“I'll also take lemonade,” Jamison replied.

  “Alright and for you birthday girl?” Caiti asks.

  “I'll take some water with lemon.”

  “Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks and take you order.” Caiti tucked the pad in her server’s apron pocket and walked away.

  “So Chanel how is everything going?” My dad asked.

  “Pretty good. I'm still looking for a house to buy. Right now, we’re still staying in a temporary apartment. I'm also looking at opening another dance studio. You know I have Move To The Beat here but I wanna have two more locations in other cities,” Chanel explained.

  “You should open one up where we live,” I joined in on the conversation.

  “That’s a great idea, I'll look into it.” Chanel said, “You know I was born in LA so I have connections all over the US. Most dancers get their start in LA. Especially choreographers.”

  “Is that where you learned to dance?” Wake asked.

  “Yes sir, it is. I went to a dance school there, but then my parents moved down here. So I finished up at a private dance academy in Orlando and then went to UCF. I double majored in dance and theatre. I was actually working at Universal when I met Luke’s dad.”

  I noticed she didn’t say Jett by name. I had heard my mom and Chanel talking about Jett cheating on her. Chanel was still trying to get over the drama and move on with her life.

  “That’s so cool,” I said. “What did you do there?”

  “I bet you were a rollercoaster tester,” Wake said, laughing.

  “No, I didn’t do that,” Chanel replied, laughing too. “I was a performer. I usually danced in costume around the park, mostly on floats during seasonal parades. Sometimes, I filled in for the Betty Boop actor and one time I even played the Lisa Simpson character.”

  “So that means you know Homer Simpson? And Bart?” Wake asked.

  We all laughed.

  “You know those are just guys and girls in costume, little buddy,” Luke said.

  “Yeah, I was just kidding.” Wake punched Luke playfully in the shoulder.

  “Well, I think that’s a neat job to have,” my mom added.

  “Yeah, Piper. You should look into doing an internship down here,” my dad said. “Maybe Chanel could hook you up. It sounds like you’ve got great connections at all the theme parks around here.”

  Chanel nodded. “Anything for Piper. It would be nice to have you living down here. Right Luke?”

  I turned to the side just in time to see Luke blush.

  “Sure,” Luke agreed.

  Jamison didn't look so happy at the idea though.

  “Piper and I are talking about going to UGA, together.” Jamison added. “They have a wonderful dance program at Georgia.”

  “You know I haven’t decided yet. I will just start eleventh grade,” I said.

  “Here is your wine, “Caiti said, placing down three wine glasses and a bottle.“And the sweet teas, lemonade, and lemon water.

  I was thankful for Caiti to come at just the right time. I didn’t like where this conversation was headed. I honestly had no clue on where I wanted to go to school. UGA was less than two hours from home. But coming down to Orlando to go to UCF would also be pretty fun.

  “Know what would you guys like to eat?” Caiti asked.

  “Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes,” Chanel said.

  “Veal Martini please,” Page added.

  “I'll get the Prime Boneless Ribeye Steak,” Grant replied.

  “I think all the teenagers want Chicken Parmigiana. Is that right?” Page asked.

  “Sounds good to me,” Jamison said.

  “Same here,” Luke agreed.

  “Yes, please,” I said. “Wait you guys both agreed on something, my birthday wish came true.”

  “Oh shut up.” Luke said, tugged my arm.

  “And can this little one just have noodles with butter on them?” Page asked.

  “I’m not little anymore, Mom!” Wake said.

  “Of course not, sweetie. Order what you’d like.”

  “I’ll have the butter noodles,” Wake said grumbling.

  “Of course. Alright I'll be back soon with your food,” Caiti said walking away.

  “Piper, you know there are really good dance colleges in LA if that’s what you really want to do. You have options,” Chanel said, sipping her wine.

  “Piper has actually been thinking about doing dance full time and opening a studio, too.” Grant added.

  “Yeah, I’ve given it some thought,” I said. “I know I want to do something with dance, but just not sure what direction, yet. Having my own studio would be cool. I do love helping the little ones at my current studio,” I said.

  “That’s amazing. Before you leave we should get coffee and talk about it some more,” Chanel said, smiling.

  “I would love that,” I said. A few minutes went by and Catiti came back with all of the food.

  “Here's all the food, anything else I can do?” Caiti asked.

  “Yes.,” My mom said as she whispered something to her. Caiti nodded and replied that she would take care of it.

  After dinner and the table had been clear, we were waiting for Caiti to come back and take dessert order. Instead, Caiti came back with cake. It was light blue with small white flowers all around it “Happy Birthday Piper” was written on the top. She lit the candles and started to sing. The whole entire wait staff had appeared and sung along with her. Some of the patrons even joined in with everyone.

  “Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you,

  Happy birthday dear Piper, happy birthday to you.”

  I looked around the table and my eyes landed on Luke. He reached under the table and squeezed my hand. Leaning over, he whispered in my ear, “Happy birthday vacation buddy, love you.”

  “Love you too.” I whispered back.

  “Make a wish,” Jamison said.

  I leaned down and closed my eyes wondering what I should wish for? Part of me wants to wish that Luke sees me more than just a vacation buddy. The other part of me wants to wish for Jamison and I to work out. But I can’t help that heart aches for Luke. I have to take a leap of faith so I take a deep breath and blow out the candles.

  My wish is top secret.

  “What did you wish for?” Jamison asked.

  “It's a secret,” I said smiling.

  “Was it about me?” Luke whispers in my ear.

  “You wish,” I whispered back.

  “You mean you wished,” Luke said, smirking.

  “Real smooth, real smooth.” I laughed, and soon his smirk turned into anger. I followed his gaze and saw Jett walking through the door with a blonde girl in a tight pink dress with matching heels. Who was this woman? She looked familiar. I suddenly realize it's the girl he cheated on Chanel with.

  Everyone at the table got really quiet. Only Wake was digging into his piece of cake, oblivious to the danger that was walking toward our table.

  “Great,” Chanel said, seething. “I'm so sorry Piper. I don’t even know why he is here.”

  “It’s okay, I believe you,” I said.

  “I’ll take care of this,” my dad, Grant, said. His chair scraped back as he stood up.

  “Happy Birthday Piper! Looks like I’m just in time for cake and wine,” Jett said walking up to the table.

  Before my dad could respond Luke chimed in.

  “Why did you bother showing up here dad? No one invited you and your friend certainly aren’t welcome,” Luke said.

  “Luke, don’t you dare talk to me like that,” Jett replied. “I’m still your father. And show some respect for Brittney. She’s going to be your stepmom soon.”

  “Yeah! You can not speak to your father like that,” Brittney said.

  Even I wanted to run over there and smack Jett upside the head. What was he thinking? And exactly how old was Brittney? She looked no older than twenty.

  “I don’t have to listen to you and I don’t care what you say,” Luke responded, standing up and running out of the restaurant.

  “Luke!” Chanel said. Tears started to run down her face. She turned her attention back to Jett. “Really Jett? This is all your fault! Why do you have to stroll up in here with her and ruin this dinner? Without an invite nonetheless.”

  “Piper, Page, Wake, and Grant are like family. And I wanted to have dinner with you and Luke.” Jett tried to defend himself. “Despite what you think, we are still a family. Luke will always be my son, no matter what happens with you and I.”

  “You're not their family anymore and not mine, now leave.” Chanel pushed her chair and stood. She pointed to the front of the restaurant. “I swear, Jett. If you don’t leave now, I’ll call security.”

  “Piper? Come on, I want to spend your birthday with you,” Jett said, pleading to her.

  I stood up as well. This crap wasn’t happening at my dinner. “I am going to tell you this one time and one time only. I am leaving to go find Luke and by the time I'm back, you and whoever this is will be gone. Do you understand?”

  “You do not speak to an adult like that,” Jett pointed at me.

  “Do you understand?” I said again.

  “Jett, I think it’s time for you to go. You aren’t going to disrespect my daughter or my family. And it’s pretty clear that Chanel and Luke don’t want you here, either. Now, either you leave or we will call security.”

  “Fine.” Jett took Brittney by the arm and turned around. By this time, the restaurant’s manager had gotten to the table. We watched as he whispered something in Jett’s ear. Jett didn’t look too happy, but he nodded and they finally followed the manager out the door of the restaurant.

  “Good. Now, I’m going to find Luke.” I turned to Chanel. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Jamison popped up. “I’ll go with you.”

  “Please Jamison. Stay here and eat some cake. I promise, I’ll be back.” I looked at my dad for support.

  “Jamison, why don’t you tell Chanel about your scholarship that you got to play lacrosse? Chanel’s brother is a big lacrosse player for a major team in Orlando.”

  Jamison looked unsure for a moment, but then he sat back down. I turned and left. I could hear him talking to Chanel and my parents as I went to the back door of the restaurant to avoid Jett and Brittney.

  ***

  I walked all around the hotel looking for Luke, but there's only one spot I haven’t looked. I walk through the pool gate and go to the left. There are three different ways to get there but this was the quickest way. I walk through the path and over this little bridge, I turn the corner and see Luke, holding his face in his hands.

  “Luke?” I say sitting next to him.

  “Piper, is that you?” Luke said not looking up.

  “Who else would it be?” I asked.

  “Thank god,” Luke said, wrapping his hands around my waist holding me tight.“Piper, sorry, I should’ve come to you sooner. I don't know why I played all those girls. I was upset and wanted to keep myself busy. I couldn’t stand my parents' fighting, mostly my dad, and I didn’t know what to do or what to say. I wanted to act strong, but I was really just hurting my mom more and you. I don’t know who I'm going to live with. We went from living in this mansion to a tiny apartment. I've been just staying with Jax mostly, and hanging out here all day, I'm sorry.”

  Luke just let all his emotions and everything roll right out. This is finally what I wanted.

  Him.

  Luke…he’s all I have ever wanted, his smile, his laugh, his braveness, and just to be with him.

  “Luke, I was never mad at you. And now I understand why you were with all those girls. It distracted you from what was happening. I completely understand,” I said, pulling away and looking at him.

  “So you're not mad?”

  I took my fingers and wiped his tears away.

  “No, I was never mad, maybe confused and a little hurt but I knew you would come around. Your parents are not your fault, it'll get better,” I explained as I sat down next to him.

  “This is why I love you.” Luke said, grabbing the side of face. “I mean look at you, you're amazing, funny, smart, talented, and a one of a kind friend. How did I get so lucky?”

  “I am the lucky one,” I said, putting my hands in my lap.

  “I’m the lucky one. Always and don’t forget it,” Luke said as he moved closer to me and put his lips on mine, kissing me passionately, my lips melting into his, I kissed back, but soon I pulled away.

  Did I just kiss my childhood crush again? What on earth just happened?

  “I- im sorry.” Luke said. “But I've wanted to do it ever since you got here.

  “Same.” I admitted looking around to make sure no one saw. “Sorry, Luke. I just need to figure out my relationship with Jamison. You understand?”

  “I know, are we still okay?” Luke asked.

  “Yeah, of course. I just need some time to think. I’ll ummmm... meet you here tomorrow before I leave. We’ll talk more.”

  “Piper, wait! I’m sorry.” Luke said.

  “Luke, it’s okay. I love you so much. I promise I just need to get some air and think.”

  “Okay,” Luke said as I got up and walked away.

  I went up to the Beach Club and saw Hailey wiping down the bar.

  “Piper? Are you okay?” Hailey asked.

  “Luke just kissed me and I kissed him back,” I said.

  “Nolan, get me some water and the hidden chocolate in the back,” Hailey yelled.

  “Okay, slow down and tell me everything that happened.”

  I just let it all tumble out. “Jett showed up at dinner, it got a little heated and Luke stormed out so I ran after him. I found him at the spot and he opened up to me, we had a heart to heart moment and he kissed me. I kissed back.”

  “Okay okay, take a breath. Dang girl. Well, he opened up and that’s good. You need to think about Jamison, too. How’s he going to feel when he knows you and Luke kissed?” Hailey asked.

  “But I wanted to kiss him, I wanted to kiss back,” I said holding my face in my hands. “And I don’t know what I feel about Jamison. I just know that I never felt for him the feelings that I had for Luke. It’s different, you know?”

  “You can’t help who you have feelings for. He kissed you first,” Hailey said.

  “Water and chocolate.” Nolan said, placing down the water and chocolate. “Now, I’m going to stay out of the way here. This looks like it could get dangerous.”

  “Haha,” Hailey said before shooeing him away.

  “Who makes you the most happy - Luke or Jamison?” Hailey asked.

  I don’t know. Jamison does when I’m in Georgia. When I’m down here, Luke’s all I can think about,” I said.

  “Think about it, Piper.” Hailey said, “Who makes you smile a little more, laugh a little harder, and who makes your day better?”

  “Jamison. Luke? Crap, I really don’t know,” I replied again.

  “Fine. When you close your eyes right now, who’s face pops in?” Hailey asked, popping a Dove chocolate in her mouth.

  “Luke does,” I said, looking at her.

  “Who is the first person you think about when you wake up each morning, and who is the last person you think about before you go to sleep at night?

  “Luke,” I said without hesitation this time.

  “Yep, by saying his name, you just let your heart choose who you want, not your mind,” Hailey said.

  “Thanks Hailey! I’m so thankful I have you for a friend,” I said.

  “Hey Piper, what’s going on?” Jax asked, as he came up to the bar.

  “She’s hiding from Luke and Jamison,” Hailey replied.

  “Yep, I'm a confused mess,” I said, eating another piece of chocolate.

  ‘That's okay-” Jax said before his radio cut him off.

  “Jax, Michael for Jax. There’s two young males fighting on the pathway behind the pool. We need all hands on deck. NOW!”

  “Copy, on my way.”

  “Piper, where’s Luke right now?” Jax asked.

  “At our secret spot. I just left him there. He was alone.”

  “Well, then who is fighting Luke?” Jax asked.

  “I don’t know,” I said. My heart just dropped to my chest. Was Luke okay? Who in the world would want to hurt him?

  “Jett! His dad showed up a dinner acting like a butt. Surely his dad wouldn’t lay hands on Luke?” I jumped off the bar stool and raced toward the secret spot behind Jax.

  “Nolan, we need your help! Come on!” Hailey said, running behind me.

  We all ran down the path and turned the corner to see Luke and Jamison fighting.

  Oh crap. This can’t be good. How in the heck did Jamison find out already?

  “You kissed my girlfriend!” Jamison yelled punching Luke in the face.

  “Dude, chill out!” Luke said, pushing Jamison in the chest.

  “NO! You knew she was mine!” Jamison yelled, kicking Luke in the knee.

  “Ahaha! Chill! Relax! Piper is not anyone’s property. She is her own person,” Luke yelled backing away from Jamison. “A person, a girl I should’ve asked to be my girlfriend when I first kissed her.”

  “You’ve kissed her more than once?” Jamison said, walking up and punching Luke in his left eye, making Luke lose his balance and fall to the ground.

  I stood there in shock. Everything that was happening was in slow motion. Jax ran up to Luke and grabbed him pulling him away from Jamison. Nolan ran up to Jamison who was about to hit Luke again and grabbed him by the arms and pulled him away.

  “Take Luke to the bar, I'll take Jamison to one of the empty cabanas.” Nolan said, pulling Jamison away. “Get them out of here before security shows up and bans them both!”

  “He is breathing?” Hailey said walking over to Jax and Jamison. I stood there still in shock.

  “Yeah, he’s been hit in the face a few times so his eyes are just closed,” Jax said standing him up.

  “Get him to the bar and get a wet towel for his face. I'll get Piper,” Hailey said.

  Jax nodded and walked away with Luke.

  “Piper, are you okay?” Hailey asked me.

 

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