Chapter 30
Sade
“I planned a party for a man who looked like he forgot how to enjoy himself.”
“You really care ‘bout that man. This setup is really nice,” Laila teased.
“It’s just his birthday,” I replied with a smile.
“He’s coming!” Vanessa shouted, and we all got in place. I was nervous, hoping he liked it. I smoothed my skirt and put on a smile.
Seconds later, he walked in.
“Surprise!” we shouted. Denise started throwing blue confetti on him. He didn’t react right away, just walked in, hoodie over his head, and a blank stare in his eyes.
“This for me?” he asked dryly.
I smiled, walking to him. “Yes. What’s going on, birthday boy?” I took the hoodie off his head. He had a fresh fade and diamonds in his ears, but something about his face was off.
He looked at me. “You did this?”
I giggled. “We did this.” I looked around.
“Nah, this yo’ touch.”
“Okay, I lied a lil bit.”
Everyone started greeting him with gifts and love. He accepted it, but I could tell he didn’t like the attention.
After everyone greeted him, I sat him at the table.
“Okay, let’s do the cake so we can get to work,” I told everyone.
Vanessa started lighting the candles, and as soon as we started singing, Vaughn looked uncomfortable as hell, like he wanted to disappear.
I stood behind him and hugged him around his neck, singing and rocking him.
Before I could catch myself, I kissed the top of his head.
I was trying to hype him up, but he just stared at the candles.
At the end of the song, Vanessa had to tell him to blow out the candles, and he did. We all cheered and started eating cupcakes. I gave Vaughn one, and he ate slowly and quietly.
“Okay, boss man, open your gifts, then we will unhand you,” Denise said, and we all laughed.
He went through everything. Most of it was gift cards. He smiled through it, but a blind man could see it was forced.
Once everyone cleared out and got to work, it was just me, Vanessa, and Vaughn.
“Good lookin’ on the party, you ain’t have to do this. It’s just another day.”
“It’s not just another day. It’s yo’ day, so embrace it.”
He chuckled. “Thanks for the gift, ma. I needed cologne and Gucci socks.”
I laughed. “Don’t sound convinced.”
“Trust me, I am. I’m headed out, though. Don’t work too hard on my day.”
“I won’t, but come here, boy. You look like you need a hug.”
“From you… yeah.”
I laughed and pulled him into a hug, and it lasted longer than it should. His hand slid to my ass gently. Not grabbing.
Seconds later, he pulled away.
“You always smell good, ma, and I did need that hug,” he admitted.
“Take care of yourself today, Vaughn, and remember you live a great life.”
He chuckled. “That’s what it looks like?”
I looked at him seriously. “Nah, that’s what it is.”
“I hear you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” I said softly as he walked away.
Once he left, I looked at Vanessa.
“I don’t think he liked the party,” I told her.
“He did, he’s just tired from going to the strip club last night. He also gets like this when it’s birthday time, since a kid,” she assured me.
“That’s good to know. Thanks for helping me with this.”
Vanessa smiled. “You welcome, girl. You were the best person in his life to do this.”
We hugged and got to work.
As I worked through the day, I couldn’t help but think about Vaughn, how down he looked, how he didn’t take pride in his day.
I couldn’t lie, he had me concerned, no matter what Vanessa told me.