Page 103 of Maxwell

Shocked, he took a step back. The rest of the staff was in the room. Even Dr. Park was there on her off day, and they all wore party hats.

Jasmine danced over and put one on his head. “I told everyone that we were celebrating your thirtieth birthday with your family tomorrow, and they wanted to do something for you here at the office.”

Renee slipped into the room.

“A project for the local school, huh?” Maxwell said.

She shrugged, grinning, and put on a hat.

Maxwell was speechless. His actual birthday was tomorrow, when he would be celebrating with family and friends at his parents’ home. Having the office put together a special celebration for him was completely unexpected.

On the wall, someone had strung the words HAPPY BIRTHDAY in bold colors. Red, gold, and blue helium-filled balloons were taped to a table filled with drinks and unhealthy snacks.

“Wow.” He looked around the room at each smiling face. “You all did this for me?”

“We couldn’t let you hit the big three-oh without commemorating it,” Dr. Park said.

Shaking his head, Maxwell continued smiling so hard, his cheeks hurt. “This means a lot. I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just eat cake,” Renee quipped.

“Now that I can do,” Maxwell replied, earning a round of laughter.

Patricia lit the three candles on the cake, and Jasmine nudged Maxwell forward.

“All right, everybody. On my count. One, two, three...”

They all sang a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to him. Maxwell pretended to direct their singing like a conductor, causing the staff to laugh. When they finished, he boisterously clapped and thanked them for the serenade.

“You have to make a wish,” Dr. Roberson told him.

“Right.” Maxwell fell silent, pausing before he blew out the candles.

Everyone cheered and clapped.

Afterward, they sat around eating cake and junk food. They gave him an oversized card that everyone had signed, which included a $300 Visa gift card they had each contributed to.

At the end of the party, everyone helped clean up before leaving with slices of cake covered with foil.

As Jasmine and Maxwell walked back to his office, she cast a glance at him over her shoulder. “You’re not looking at my ass, are you?”

“Of course, I am.” He slapped her butt.

“Behave.” She laughed, looking around to make sure no one saw them. “Did you have any idea about the party?”

He flung his arm across her shoulders. “Not a clue.”

“Yes!” She pumped her fist. “I’m looking forward to the party tomorrow. Bruno had an insane amount of food for Fourth of July. I know we’re eating good for your birthday party.”

The Fourth of July party was momentous because that’s when the Connor-Santanas and the Robersons met. The get-together took place in the backyard of Bruno’s house, and later that night they had a good view of the fireworks display at a local park in the distance.

“He’s catering my party, so yeah, expect a lot of good food.”

The party was taking place at his parents’ house and included friends and family. He and Jayson had made up, both of them openly admitting how much they had missed each other. Maxwell made sure his friend understood Jasmine was a permanent fixture in his life and he needed to respect their relationship. Jayson confirmed that he did and was expected to bring his big personality to the festivities.

As for Jenny, Maxwell was still salty about how she had handled the aftermath of the misunderstanding with Jasmine. Even when he had asked, she refused to explain the situation to Jasmine. Therefore, he had made the tough decision to cut her out of his life.

Jasmine sat on his desk, and he closed the door. “Want to know what I wished for?”