She took in the backyard and stopped at Taylor and me. I gave her a little wave, then watched her skim the crowd until she saw Brutus. Then Teddi gave me a subtle thumbs-up. Brutus and Tasker got tapped into the game and we watched as Gaze made sloppy suckers out of them both.

“Thanks.” Taylor patted my hand.

“He and you ended a little hot if I remember correctly?” I stepped away from her now that the guys were playing ball.

“A little. He’s dropped enough dick pics into my DMs to make me Pavlovian gag when I see I have a message from him.” She admired her five, and Peaches smacked her zero next to it.

“This is literally the cutest gift. So freaking adorable.”

Both Peaches and Taylor hid the numbers behind their backs when Dad made his way out from the garage.

The crowd had been coached on “Happy Birthday” that they shouted together. The basketball game tapered off as Mike gamely got the grill started. Gaze and I took over grill duties. We worked together as the dusk set on the day and the fairy lights that Teddi was so fond of illuminated the backyard.

Ruffian and a few of the guys started working on a bonfire in the back. A few girls had their feet dangling in the pool, even though it was too cold for a swim.

While Gaze and I flipped the burgers and the hot dogs, we made sure to keep the vegan options separate on the grill.

Ronna and Mike mingled with the guests. Although most of the people were young, they had a few of their friends as well. One of Mike’s friends was opening a brewery downtown, and he brought a keg of his homebrew recipe that was due to be the flagship drink.

Teddi made sure the music was flowing and the vintage sounds of all of Mike’s favorites filled the air.

Presents were opened throughout the night, and Taylor’s last-minute idea was a huge hit. After flipping the last few burgers, she came close again. I watched as Brutus had his third beer.

“Did he drive here?” I pointed my spatula at her ex.

“I think it was Tasker, and he’s only had half a beer. But we can make sure.” She started tidying up the area that Gaze and I were using as a buffet table.

“Yeah.” I didn’t like how often I found Brutus staring at Taylor. It was like he was psyching himself up for something.

After smothering the charcoal, I wiped my hands on a towel. “Between sweating for the game and cooking over the hot grill, I need a shower.”

I ran my hand down the front of my chest. Her eyes followed my fingers.

“Just hop into the pool.” She leaned toward the cool water.

“I hate swimming alone. You down?” I bowed to her as if we were at a formal dance.