Ten
Amelia
“Amelia, wake up. It’s midnight.”
I let out a groan with my eyes still shut. My bed moves again as a finger nudges my shoulder. One eye opens to the sight of Liesel sitting beside me with a wide grin.
“What time is it?”
“Midnight, silly. Happy birthday!”
The screech in her voice almost deafens me. I rub my face and give her my best gracious smile considering the time, not to mention my level of exhaustion.
“Thanks.”
“Nineteen, we have to do something amazing tonight,” Liesel suggests.
“Tonight? As in now?”
“No, not now. Some need the beauty sleep,” she points out sarcastically. “Tomorrow night. Josh’s older brother owns a club in the city. He can get us in.”
“A club? But I have a dinner with Andy.”
“So, go to the dinner, then we’ll meet afterward. Where’s the dinner, anyway?”
I grab my phone off the nightstand, fumbling through my messages, with only one eye open before finding Andy’s text and reading the name out loud.
“That’s on the same block. How perfect is that!”
I screw my mouth, resting on my elbows. “I don’t think it’s such a good idea to sneak into a club. We’re still underage.”
“C’mon, girl. We have to live a little. Besides, what can go wrong?” she questions, crossing her arms.
“I could give you a list, but I’m tired and don’t want to waste my precious birthday hours arguing with you.”
“Then, it’s settled. You’ve got the morning free, right?” Liesel hops off the bed while I nod. “Great. Let’s shop for new outfits. We can’t look young in the club.”
“Fine,” I drag, annoyed that I’m now wide awake. “Go to sleep, you need energy for tomorrow.”
“I was thinking of sneaking into Josh’s dorm room…” she trails off with a wicked smile. “You know, a midnight quickie.”
I laugh. “I guess the date went well yesterday?”
“As good as first dates can go. He’s cute, fit, plus his parents are loaded.”
“Three’s a charm,” I note in dark amusement. “Enjoy your midnight quickie.”
Liesel bounces out of the room with way too much energy. I check my phone again, reading all the early birthday messages. Both my parents already texted me plus told me they will call me in the morning
. Ava’s relentless with her birthday memes, all of which involve old ladies and teeth falling out. There’s a text from Austin which comes through just now.
Austin: Happy Birthday, beautiful. Are you awake?
I hit dial, unsure of where he is. Since our argument a week ago, we have barely spoken. A few text messages, all of which avoided the topic of us.
“Happy birthday,” he greets, the sound of his voice warming me instantly.
“Thank you. Am I interrupting you?”