I jolt and gasp but smile when everyone starts singing “Happy Birthday.” My big brother lifts me and twirls me around, saying, “Happy birthday, baby sister. Look at you, I think you finally grew an inch.”

I glare at him. Being the youngest wasn’t enough, I’m also the shortest of the three. Not that I’m really short, but Nikki is five foot seven and Thomas six three.

“Her sense of humor didn’t change at all,” he says, setting me down.

I stick out my tongue. “Oh I’m sorry, are you still trying to make those jokes work like those ugly pants?”

Everyone hugs me. Lucifer hands me a birthday card, made by him. It’s cute and he calls me his favorite aunt. Which honestly, I find endearing. He has three more aunts from his father’s side. Maybe I should sign a peace treaty with him. I’ll keep the favorite aunt title and he’ll stay away from my dog.

So maybe April thirtieth wasn’t such a great day, but today is one of the best birthday parties I’ve ever had. My sad mood is totally gone. The anger not so much since I am five thousand dollars in debt.

Miller Archer didn’t pay for the expensive presidential suite, nor the fancy shit he booked for us. My credit cards are maxed, I had to use some of my rent money, and I’m hoping my parents won’t mind helping me pay for it.

At least in Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts got to get pampered for free. Real life sucks.

Nikki approaches me and bumps my hip with hers. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing much,” I say, glancing at her little bump. “So there’s another one coming soon, huh?”

She rubs her belly. “In about six months,” she confirms. “Three seems to be a good number. At least that’s what our parents say.”

“Congrats,” I tell her, bumping her hip.

“I know you don’t like children, so don’t try too hard to look like you’re thrilled.”

“Maybe it’s an age thing. I turn thirty next year. Who knows, I might start liking them.” I wink at her. “But in all honesty, I’m happy for you guys.”

“So tell me about Cancun. It must have been amazing,” she says. “I miss being single sometimes. The thrill of meeting someone new. That first kiss is always the best. I love my husband, but ... sometimes I want to quit.”

“Being single is okay, I guess.”

It sucks too because some days you feel lonely even when your friends and family are around. This past weekend, I experienced something different. Feeling like I’m not alone. Like there’s someone out there who could love and understand me.

At least, that’s what I believed.