Strawberry Snowflakes: A Forgotten Legacy Christmas Story by L. Ann

Author:L. Ann [Ann, L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crow Fiction Publishing
Published: 2023-12-18T18:30:00+00:00

chapter twenty-one

Gabe

My head turned at the sound of Harper’s laughter. She was standing over in the corner, chatting with Siobhan, Tate and his stepdad. Every so often, her head would turn and she’d seek me out. There was a slight furrow between her eyes, and I knew she was worried about what I was thinking about the surprise party she’d arranged.

I was sure she could recognize when I was hiding behind my rock star mask, and she probably thought the reason was because I wasn’t happy with what she’d done. The reality was I … was fucking overwhelmed.

Everyone I considered to be a friend or family was here—Harper, obviously; Tate and his parents; Marley, Rain, and the rest of Black Rosary; Gage Conrad and Jaded Souls; Deacon and Shaun; Karl Daniels; and so many other people. Looking around, it was hard to believe I knew this many people or that they’d given up time out of their day to share it with me and celebrate a birthday, even knowing that I never usually bothered with it.

And … I wasn’t sure how to react. At all. So, I pulled out the Gabe Mercer charm, and hid behind it.

There was a pile of gifts set on top of one table. Food covered three more, drinks—both alcoholic and not—filled another table. Voices and laughter washed over me, and every so often someone would come up to shake my hand, kiss my cheek, pat my shoulder, and wish me a happy birthday.

It was all a little surreal.

I had a vague memory of a birthday party before my mom died, but once she was gone, that was it. I learned fast to keep out of my da’s way on my birthday, on Christmas, or on my Mom’s birthday. Birthdays or holidays equaled pain, and all these years later, it was a hard habit to break.

I was trying ... so fucking hard … by giving Harper a tree in the house, arranging parties in Damnation, but those were for her and other people. I managed to keep the negative thoughts and feelings about it away by repeating that to myself.

But this? This was for me … and …

My throat tightened, and breathing became difficult.

Pushing away from the wall, I weaved my way through people, throwing smiles and nods at those who spoke to me, and kept my eyes trained on the exit at the back. I needed to get some air …

My fingers wrapped around the Zippo in my pocket, and I stepped out into the alley at the back of the bistro. Keeping my hands in my pockets, I walked forward. Not far enough to lose sight of the door, but just enough to give myself a minute to get my breathing under control.

“Hey.” A recognizable voice spoke from behind me.

I didn’t reply, concentrating on my breathing.

A hand rested on my shoulder. “I wondered how long it would take. Do you want me to take you home?”

I shook my head. I wasn’t sure I could speak, not yet.

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