"Happy Birthday!" My bed creaked as Savannah bounced up and down, in an overly eager attempt to wake me.

"Nooo, shoo! It's not my birthday until tomorrow. And on that note, my birthday wish will be to sleep in too." 

"Come on, get up, Maddie! I'm too excited to leave for your birthday trip."

I peered one slightly annoyed, slightly amused eye open to look at my beaming friend. "That isn't until later this afternoon when we get out of our classes. Speaking of, I don't have to be at my first one until 9:30, so why on earth are you waking me up at the unholy hour of--," I reached over and grabbed my phone, seeing it was 8:30, "--huh, would you look at that." I sheepishly smiled at Savannah, glancing at me with amusement.

"Well, it's still too early. I could have slept a good twenty more minutes."

Savannah's eyebrow raised as she folded her arms across her chest. "Well, I guess you don't want your first surprise then."

Now that, I'll gladly get up for!

"Not so fast! I didn't say that." I protested, quickly sitting up. "What is it?"

"Well, it's nice to know you haven't changed. Still having morning affairs with your bed, I see." Katrina's voice floated out from inside my closet as she peered out with a huge grin.

I flung the covers off me and jumped up, enveloping her in a hug as she made her way toward me.

"You're here! I'm so excited to see you! When did you get in? I didn't think I was going to see you until tomorrow at wherever it is you guys are taking me!" I beamed, beyond excited to see my best friend.

She laughed, pulling away from our hug as she sat on my bed. "I just got in about 10 minutes ago. Savannah snuck me in. I wanted to surprise you and I'm glad to see it worked."

"It definitely did. I've missed you!" I grinned, sitting down on the bed next to her.

"I have missed you too. And I'm so excited I finally got to meet Savannah face to face." Kat smiled, looking to Savannah.

"Oh my gosh! That's right! I totally forgot you guys haven't actually met yet. It feels like we've all been friends forever."

Savannah beamed, sitting down on the other side of me before throwing her arms around me. Kat joined and we all laughed as we fell back on the bed. "Okay girls, I would really like to make it to my 21st birthday, and I can't do that if I'm suffocated to death."

They laughed, pushing off me as we sat up. "I hate that I have to go to class today with you here."

"I know, but I plan on doing a bit of sightseeing before we all head out later."

"Well, how about you start with some breakfast with me and Savannah before I head to class?"

"Only if you take me somewhere with bagels."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Of course! What kind of girl do you think I am?" I grinned, feeling happier than I had been in a while with my two friends there by my side.

*****

"Okay, I'm all set!" Closing the trunk, I walked to the front of my car and handed the keys to Kat. Since they still wouldn't tell me where we were going, I was forced to be the passenger of my own car while stuck guessing the whole way.

Too bad I was also petty, and had the need to ask, "Are we there yet," every ten minutes.

"Oh my gosh, Maddie, I will straight up kick you out of your own car and celebrate your birthday without you!" Kat huffed, a smirk fighting its' way on her face.

"Maybe we should just tell her? I'm not so sure our suffering is worth her surprise." Savannah chimed in from the backseat, resting her hands on the headrests.

"See! Savannah is making sense Kat. You know I'm resilient in the art of being a backseat driver. I can annoy for days."

"Oh, believe me, I know."

"Hey!" I mocked hurt, lightly slapping her thigh. She laughed, making yet another exit as I examined my surroundings.

Nope. Still have no clue where I am at.

"Ugh! Fine. Suit yourself. But if I must endure not knowing, you guys get to endure my singing." I turned up the radio as Shakira's Hips Don't Lie came on. I belted out the lyrics as I shook my hips, the only natural action to take when hearing that song. Kat and Savannah joined me as we sang and danced the rest of the drive.

I didn't have to wait until we pulled up to know where we were going due to the popularity of the city of Blue Ridge, Georgia. It was well known for one thing--its' mountains and its' cabins. Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge mountains run straight through the eastern most states, including Georgia.

Pulling up to the cabin they had rented for me, I stared at my friends in shock. "This is unbelievable! Guys, this place is gorgeous! I can't believe you rented this out for my birthday."

The gray stone and wood cabin was massive in its' two stories. There was a top, wrap around deck with a stone fireplace and tall, glass windows on the upper story. It was gorgeous and way too big for just us, but I was in love.

"Well, we know how much you love the outdoors, and I remember you talking about a lake house you went to a lot as a kid. So, we figured you'd love this." Kat smiled, as a weird pang zipped around in my heart at the mention of my past.

I smiled, looking at Kat and then Savannah. "I love it. Thanks so much girls."

I stepped out of the car and stretched, making my way to the front of the cabin to look around when I stopped short. Kat and Savannah came up behind me and I looked to them in confusion.

"Wasn't Aaron supposed to be here later tonight? Whose car is that?"

Kat and Savannah shared a look before walking backwards to the car. "Um, we're just going to grab the bags. Why don't you go ahead and go inside?"

I looked at them puzzled, before glancing back at the cabin. Slowly, I made my way up the stairs and opened the door to the massive living area. The floors were a gorgeous oak wood, and the high ceiling was angled, showcasing the tall, glass windows. A large rug laid across the floor where a wooden coffee table sat next to a stone fireplace. The couches looked plush and inviting, almost inspiring me to give up my tour and take comfort in them. But my curiosity had taken ahold of me, and I walked further into the home.

Hearing noise coming from another room, I stepped into the giant kitchen where ingredients laid on the granite top island. I surveyed the room, my eyes stopping at the pot on the stove. I walked up to it, the delicious aroma guiding my actions as I lifted the lid.

Meatballs were cooking in a tomato sauce, and I licked my lips at the sight. The smells alone were enough to make my stomach growl in protest. Forgetting why there would even be a pot of homemade sauce on the stove in the first place, I carefully grabbed the ladle sitting next to it, dipping it in and bringing it to my lips for a taste.

I sighed in approval as soon as the sauce touched my tongue.

"Tasting my sauce?"

The ladle fell to the counter as I jumped five feet in the air, grabbing my chest in the process. Body heat soon enveloped me as a firm chest pressed against my back and strong hands gripped my arms, steadying me into place.

"Careful, don't burn yourself."

I took a deep breath in, attempting to stabilize my labored breathing. "Liam?" My surprise came out as a whisper, as I slowly turned my head to face him.

I felt immediate tension pull at every fiber in me, shooting sparks across my skin the moment my eyes fell on his. His eyes flickered momentarily to my lips, before meeting mine again. I slowly turned around, but he didn't back away. Instead, I watched as he brought his hand up to the corner of my lips, dragging his thumb down the side of them. Keeping eye contact, he brought his thumb to his mouth and sucked.

"You had my sauce on your lips. Did you like the taste?" His voice was low and rough as he watched me with darkened eyes, daring me to call him on his double entendre.

My breathing momentarily haltered as I fought to navigate the arousal I was feeling. Fighting to steer myself in a different direction, I cleared my throat, side stepping Liam and his hold, and walking a few steps until I could breathe again. Turning back around, I faced him with confusion.

"What are you doing here, Liam?"

He raised a brow, assessing me for a moment before turning to the stove. He picked up the ladle and stirred the sauce. With his back still turned, he spoke up.

"Apparently Aaron knows we have a past." He turned his head, looking back at me over his shoulder before turning his attention back to the pot. "So, this is his way of assuring you guys have a future."

My eyebrows furrowed together as I narrowed my eyes at him in confusion. "What are you talking about? What do you mean?"

He shook his head, mumbling something under his breath. "Nothing. Just that he knows we used to be friends. So, he invited me. Figured it was a way to make up for the other night."

I nodded, crossing my arms over my chest. "So, you just accepted the invite?"

He turned to face me as he leaned against the counter and shrugged. "Figured it was a way for me to make up for the other night too." He sighed, tucking his hands into his black jogger pants. "I didn't like that you saw all of that. I was angry, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry."

Letting my arms fall to my sides, I stood silent, staring at Liam in slight shock. I don't think he had apologized for any of his behavior up until that point, and it was both startling and relieving.

Taking several strides forward, Liam now stood before me, looking pained. "Look, there's things I need to say, things that are--"

"Mmm, it smells amazing in here!" Savannah's voice broke through the trance I had been locked in and both Liam and I took a step back, as if caught in a forbidden moment. He cleared his throat, turning to Savannah and Kat who had entered the kitchen.

They both stopped short, Savannah immediately blushing while Kat narrowed her eyes at Liam.

"Hey Savannah, good to see you again." He nodded at Savannah who all but melted right there on the floor. I made a mental note to discuss with her how to at least appear to be aloof. "And you must be Kat. It's nice to meet you."

"It's Katrina. Kat is reserved for friends." Her protectiveness sliced through the air, leaving an awkwardness hanging between us all. Liam nodded, giving a small smile as he tried to remain unphased.

"Katrina. Got it. Well, dinner is just about ready. I just need to make the noodles. Why don't you girls get settled in, and I'll let you know when it's done?"

"You made dinner? Aaron said you'd be here first to check-in and grab some local takeout."

"Yeah, I figured a nice meal for when you girls got here after a long drive would be better than some greasy, fast food."

"Well, that was...very considerate of you. Thank you." Kat managed to get out, acting as if the words were venom on her tongue. I inwardly laughed, admiring her loyalty. Liam looked visibly uncomfortable as he rubbed the back of his neck, rocking back on his heels.

"Yeah, it's no problem at all." His gaze cut to mine, before walking back to the stove.

I ushered the girls out of the kitchen, taking one last look behind me to see Liam leaned against the counter watching me with a sense of purpose.

SURPRISE!! Lol This weekend should be fun, what do ya'll think? 😉

Thank you for reading! 💜