Page 64 (1/2)

It’s the fourth Friday of the ery last Friday and Mooes on as nor Mom pushed back the visit by a week, and all I want for my birthday is to discover why she visits

My cell buzzes and I ignore it Myfrom the door of my bedroo as he left for work that sounded like an acknowledgment of my existence while I ate breakfast in the kitchen My brothers and friends have texted their birthday wishes and the continuing texts have been from my closer friends--friends fros Where have you been? There’s a party too, I would have, but with the fight loo to Haley

The door to the bar opens and Denny sticks in his head Johnny Cash sings about a ring of fire and a wohter drifts with hi impaired or crippled since I last saw you?"

I continue to sweep the nonexistent dirt "Got a point?"

"Yeah, you should have been done a half hour ago"

Our eyes meet and my heart beats once Denny has never pushed et paid by the hour"

The Vin Diesel stunt double shakes his head and widens the door "He’s not co in"

My hands freeze on the broom handle and for a short second I expect my mother Instead, Abby walks in with a Hostess CupCake on a plate and a single lit candle

"Don’t get delusional and think thisblack, not the other way around"

Denny leans against the open door with his arms crossed over his chest and a sht off with full pay Get the hell out of estures toward Abby and Abby holds up a cell "Rachel"

Rachel The two of theainst , "Hey"

"Happy birthday!" I can hear Rachel’s sive you a piece of cake?"

I survey the prepackaged glob of sugar "And a candle"

"Good Make a wish and blow it out"

With an owner of a run-down bar and a drug dealer watchingcandle and wish for Rachel’s health, for her happiness and for her forgiveness I release a breath and watch as smoke rises into the air "It’s done, Rach"