Chapter 39

39

28 years old - Lily

Five Months Later

I see two tall figures approach me, and my breath hitches at the sight of Nick. He's wearing a gray two-piece suit with a white dress shirt under it, the top button undone. A wool coat ties the look while keeping him warm. The top part of his hair is styled neatly, something he only does when there's something important. He also rarely wears a suit unless the day warrants it, so I savor the view in front of me for as long as I can.

Behind him, Bryce looks equally sophisticated and sleek as Nick. He is on his phone, smiling to himself as he types something. He has been glued to the screen since the beginning of the year, giggling like a lunatic every time a notification pops up. I'm sure he'll tell us when the time is right. When he's ready. He sees me and flashes one of his signature million-dollar smiles, the one that closes business deals and makes women swoon.

"Sorry we're late," Nick says, putting his hand around my waist. He gives me a short kiss before his eyes scan the entrance to the white building behind us. "Where is Birdie?"

"She's inside already. She's so excited about this," I say with a smile. Birdie has been counting down the days since we dropped Nick off at the airport last year. I'm pretty sure she marked today's date with a highlighter on all our calendars at home. And by all, I mean the calendars in our place, in Bryce's place, and Nick's. She also made sure that we all had a reminder on our phones. Like I said, excited.

The three of us walk through the automatic door, my hand intertwined with Nick's. "You look good enough to eat," he whispers. His eyes briefly look at Bryce to make sure he can't hear anything. He's not even paying attention to us. He is already back typing on his phone.

The door to the small hall is decorated with a floral garland, the baby pink color of the roses a few shades lighter than my dress. Chairs are neatly arranged in rows, most of them already full, with guests not wanting to miss the big day.

"Those are still empty." Bryce's voice is low. He doesn't want to disturb the other guests, especially not now that the light has been switched off indicating the performance is about to start. The three of us walk to the front and claim the three chairs Bryce was pointing at. It's on the far left, but second row, nonetheless.

"How did the meeting with the investors go?" I whisper to no one in particular. Sitting in the middle, I'm sure both of them can hear me.

Bryce looks over at Nick, a boyish grin appearing on his face. "Nick can be a real charmer; did you know that?"

"I try my best, but that was all you, man," Nick answers.

The room suddenly darkens, and they stop talking, focusing on the stage in front of them instead. Cheery music starts playing in the background and the sound of birds chirping can be heard throughout the room. Silhouettes move quietly on stage, getting themselves into their formation. Nick shifts in his seat and takes off his suit jacket, putting it on his lap instead of over the chair like his coat. My hand reaches for his and he gives me a smile before pulling away, only to put his arm over my shoulders.

Stage lights illuminate the front of the room, making the girls visible to the audience. They are all hunched down, only exposing their green velvet leotards and tutus. As the music progresses, one by one the kids move with the rhythm to lift their heads, showcasing their flower headgears that symbolize the spring bloom. My heart melts when I see Birdie's head in the middle of red flower petals.

Her eyes search the room as she moves her arms and feet, only stopping once she sees the three of us in the crowd. I give her a small wave and her mouth hooks into a smile. From the corner of my eye, I see Bryce and Nick lifting their hands to wave at her as she moves in our direction.

"She might be better than you," Nick tells me, his voice barely audible. I feel his breath and smile on my ear. I jokingly elbow him in response. He pulls me closer, and we continue to watch the recital in silence, focusing all our attention on the performance in front of us.

Girls in green tutus start running inside the seating area roughly fifteen minutes after the main light is turned back on, all of them searching for their loved ones. One in particular approaches us, the one with yellow sneakers and dark brown hair put up in a bun. Bryce and I look at each other when Birdie goes straight to Nick instead of hugging me or giving Bryce a high five like she normally does.

"You came!" she squeals.

He kneels down so that he's at the same eye level as she is. "I wouldn't miss it for the world," he answers her. "Sorry we couldn't be here sooner. We got caught up at work, but we came as soon as we could."

"It's alright, Mom was here with me, anyway." She doesn't seem bothered that Nick and Bryce couldn't make it for the welcome rounds. Birdie looks up at me and opens her mouth to speak. "Mom, do you have it?"

I nod and let out a small laugh. I hand her the white tote bag I've been lugging around with me, the one filled with her spare change of clothes and other things she might need. Birdie pulls out a Snickers bar, a small container of grapes, and another clear one with cheese cubes in them. She hands it over to Nick like an offering, causing him to laugh as well and Bryce to shake his head.

"Which one do you want? Mom said you'd probably like the cheese cubes the most."

Nick takes the box with the cheese cubes inside and opens the lid, popping one in his mouth. "She's right. I love Gouda."

"Do I get anything?" Bryce puts his hands on his hips and frowns in an exaggerated manner, pretending to be jealous of Nick. Birdie laughs and brings her assortment of snacks to him so he can take his pick.

Nick stands back up and stands in front of me, his jaw still moving as he chews. I grab a water bottle from the tote bag and hand it to him. I love you ; I mouth to him as he takes a sip.

He points to himself, looking left and right to find someone else, teasing me. "Me?" he asks as soon as he is finished drinking.

I shake my head and put my arms around his waist, my eyes meeting the gentle hazel color of his. "Yes, you. Always you."

THE END -