Page 463 of Seasons of Love
Jake gave him a murderous look. “You’re a heathen. You placed the sticky tape in different places so the paper couldn’t be reused.”
“Guilty as charged.”
Jake removed the lid of the box and gasped. He took out the notebook, running his fingers over the smooth leather and the hand-painted image I’d glued to the front cover.
“The bunnies.” He looked at us with the biggest smile. “How?”
“I told Elena what I was planning, and she has a friend that makes those beautiful drawings. Mal said that at work, you’re a planner, and you write everything down on your notepad,” I said.
“I am. This is the perfect gift. Thank you so much.”
We shared a silent moment full of promise, and I knew Mal’s hand on mine as he looked at Jake was his way of saying he wanted to be touching him too.
The drawing on the notebook had so much meaning. The three bunnies symbolized the island and everything it had to offer. Jake’s home. It also symbolized the three of us looking out for each other, protecting each other, and also always up for it.
What a major life bonus when the people you connected with were also amazing in bed, I thought.
“Happy birthday to you…happy birthday to you…”
Gabe and Frank walked toward us with a big birthday cake filled with candles, singing at the top of their lungs.
The people that had been inside the house were suddenly all around us, and as if he could feel my tension, Mal came even closer and put his arm around me.
Even though he was reluctant to have a party, it was nice to see Jake looking so happy.
When everyone stopped singing, he blew out all the candles and then went around hugging everyone.
“I see where your priorities are,” he said to the people grabbing a slice of cake and disappearing back inside.
“Damn right,” one guy said.
“Put on your high school football uniform, and we’ll watch you instead,” a girl said.
There were a few hurrah’s from other girls before they all went inside.
“Before he was popular with the boys, my boy here was popular with the girls,” Frank said proudly. “Just like his uncle.”
“Ew, Dad.” Gabe groaned.
“Do you really know all those people?” I asked.
Jake had always come across as a homebody who preferred spending time with his uncle and cousin than out partying. The fact that he’d had Zak as his constant hookup during college supported that theory. There was no need to go out with lots of people when you had all you needed at home.
“Most of them. I haven’t seen the majority for years, and some are Gabe’s friends. When you grow up on a small island, you end up knowing most people. I’m sure some weren’t even invited. They just heard about the party and decided to come along.”
That was such an alien concept to me. I’d been one of those kids that kept to himself. I’d traveled the world with my grandmother every day when we read books together, but I had less than a handful of friends at school.
“This cake is wonderful,” Mal said. “Here, babe. Try a bit.” He fed me the cake, winking when I wrapped my lips around the fork.
You’re playing with fire, Mal.
And he absolutely knew it because he’d done it when Jake was looking.
“Oh, is that the doorbell?” Frank asked.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll get it,” Gabe said, running inside.
Moments later, he came back out. A man that looked around the same age as Frank walking alongside him.
