A whole month passed without me even thinking about the mischievous cop. Due to our schedules and just living separate lives, Scott and I didn't get a lot of time for deep conversations throughout that time.
We'd just casually catching up about life and all seemed well. It wasn't weird for us, sometimes life would get like that but we knew we were still the closest of friends.
My birthday came around, and I was celebrating with a group of ten friends including Scott. It was at our rich friend Jeff's house, who was our go-to guy for extravagant events because of his big house.
I was in my most casual outfit, gray sweatpants and a t-shirt as I drove there because I knew I'd be staying the night. It was about seven in the evening as I made my way to the door after I parked.
"Surprise!!!" everyone screamed in unison as soon as I opened the door.
"Oh my God guys, you shouldn't have," I faked shock with my hands dramatically covering my lips. We all had a laugh about it as my eyes scanned the room. It seemed I was the last to arrive.
My jaw almost dropped to the floor when I saw who was peeking from behind Scott. The devil himself.
I promptly regained my composure.
I was not going to let them ruin my birthday.
Having decided to give them my attention on another day, I made my way into the house and made myself comfortable on the sofa after greeting everyone with hugs and kisses, giving our resident liar a quick ingenuine hug and a "hi" before taking my place.
All eyes were on me that night, unusual but surprisingly endearing. We caught up on everything as our host poured us drinks. I was cautious about drinking since I had a work deadline the next day so I knew that one glass would probably last me through the night.
The conversations flowed for some time while a movie was playing on the television, and occasionally we'd pick from there for a laugh.
"I need a glass, anyone need anything from the kitchen?" I said as I stood up.
"A beer," Shane spoke up holding his finger up. He was notorious for overdrinking at events.
"Same."
"Me too."
Two other people spoke up. I rolled my eyes, already regretting asking.
"Some water," Jeff spoke up slowly, sounding ever so amused. I looked at him and saw a sneaky smile creeping on his lips. It made me smile.
"Should've had this party in the kitchen," I quipped under my breath as I began to walk away.
"Don't worry, I'll help," a familiar yet unfamiliar voice spoke up. I looked at him, and he smiled innocently at me. I had to remind myself the promise I had made myself earlier.
It was my day.
I would worry about them later.
"Fine," I said as I led the way.
As soon as I was sure nobody could see us my eyes widened at him, the most dramatic shocked expression on my face. He looked at me innocently, bracing himself for what was coming.
I just turned and made my way to the fridge, speaking under my breath but loudly enough for him to hear me.
"The balls on this guy."
He followed me and took the beers I was laying on the counter into his hands.
"And how exactly do you find yourself here?" I finally asked him in a loud whisper. He stared at me for a second.
"Umm, I dunno," he shrugged. I couldn't tell if he was being flippant or just buzzed.
"No seriously, why are you at my birthday party? We hardly know each other."
He contemplated for a second.
"Scott thought it would be a good idea if I came," he said, leaving me at a momentary loss for words yet again. It seemed my default expression whenever I was with him was with my mouth wide open, innocently.
"What, what are you guys, a couple now?"
I scanned his face for my answer before he found the perfect lie. The truth I could gather was not pretty. He had rather honest features for someone who lied so much, like someone who could never lie to you, but I knew better.
He shrugged again.
"I dunno."
My mouth fell open again, and yet again I quickly regained my composure.
"You know what, not today, I've had enough of this," I quickly said pointing an accusing finger at him.
"It's my party, and I'm going to enjoy it, okay?" I said turning my pointed finger to myself. He feigned shock, doe eyes looking back at me like I was losing my mind.
I left him in there with two bottles in his hand and went back to trying to push him to the back of my mind, hoping for better results this time.