48. Avery

“Rumor has it that it’s someone’s birthday,” Nathan mentioned as he walked out to the pitcher’s mound, where I was already waiting for our first OSS meeting of September. He had a box in one hand and a food container in the other.

I smiled. “Let me guess, a sister of mine told you about it.”

He sat down beside me and shook his head. “I remembered it from when we were younger.”

“Then you also recall how I don’t like celebrating birthdays.”

“Yeah, but a little homemade cake never hurt anyone.” He opened the container and revealed a beautiful cake with lavender frosting and beautiful yellow piping around the edges. “I present to you a hummingbird cake.”

My mouth parted slightly. “That’s my favorite dessert. My mom used to make it for me all the time.”

He smiled.

He remembered.

“You made me a hummingbird cake?” I echoed, stunned.

“Yes.” He shrugged. “Actually, Priya made it. But I did add the eggs.”

I laughed. “Close enough. Thank you.”

“Always.”

My cheeks flushed as he placed a candle in the middle of the cake. He pulled a lighter from his pocket and lit the candle. He held the container in front of me. “Make a wish, Avery. Make it a good one.”

I closed my eyes, and I wished for him.

When I opened my eyes, his lazy smile was smiling at me. Gosh. To love a smile like his…

He placed the cake down and then handed me the small box.

“You didn’t have to get me a gift,” I said.

“To be fair, half of the gift is mine,” he explained.

My curiosity increased from his comment as I opened the small box. I laughed instantly as I stared down at the item in front of me. “Best Friends necklaces?”

“Yup,” he said, picking up one of the necklaces that said “Best” on it. “Figured we could each wear one to highlight this beautiful union.”

I moved my hair to the side to allow him to put the necklace on, shaking my head in amusement. I then placed his necklace on.

“You’re so freaking ridiculous,” I told him.

“Don’t shame me, Coach,” he teased. “I’m not trying to cross those friendship boundaries with you tonight.” He picked up a fork and dug into the cake. He fed me the first bite. “Happy Birthday, Avery.”

Happy birthday, indeed.