Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
His brothers, sisters, and parents were, however, and loads of Crystal’s friends—those she’d had since childhood, from salsa dancing, from old jobs, and even a couple of her employees who had said goodbye and wished her a good evening only a couple of hours earlier.
They’d got her good. Crystal felt suddenly overwhelmed by the love so evident in the room. She was so lucky to have so many wonderful people in her life.
Erin put a tiara on her head, while Mila hung a gold boa around her neck.
And then the music started, a funky disco beat filling the room.
A lot of effort had gone into planning this—she more than anyone knew how hard it was to organize a surprise party. Where had they all parked? Who had managed to get everyone in place in time, and so well hidden?
Mila checked her watch and said, “I’ll let the caterers in.” She headed outside and soon Crystal’s favorite catering company was setting up a buffet in Damien’s kitchen. Every single detail had been thought of. She was so touched.
When Crystal instinctively headed toward the catering staff, Erin stopped her. “Oh no you don’t. You’re the guest of honor. No trying to organize anything. Tonight is all about you.”
Finn came forward holding a tray of champagne and offered Crystal a glass. He was dressed to go to a disco and he looked magnificent. His usually brooding dark eyes were full of life as he gave her a mock bow and continued into the living room with his tray.
Howie gave her a big bear hug. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He was dressed like Elvis in his Vegas days.
She sipped champagne and enjoyed being the person celebrated for once, instead of the person with the clipboard and the schedule to worry about. Her tennis bracelet was greatly admired. And she had a wonderful time chatting to people, accepting congratulations.
That is, until she saw Mila and Erin arguing.
The two sisters stood in one corner of the room and by their hand gestures and expressions, she knew something was wrong. She couldn’t have arguments on her birthday. She headed toward them, confident in her ability to defuse their sisterly disagreements, but stopped in her tracks as she heard Mila say, “I’m going to kill him. He promised he’d be here. I can’t believe he’s letting her down. He promised us.”
Erin replied, “He tried his best. Obviously he’s been held up in LA. He’ll be here when he can.”
Mila shook her head, fury on her face. “But we have a timetable to keep. He said he’d sing ‘Happy Birthday’ at nine o’clock. It’s nearly nine now.”
Crystal walked quietly away without them even realizing she’d been close enough to overhear. Disappointment swelled in her heart where, seconds before, love had been trustingly nesting.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Crystal hid away in a corner of the kitchen. Damien had let them use his house for the party, which was nice of him. And he’d said he’d sing “Happy Birthday.” But he hadn’t. She tried to be understanding. He was in LA, helping his protégée. Launching Opal’s music career was important. She got that.
But a little voice inside insisted that she was important too. Her thirtieth birthday was important. If Damien had promised Mila and Erin he’d be here, it would have been really nice if he’d tried to keep his word.
No. She wouldn’t think that way. She picked up another glass of champagne. She’d made her peace with the fact that Damien was the man in her life, like an amazing, magical gift that she’d never expected to receive. And while she knew that one day she’d have to give it back, she was going to enjoy it as long as she could.
So, he wouldn’t be here for her birthday party. And this made her realize that she had never really expected him to be there for her.
She tried not to let disappointment overwhelm her. This was her party and she was not going to cry, even if she wanted to.
She walked into the living room, blinking back tears, to find Betsy Davenport in front of her. Betsy wore a sequined headband around blonde hair done in loose curls, star-shaped glasses with rhinestones that flashed in the light, and a silver pantsuit with platform heels. The ensemble should have looked ridiculous, but on Betsy, it was fantastic.
Smiling at Crystal, she said, “I understand my son gave you that lovely tennis bracelet.”
How much did Betsy know? She had always been in tune with each of her children, knowing things about them before they even realized it themselves. Betsy was naturally nurturing, an empath just like Erin, and she had always made Crystal feel like part of the Davenport family, especially in the miserable days after her dad left.
Crystal put on a happy expression to hide her hurt. “He did,” she said, extending her arm for Betsy to see. The diamonds twinkled even more prettily under the disco ball. Damien would have spent a small fortune on it… but no lavish gift, however beautiful, could make up for his absence on this special occasion.