“Okay, do I seriously have to keep wearing this thing?” Harper laughed as she reached up, brushing her fingers against the ridiculous birthday tiara.

Beside her, Devin chuckled. The room around them was so loud that it was nearly impossible to make out his words. But thankfully, it was well-lit enough that she could still read his lips. “I would if I were you. You heard Katie’s rule… You’ve gotta take a shot every time she catches you without it!”

She sighed softly, but smiled. “I know… And if anyone would actually make me do it, it’s her!” Harper glanced over at the bar where her two other friends sat. “Assuming she’d actually notice me take it off. I mean, she’d have to tear her eyes away from Rylie for that.” Her lips curled into a small smirk.

It had been so strange watching Katie and Rylie’s bond grow over the past several months. The two were practically inseparable lately. And, though she couldn’t be sure what was going on behind the scenes, the attraction between them was obvious. Harper found it so funny — She could still remember the day Rylie got suspended for punching Katie in the cafeteria. And look at them now…

Devin’s nudge on her arm called Harper back to the present. How long had he been trying to get her attention? “Sorry…” She muttered apologetically as she turned back toward him. I wish they hadn’t picked somewhere so loud…

“It’s okay. Wanna go sit outside?” His voice was barely distinguishable over the pounding of the music from the speakers.

Harper nodded gratefully, lifting her drink from the table in front of her and carrying it with her toward the patio doors. Beside her, Devin did the same.

“Oh God, so much better!” Harper smiled in relief as she took a seat at one of the empty couches. The difference was apparent the moment she walked through the door. “I can finally hear myself think!”

“Yeah, I had a feeling this might be better… Plus, I figured we could give the two lovebirds a little privacy.” Devin winked playfully at her as he spoke. Harper’s cheeks grew slightly warm at the sight. “So… aside from the super loud music and silly tiara… Are you having a good birthday?” He asked, taking a seat beside her at last.

She nodded, her smile widening. “The drinks are great… And the company’s not so bad either.” Harper teased. “Seriously though… You guys are amazing for taking me out like this. Thank you.”

At first, Harper had been so disappointed that Erik was scheduled to have their son that weekend. And Erik had even offered to give up one of the days so she could spend some of her birthday weekend with Phoenix. But in the end, she realized that it had been far too long since she’d had some time with her friends. It had been a few months since all four of them were able to get together. Everything was just so busy… But celebrating Harper’s 23rd birthday had offered the perfect excuse for them to make some time. And though she knew her parents would have gladly watched him, not having to worry about leaving Phoenix at home made things so much easier.

It was nice to have a distraction… It was hard not to think of Ivy that evening. She would have been out of prison by now. She would have been there celebrating by Harper’s side. Maybe they’d even be together, the way they were always meant to be…

Harper took a long, slow swig of her drink, trying her best to will the thoughts away.

Devin smiled warmly at her as she lowered her glass. “We figured you could use a night out… Though personally, I was pushing for a different venue.” He admitted. “But I was outvoted.”

“It’s fine.” Harper assured him, placing her drink on the glass table beside her. “Hopefully you’re having fun too though? I know you could really use a night out too.” For a moment, her face fell slightly. “How’s your Papa doing?” It had been a day or two since she’d gotten any updates.

To her relief, Devin’s lips curled into a smile. “Driving my Mama crazy.” He replied. “Coming up with every excuse under the sun why he doesn’t have to take his meds… As if that would work on her!”

Harper laughed. Devin’s father was a lawyer, and had always had a gift for talking himself out of things… Including taking his heart medication, apparently. Fortunately, his wife was immune to his charms. “Sounds like he’s getting back to his old self then.”

He nodded. “Thank God… These last couple weeks have been pretty crazy. I never would’ve been able to handle any of it without you.” Devin’s smile widened as he spoke. “You’ve been there for me more than anyone else. And I don’t think I ever really thanked you for it…”

She shook her head slowly. “You don’t have to.” She assured him. “You’re my best friend. It was the least I could do… especially after everything you’ve done for me. I don’t think there’s anything I’ll ever be able to do to repay you for that.”

“Well, you don’t have to.” The way he smiled at her sent a flurry of butterflies through her stomach. “You know how much you mean to me, Harper…”

“I do.” She replied softly. He looked so handsome in the moonlight. So perfect. “And I should probably tell you this more often… But you mean just as much to me too.”

He raised an eyebrow at her. “I do?”

“Of course. You’ve been my rock for… forever, really. And maybe it was something I used to take for granted… But not anymore.” Harper paused for a moment. She wasn’t quite sure what had come over her. Was it the alcohol? The intoxicating smell of his cologne?

Or maybe her heart was just ready. Maybe it was finally time to say aloud what she’d been thinking for so long.

“I’m still so messed up, Dev.” She continued. “I still don’t feel like I’m… worthy, I guess. I know you deserve so much better than me. And… And I think a part of me is always gonna love Ivy.” Her voice broke slightly on the name. “She’s always gonna be a part of me. But I know that she’d want me to be happy… And you make me happy, Dev.” Her cheeks suddenly grew very warm. “And… And I don’t really know where the hell I’m trying to go with this.” A bright laugh passed her lips for a moment. “Just that… I guess if you’re willing to look past all that shit and like… put up with all my stupid baggage, I think we –”

The rest of her words were cut off by the high-pitched ringing of her cellphone.

Devin let out a sudden heavy breath at the sound. Had he been holding it? To her relief, he looked almost amused by the interruption. “Whoops…” He muttered, smiling.

Despite her annoyance, Harper couldn’t help a small laugh. Are you fucking kidding me?! Great timing… “Shit… Can you hold on a second?” She asked apologetically. Normally she would have ignored it, but it was so late that Harper knew it had to be important.

She caught Devin’s nod out of the corner of her eye as she glanced down at the phone screen. Her heart dropped instantly at the sight of the name on the screen. Erik?! It was almost 11 o’clock. Why the hell would he be calling her at all, let alone so late at night?

Oh my God. What if it’s Phoenix? Is he okay?! Harper fumbled nervously with the phone as she finally lifted it to her ear. She didn’t even bother saying hello. “Erik? Is everything okay?”

He seemed to guess the reason for her alarm instantly. “Phoenix is fine.” Erik assured her, though his voice still sounded so nervous. “It’s Rubi… Guess the baby’s coming a little early.”

As far as she knew, the baby wasn’t due for another couple of weeks. “Oh shit.”

“Yeah… And… Look, I seriously hate springing this on you. But my brother’s out of town this weekend, and my Mama isn’t answering her phone… I even tried calling your Papa’s cell, but he didn’t answer either.” His tone was so apologetic. Harper knew exactly what was coming. “I’m sorry. I know it’s your birthday. And I feel like shit for asking…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll come get him.” She replied. “It’s fine. Which hospital are you at?”

Devin’s brow furrowed instantly in concern at her words. It was only then that she realized how her side of the conversation must sound. Harper shook her head slowly, smiling reassuringly at him as she pressed the phone closer to her ear.

“WMC.” Erik seemed to breathe a literal sigh of relief as he spoke. “You’re a lifesaver, Harper. Seriously. I owe you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be there in about ten minutes, okay?”

“Thanks… And uh, it’s the third floor, by the way. Labor and delivery.” He added quickly.

“Got it. See you soon.” Harper hesitated for a moment, trying to think of something reassuring she could say. “Just like, try and breathe or something, okay?” Wow, smooth.

Erik laughed softly. “Yeah, I’ll try. Thanks again, Harper.” With a small click, the line went dead.

Perhaps under other circumstances, she would have been annoyed or angered by Erik’s call… But instead, Harper felt strangely calm. Eager to see Phoenix, actually. Maybe even a little excited for Erik in spite of herself.

It wasn’t until she glanced back at Devin’s confused face that she felt a pang of guilt and annoyance at the unexpected interruption.

She still wasn’t quite sure where her spur-of-the-moment speech had been headed… And now that the moment had passed, maybe she never would.

“What was that about?” Devin asked as he rose to his feet, his face still etched with concern.

“Rubi’s in labor, I guess.” Harper shrugged. “Erik needs me to come get Phoenix.”

Devin’s face fell slightly at her words. “Oh. Well… that’s exciting for him, I guess.” He tried to smile. “Kinda sucks for you though… Just when you were finally starting to have fun too.”

“It’s fine… Guess I get to see Phoenix on my birthday after all.” She chuckled softly. “And maybe I can finally take off this stupid tiara too!”

Harper paused for a moment before speaking again. The biggest downside would be having to say goodbye to Devin so soon… But maybe she wouldn’t have to. “Think you’re up for a little road trip?” She asked at last.

The smile returned to Devin’s face almost instantly. “Sure! I can even drive, if you want. We should probably warn Rylie and Katie before we vanish though, huh?”

Harper shook her head, nodding toward one of the large glass windows across from them. “I’ve, uh, got a feeling they won’t even notice we’re gone.”

—————————

Note: I totally don’t want to overshadow my own chapter or anything, but I just am too excited and wanted to share with you guys that my boyfriend proposed to me a couple of days ago! (And I said yes, of course! 😉 ) Ahhhh! Sorry, just feel like shouting it from the rooftops right now! Carry on 😉 (and thank you for reading! ❤ )