Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(60)

“Thank me tomorrow morning! You’ll see...” She laughs and my phone rings.

I know it’s my dad, Evan wouldn’t call this early. “Hi Daddy,” I answer.

“Happy Birthday, slugger! You feel any older?”

I laugh and tell him I’ve only been up a little while, so I’m not sure how I feel yet, then tell him about the flowers Evan sent

and that Bennett apparently has a lot planned for me, although I have no idea what yet.

“Well now, I’ve got your presents here, kiddo, we can open ‘em when you come home, okay?”

I agree that sounds great and that I love him and will see him soon. I decide while I’m at it to call Evan.

Of course, the early hour does nothing to deter the cheerfulness in Evan’s voice. “Happy Birthday, munchkin, what are you doing

up?” I babble happily, describing Bennett’s wake-up call, and thank him for the flowers.

“I know you’re not a big flower girl, but I had to send them since I’m not there to hand you something. God, how I wish I was,

Laney. I have something for you, though, when I see you.”

We reminisce for a little while about all my past birthdays and what we did, both cracking up at the funny, tender memories. He

doesn’t mention the Kaitlyn thing and I’m glad, I refuse to talk about that today.

“Anything weird yet?” he asks quietly, perhaps afraid of the answer. On some birthdays, my admirer “strikes” with flowers, but

not every year, and the 19th is good so far.

“No, nothing I woke up to.”

He lets out a deep breath. “Good, good. Okay, enjoy your day, my love.”

Bennett has sat back silently the entire time, but I can tell she’s chomping at the bit to get going on our day.

I bask in happiness during my shower, thinking of how lucky I am. My birthday has barely started and I have a great friend ready to

wow me, a dazzling arrangement on my table, and I just talked to two of the most unbelievable men on the planet—and they love me.

Some things have sucked lately, but all in all, I’m pretty damn blessed...and I’m going with that.



I love the spa—who knew? I let Bennett treat me to a manicure and pedicure, my first of both. I even went with the massage and

blushed through gritted teeth for a bikini wax (you only live once, right?)...but when they sit me in the chair to get my hair

done, I call bullshit.

“Bennett,” I lean over and whisper, “enough. Where are you getting all this money, woman? I can’t let you spend this much on

me.” She doesn’t respond, but rather shoots me a friendly sneer and texts something. My phone dings. Did she really just text me

from a foot away?

Zach: I chipped in, chillax and enjoy, sweet girl.

Looking back at Bennett, I roll my eyes. “You could have just told me that, ya’ know,” I snicker.

“Nope, he told me to do exactly that.”

Laney: Well thank you very much! Will I see you today?

Zach: You will. Happy Birthday! C U soon.

I chicken out on my hair. They almost had me talked into a major change, but instead I go for a trim and some very long bangs; that

’s as radical as I get. After thanking all the cheerful people who have pampered us all day, we meet Zach for lunch, where I give

him a big hug in thanks; he really is so sweet. After lunch, Bennett and I head to the local mall where I refuse everything she

offers to buy for me. Where does this girl get all that money? Surely Zach didn’t chip in that much.

Finally back in the room after the best day, I collapse on the bed. “I’ve had a great birthday, Bennett! Thank you so much, you’

re awesome!”

“Have had—Laney, you’re so na?ve it’s precious. Girl, you ain’t seen nothing yet, we’re just getting started.”

“What? You can’t possibly have anything else planned! You’ve done far too much already, really.”

“You’re wasting time arguing with me and you’re gonna want to go get ready.” Her red curls bounce and she’s wearing a devilish

grin.

Surprisingly, I’m not the least bit apprehensive. If I’m totally honest, I can’t freaking wait to see what else she has up her

sleeve.

“Your hair’s already done, so just shower, shave your legs and meet me back out here. I’ll take care of wardrobe, your highness.

” She blows me a kiss and gives me the “shoo shoo” with her hand.

Oh my, what else could there be? If I have to shave my legs, it must be serious.

I get out of the shower and yell to Bennett for further instructions. She comes in and touches up my hair and does my make-up.

Finally satisfied with her work, she brings in my dress for the night; one I’ve seen in her closet before. Frankly, it makes me

nervous from the hanger.

“First things first,” she says and proceeds to slide black thigh highs up my legs. Oh, dear Lord. She then hands me a black thong

made out of dental floss and a matching lace, strapless, push-up bra.

“Um Bennett, I really don’t want to be arrested for prostitution on my birthday, thanks though,” I say with more seriousness

than sarcasm as I shimmy the items on under my robe.