Gifted Connections 4

“What’s going on Blake,” Troy asked in concern.

“Don’t worry about it. Just come home,” I insisted quietly.

“Okay,” he said uncertainly. “Blake you know that I-.”

“Stop right there,” I cut him off. “I never wanted to force you to say the word. I love you, and that’s enough,” I hung the phone up.

The truth was I knew that he loved me. He said the sweetest things to me. He may have never directly told me he loved me, but I didn’t need to hear the words. He showed me.

I took a deep fortifying breath and turned back around. My eyes sought out Herman and Greg. Something told me that the man inside that room posing as Troy wasn’t alone. That realization was followed quickly by trepidtion. I didn’t know what their plans were, but they obviously didn’t care if they were willing to show up at a child’s birthday party.

“Herman, Greg!” I called out silently, making sure to include Pops, Jaxson, Drake, Jace, Remy, Lincoln, and Noah. Greg and Herman looked at me in question. “That’s not Troy, and I’m pretty sure he’s not alone.”

I saw all of them straighten up and start looking around. Greg leaned in towards

Lincoln and whispered something to him. I grimaced slightly. He had yet to talk to me silently.

“Whoa buddy,” Herman yelled out exuberantly. “That has to be your twenty-third gift.”

Alex let out a loud laugh. “It’s only been like seven,” Alex countered back.

“But how many model cars were in that kit Ben got you?” Herman disputed as he gave me a pointed look. “And you can’t forget the rocket kit.”

“Human shifter,” I heard Lincoln’s faint voice in my head.

“Hey, Blake, want to help me get the ice cream?” Jace called out.

I tried to smile. “Of course.”

“It’s my turn to pay!” Greg pulled out his wallet.

The man had tried to pay for so many things tonight, but Jaxson, Remy, Drake, and Noah had already paid for the party package. Jace paid for the cake and decorations. Lincoln covered all the goody bags and GoPros. Troy paid for the bus. And they wouldn’t allow me to pay for anything.

“I’ll come help,” Remy volunteered.

“Me too,” Drake added.

“No more,” Jace insisted quietly. “It’ll look too suspicious.”

“I thought you said no ice cream,” Ella piped up around a mouthful of cake.

“First off, Little Bit,” Jaxson quickly spoke as he reached out to tug on Ella’s ponytail. “We said none of that SpongeBob, Batman, Angry Birds…crap.”

“We’re keeping it simple,” I added. “Vanilla, Chocolate, or Mixed.”

“I want-” Ella started to demand.

“Whatever we get you,” Remy said firmly with a grin. “Only the Birthday boy gets a choice.”

“Aww,” Ella groaned.

“Yes!” Alex cheered as he smugly looked over at Ella.

I forced a laugh as I turned back around to go to the food counter.

“I’ll go too,” Fake Troy insisted as I was leaving the room.

“Nah, man,” Noah stated. “You gotta help Lincoln hand the birthday boy his gifts.”