25. Ella

CHAPTER 25

ELLA

Christmas and New Year's Eve fly by in a blur of food, alcohol, family events, and festive chaos. I barely managed to get through the usual onslaught of questions from my extended family. "When are you going to find a boyfriend?" "The clock is ticking, don't you know." "You should really be married by now; you're not getting any younger." Not exactly fun topics of conversation when you're trying to navigate a situationship with a hot bar manager. I brushed it off as always and laughed along with them, saving my frustrated tears for my pillow when I got home.

I haven't been able to see much of Xavier since my Christmas party. He drove me home and stayed the night, just to make sure I was okay, he said. It was sweet, given how much I'd had to drink. I appreciated it. The next morning, he had his way with me as promised. We caught up quickly the day after Christmas, but this is the craziest time of year for him at work, so he's been too busy. We talk every day though. I had a whinge to him about my family, and he complained about how many staff he had taking sick days, when he knew they were just too hungover for work.

New Year's Eve was uneventful; I spent it with Millie and Clay and all of their couple friends. It was fun, but I was the token single friend. It stung a bit, especially at the stroke of midnight. It's not so fun being the only one not getting a New Year's kiss. Xavier was working, but he did send me a virtual kiss—a smoochy selfie five minutes after midnight. It did make me feel a little bit better. I guess this time of year always hits different when you're single. I only get a slight reprieve in January, and then the next thing I know it's Valentine's Day and I'm depressed again.

Not to matter though, because today I am trying to be more positive. It's January 2 nd , my birthday. I'm 31 today, and while it seems like the whole ‘30s are the best years of your life' thing hasn't exactly rung true, I have a good feeling about 31. My phone rings and I already know who it is before checking the caller ID.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LOVERRRRRRRR!" Millie screams into the phone.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BITCH!" I scream back. Sharing a birthday with your best friend is so fun.

"I'm so excited for this afternoon. Send me photos of what you're wearing, please," she demands.

"I have no idea what to wear. I will send you multiple photos. But to help narrow it down, are we thinking casual but slutty, or a little bit fancy?" I ask.

"Casual but slutty, for sure. I'll send you photos, too." She pauses. "Is Xavier still coming?"

"As far as I know, yes. He told me he took the day off to be my birthday date. Unless a work emergency comes up, he is coming."

"Awesome. No sneaking off for secret blow jobs though, save that for when you get home."

I laugh. "No promises."

"Alright, I gotta go. Clay has cooked brunch. Message me throughout the day and I'll see you soon. Love you!"

"Love you more. Bye!"

I'm getting ready for brunch with my family before we head to a rooftop bar in the city for an afternoon of cocktails and tapas. We've booked a booth and invited a bunch of mutual friends. No set times, it's just a come and go type situation. Everyone is always so busy this time of year and we don't like to put pressure on people to attend events. Just popping in for one drink means a lot.

The only annoying thing about today is that my period arrived early. So unfortunately, no birthday sex. Xavier said he didn't mind, but I don't think we are there yet. I've told him he can still stay over tonight if he wants, as I'll settle for a birthday kiss and a cuddle, it's more than I've gotten in years, anyway.

As if he knows I'm thinking about him, a new message from Xavier pops up.

Xavier

Happy Birthday love. Can't wait for tonight. I'll get dropped off at your place so we can head into the city together x

I smile at my phone like a fucking idiot. He's called me love a few times now, and I know I shouldn't read into it, but surely that means… something. Or I'm just being ridiculous, which is the likely scenario. Whatever, I'm just happy he's coming.

Xavier

I'll also give you your birthday present before we head in.

I squeal. I love presents. I hate buying them, but I love receiving them. Selfish I know, but I can't help it. I wasn't expecting a present from him, and I spend the rest of the morning trying to figure out what he could possibly have gotten me.

Family lunch was lovely, my dear old nan brought me a handmade library bag which was super sweet, and my parents got me gift cards for all of my favourite bookstores. They know what I want. I'm probably the easiest person to buy presents for. If it's bookish, I'll love it no matter what.

Now, I'm at home putting together the final pieces of my birthday outfit, sending pictures to Millie as I go. It's not very hot today, despite being the middle of summer, so I've decided on ripped blue jeans, with a white top that is technically lingerie, but safe enough to wear in public. I'm feeling quite sexy, despite the period bloat.

As I'm finishing up with my lipstick, there's a knock on my door. I race out of the bathroom to open it, and there's Xavier, looking fine as ever. He's also holding a gorgeous bunch of flowers and a small package wrapped in pink birthday paper.

"Happy birthday!" He walks into the house and sweeps me up into a massive hug, swinging me around the room. He puts me down and gives me a massive smooch on the lips. He's so joyous it's contagious.

"Thank you!" I say. "Are these for me?" I gesture to the flowers.

"Nah, they're for me. Of course they are for you, you goose." He laughs and hands them over. They're the most gorgeous flowers I've ever received. A mix of peonies, poppies, and greenery.

"They're perfect. Thank you, I absolutely love them." I kiss him on the cheek, leaving a big kiss mark, then I head into the kitchen to find a vase.

"Do you want your present before or after your party?" he asks from behind me, as I stand at the sink filling a vase with water.

"Um… now, please. I'm impatient and excited." I finish arranging the flowers and place them in the middle of my dining table. They really are beautiful.

He laughs. "Okay, it's not that deep, but here you go." He hands over the small package and I not-so-delicately rip into it. It's a wooden box, and when I open the lid to see what's inside, I am enamoured and want to cry.

"It's a personalised book stamp," he explains. "I tried to customise it with a few of your favourite books…" He trails off. The cursive writing says, ‘From the Library of Ella Hart' and it surrounds a mountain with three stars at its peak, a crescent moon, a small dragon, and some pine trees. It is absolutely… me.

"Xavier… this is amazing. Honestly, I love it. I love it so much." I whisper.

This is truly one of the most beautiful and thoughtful gifts anyone has ever given me. It may be small, but it's so personal. No other man in my life has ever really cared or supported my book habits, but he does. The walls around my heart have crumbled even further, and that little voice in my head has started whispering, "What if…?"

"I'm glad you like it. I was so stressed I would get it wrong."

I rise up on my tiptoes and give him a kiss."It's perfect. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I rush into my book room and find the perfect spot for it on my shelf. My bookstagram friends are going to die when I show them. I walk back into the living room and Xavier is doing a thorough appraisal of my outfit. The twinkle in his eyes tells me he approves.

"You look good, birthday girl. Are you ready to go?" he asks.

"Yep! Oh, but one more quick thing." I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for one more kiss. He pulls me in close and kisses me slowly, lazily trailing his hand along my upper back. We end the kiss, and I take a step back from him, grinning. He smiles back at me.

"What was that for?" he asks.

I shrug my shoulders.

"Because I could."He smirks at me, his dimple showing slightly."Now let's go, I can't be late for my own party!"