The hum of cheerful voices filled Susan's apartment as she moved through the crowded living room, trying to soak in the details. It wasn't a huge party—just a handful of friends from the gym, a couple of coworkers, Samuel, and, of course, Caroline, who had insisted on planning the whole thing. Soft jazz played from the speaker, setting a relaxed tone as people mingled and chatted, balancing small plates of snacks and glasses of wine.
"Happy birthday, Susan!" someone called from across the room, holding up a glass.
She smiled, giving a small wave in return, warmth flooding her cheeks. She hadn't had a party in so long, and while she'd felt hesitant about the whole idea, she was kinda glad now Caroline had pushed her into it.
"You're smiling. Finally," Caroline teased, coming up beside her with a mischievous grin and handing her a glass of champagne. "I told you this would be fun, didn't I?"
Susan took the glass, letting herself chuckle. "You did. And… alright, you were right. I didn't think I'd actually enjoy this, but it's nice seeing everyone here."
"That's what birthdays are for!" Caroline exclaimed, throwing an arm around Susan's shoulders. "It's not just a day to celebrate you—it's a chance to have some fun. And look at everyone, they're having a blast."
Susan scanned the room, noting how relaxed everyone seemed. A few coworkers from her office were huddled around the small buffet table, helping themselves to some of the food Caroline had insisted on ordering: mini sliders, shrimp skewers, stuffed mushrooms, and an array of cheeses. One of her gym buddies, Maria, was trying to convince a couple of coworkers to join her for a morning run sometime. Laughter and lighthearted conversation wove through the air.
"I'm not going to lie, Caroline. I was skeptical when you told me you were going to go low on the decorations and the guests, but I guess you kept your word," Susan told Caroline as she sipped her drink.
Caroline looked pleased with herself and even more pleased that Susan approved, "Told you!" She replied, "Although I see no reason why you insisted on a small party. Twenty seven is not a small age, but hey, it's your party,"
"I guess it's not," Susan replied, "But thank you for sticking to what I wanted,"
"Okay, You're welcome," Caroline continued, nudging her. "But don't get too comfortable just yet. We still have the cake to bring out. I picked it up from that bakery you like downtown—the one with the fancy little cakes you're always obsessed with."
Susan's eyes widened, a spark of excitement showing. "Are you serious? You went all the way there?"
"Of course! Only the best for the birthday girl." Caroline winked, then added, "But you'll have to wait a few more minutes for the big reveal."
Susan couldn't help but smile, feeling genuinely touched by the effort Caroline had put into this night. Even Samuel looked like he was enjoying himself. He was standing at the corner right now, talking to one of the ladies Caroline had invited from the gym. Her name was Katherine, and she was smiling up at Samuel like he'd just told her the funniest joke in the world.
Just then, Jeremy wandered over, a friendly smile on his face.
"Hey, Susan! Happy birthday," he greeted, handing her a small gift bag. "I know you said it wasn't necessary to get you a gift, but…I couldn't help myself."
"Oh, thank you, Jeremy!" Susan said, accepting the gift before reaching forward and kissing him gently on the cheek. "You didn't have to."
"I know, but I figured it'd be something small and useful." He gestured toward the bag. "It's just a water bottle. Figured it'd come in handy at the gym."
They shared a laugh, and Susan noticed Caroline giving her a knowing look, like she was reading into the exchange. Susan shot her a playful glare, which only made Caroline smirk.
"Alright, everybody!" Caroline called out, raising her glass. "Time to sing 'Happy Birthday!'" She disappeared briefly and reappeared, holding a delicate white cake with "Happy Birthday, Susan" scrawled in elegant frosting and a few delicate flowers crafted from sugar.
As the song began, Susan felt a surge of warmth. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this surrounded by friends, this celebrated. Her mom couldn't come, but she'd called early that morning just to sing happy birthday to her, and Susan was happy. The chorus of voices filled the room, and when they reached the final line, Caroline urged her to make a wish.
Susan closed her eyes, feeling the weight of so many changes in her life pressing in for just a moment. She took a deep breath, thinking about the things she wanted: simplicity, clarity, maybe even a fresh start… if that were possible.
She opened her eyes, smiled, and blew out the candles, the cheers and applause wrapping around her in a comforting embrace.
"Here's to a new year, Susan," Caroline said, clinking her glass against Susan's. "This one's going to be special. I can feel it."
As Susan looked around, watching her friends laugh and enjoy themselves, she couldn't help but wonder if Caroline was right.
Everyone went back to mingling, filling the apartment with chatter and laughter, when a sudden knock on the door cut through the noise. It was unexpected this late into the evening, and Susan glanced around in confusion. But before she could react, Caroline was already making her way toward the door with a quick, "Got it!"
Susan glanced at her in confusion, wondering who else could possibly be arriving. Everyone she'd invited was here, and it was getting late. She couldn't see from where she was standing, but then Caroline's voice cut through the hum of the party. "Susan, over here!"
Setting her glass down, Susan took a deep breath and walked to the door. But as she got closer, her steps faltered. She recognized the figure standing just beyond the threshold immediately—tall, broad-shouldered, and impossible to miss.
Leo.
Standing in the doorway, Leo looked both out of place and entirely at ease, his dark eyes scanning the room before landing on her. He wore a crisp black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tattoos, and his usual air of calm confidence was intensified by the setting. The casual warmth of her apartment and the bright energy of the gathering seemed to soften his edges just a little, but the intensity in his gaze was unmistakable.
One hand tucked in his pocket, his gaze already focused on her, Susan felt her heart leap, a rush of nerves and excitement fluttering through her. What was he doing here?
Caroline was watching them both, a playful glint in her eye as she looked from Leo to Susan. She was clearly thrilled by his appearance, and she winked at Susan . "So," she said, her voice sly when neither of them spoke, "are you going to introduce us?"