Steve arrived a few minutes later. He walked over to Cathy, said, “Happy birthday, Cat,” and gave her a lingering kiss on the lips.
When he broke away, Florence said, “Thanks for helping Douglas move the bookcase, Steven. I’m having a few people over for cake after the dance. I hope you’ll come.”
This was news to Cathy. She wondered why Steve didn’t look more surprised. He just nodded and said, “Of course, I’ll be there. I’m Cathy’s date.”
Once Doug and Steve managed to hoist the bookcase up to Cathy’s bedroom and position it in the corner where she asked them to put it, Florence said, “Now I want to give you my gift, dear. I would’ve waited until we had cake, but you might want to wear it with your costume tonight.”
Cathy suspected Gran had crocheted her a wrap or sweater, and it turn
