I ask curiously.

“I kept it small the way you like. Cousins and close friends only.”

“Thank God for small miracles.”

She huffs. “So antisocial.”

“Now, now. Don’t be cruel. I’m just a little people impaired. It happens when you’re traveling all over the blue blazes, hawking your wares, darling.”

“If you ever want to switch.”

“Hardly. I can create art, but I’m selfish. I do it solely for myself. You, however, understand appealing to a broad audience.”

She beams, and I wink as I move to speak with Asher, Micah and Kane who are already tapping the open bar. Smart men.

“What is this abomination?” I ask as the bartender places a healthy dollop of cotton candy into a Martini glass.

“It’s Rachel’s signature drink today. The Magic Martini,” Asher says dryly.

“It’s pretty good,” Kane says as he sips from his glass.

“Though you may end up with diabetes if you have too many,” Micah said dryly.

I shake my head. “Somehow I’m looking more and more forward to her wedding date.”

Kane, Micah, and Asher burst into laughter and I grin ruefully.

The music starts up, and we talk until guests begin to trickle in. Going into host mode, I weave my way through the crowd saying hellos and pausing to chat briefly. I make a beeline when I see, my closest friend, Preston.

“Pres, I’m glad you could make it.”

“I’d never miss one of your birthday parties. I don’t know how Rach manages to top herself every year. Just when I think she’s run out of ideas, she proves me wrong.”