9 years ago
Ivy
The cake has been cut, and as I watch the slices of strawberry confetti get handed out, I know this is my moment to slip away. The doors to the patio are across the ballroom, which gives so many people the opportunity to stop me and wish me a happy sweet sixteen. But I am determined. Keeping my head down, I weave between the many black aproned servers, dodging the wide trays they balance with my birthday cake atop. There are too many people in here, and I’m obligated to give this crowd my attention tonight, even though most are my parents’ guests.
I reach for the ornate handle and slip outside, immediately pointing my face to the starry sky and inhaling the crisp night air. I made it, no members of my father’s firm or my mother’s philanthropy league noticed my disappearing act. Crossing the patio, I reach the stone wall at the far side, sitting just on the edge of the lantern lights.
From here, the hydrangeas block me from the party’s view. But the sound of footsteps tells me that I did not successfully hide after all. I turn, waiting to see who it is that comes around the shrubbery. My mother, more than likely, wondering why I didn’t seem excited to blow out the candles in front of everyone. She means well, and I should have just told her that this isn’t what I wanted. But there was an expectation to celebrate with their associates, and I’m nothing if not the good daughter.
“Happy birthday, Ivy.”
My heart tumbles over itself at the low, inviting voice that precedes none other than Tripp coming around the corner. It’s unfair how handsome he is, I’m never quite sure what to do with myself when he’s around. Especially when he takes a seat on the wall beside me.
“You came.” My voice is barely louder than a whisper. “I figured you’d be busy at the sheriff academy, cadet.”
“I had to bring you your present.” He smiles, handing over an elegant pink box. La Petite Confiserie is scrawled across the top in gold foil lettering. My favorite chocolates.
“Where do you get these?”
Tripp only smiles in response, watching me open the box and pop a tiny dark chocolate square in my mouth. I bat my eyes at him as I savor the decadent treat, one I have no clue how to find. My first time having them, my father had bought them for client gifts at Christmas and I snatched up a box from under the tree one night. Tripp caught me red handed but kept my secret. And since then, he’s been my only source for the sweet treats.
“That’s not really your present though. This is.” He hands me a rectangular package, wrapped in beautiful olive and gold paper.
“You shouldn’t have gotten me anything. Let alone two ? —”
“Open it, Ivy. Please.”
I do as he asks, revealing a gorgeous leather-bound edition of Pride and Prejudice with gilded edges. “Tripp,” I breathe, turning it over in my hands gently. “How did you…?”
“You wanted to start a special edition collection, right?”
“Right,” I whisper, warmth blooming in my chest. Tearing my eyes away from the rare book, I stare up at him in wonder. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. I’ll let you have that moment to yourself, don’t want to steal your chance to get a break from everyone.” He starts to rise when I reach out and place a hand on his arm.
“Stay.” The word leaves my mouth in an instant. “I don’t need a break from you.”