Always, Lily

??Twenty four

"I wasn't that far away," he avoided my eyes, and that was enough to tell me that he was lying.

"Your family might hate me for this," I randomly said when he began to drive away, only covering my mouth when I realized what I was implying.

It's not like they even knew me. I looked out on my window, embarrassment showing all over my face.

"They can't hate you for a lifetime." Lorenzo answered as we got round a corner.

I blushed, rubbing my palms up and down my pants as I peeked at his side.

How could he be so straight forward about that.

Noticing my nervous movements, he reached for my hand, slowing intertwining our fingers as he gave me a small smile.

"We'll hold a small party at your place," I was grateful for the change of topic.

"Party?" I didn't expect something that big so I turned to hear his explanation.

"It's just you and me," there was a glow in his eyes and I smiled.

"And Gary." I reminded him, since I was staying with the cat for the week.

"Don't mention-" I cut off his grumble by pecking the back of his hand to silence him.

He relaxed, his chest deflating as he stared at me a while longer that I had to get his eyes on the road.

Something glistening in the back seat caught my eye just as we alighted but Enzo asked me to go up first.

Of course I didn't since he was being so secretive. In the end, I helped him carry the smaller box.

Gary met us by the door as he rubbed his fur on both of our legs before the contents of the box got his attention.

There was packed lunch in there. Two plastic plates with small servings of chicken and fries.

It was the exact thing I was craving and usual, the drumstick was always mine so Lorenzo exchanged his with wings.

"Don't eat too much, there's still cake for you." Enzo wiped away the red sauce on my chin and my eyes widened.

"Cake?" I turned to the larger box we were yet to open, quickly standing up.

I could never resist cake and since Lorenzo knew me just too well, he asked me to sit back as he unboxed, so that didn't hurt my nails.

The moment he laid the cake bare before me, I gasped. It was too big to be just for two people. The cake was blue creamed, it's pattern catching my attention.

There were butterflies all round; some small and some big. I turned to meet his stare but he mentioned me to come closer.

You're a star.

Those were the words engraved at the top, with my name styled below that in a smaller butterfly pattern.

I lunged into his arms, love being the only emotion I could feel for him. I don't even remember doing this much for my birthday.

When did he even get the time to order, to buy lunch, to drive all the way back, to pick me up?

"You're not saying anything, Venesse?" He gently shook my shoulder and I slowly looked up at him.

Were words even necessary? What could I even say?

"I can't thank you enough for this," I cupped his face with my left palm as I leaned into his chest.

"You don't have to thank me, I'll do even much more for you." He spoke with determination, like this wasn't even something.

"I'm so proud of you, Lilith." I lifted my head from his chest and smiled at him.