Only Human

Chapter 14

The rest of the week flew by. I tried to split my time between Ruby and Flash, and Flick. One day I’d sit with Ruby and Flash, the next with Flick—and sometimes even Dean.

I’d tried convincing them all to sit together, but Ruby and Flash refused to share a table with Dean and Clay. Their opinion of him mirrored Alec’s. Flick, on the other hand, seemed most comfortable surrounded by Dean, Clay, and even Brock. That left me torn—pulled between the two groups, wishing things could be simple.

Alec had learned to accept my friendship with Flick, but I could tell it still bugged him. He was lighter, cheerier, on the days I spent lunch with Ruby and Flash.

But today wasn’t about that. Today was my birthday—nineteen—and Alec was taking me out to Lilly Ville for dinner and a movie. Tomorrow, he’d be flying to New York to visit Finn and, reluctantly, his dad.

---

When I got home, Alec was still at community college. I took a long shower, letting the hot water wash away the week, then dressed carefully. White lace panties and a matching bra. A short, white floral dress with a deep V ruffle neckline—just enough cleavage, nothing too much.

With time to spare, I curled my hair into loose waves, hoping Alec would like it. A touch of foundation, soft lipstick, skin-toned eyeshadow, a sweep of mascara and eyeliner. Silver teardrop earrings, my Katy Perry perfume, and white sandals with a slight heel completed the look.

As I stepped out of the bedroom, the front door opened. Alec froze mid-step. His eyes widened, scanning me from head to toe.

“Babe,” he breathed. “You look… gorgeous.”

Before I could reply, he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “How did I get so lucky?” He twirled one of my curls, smiling. “I love this. Curls suit you.”

Then he abruptly stepped back, stroking his chin in mock thought. “But something’s missing.”

He pulled a small box from his pocket and handed it to me. “Happy birthday, baby.”

Inside was a silver-and-gold interlocking heart pendant, resting above a message engraved beneath:

In your eyes I have found my home.

In your heart I have found my love.

In your soul I have found my mate.

The best decision of my life was giving my heart to you.

You are the best thing to ever happen to me. I love you. Yours forever—Alec.

Tears blurred my vision. I threw my arms around him, covering his face with kisses. “Babe, I love it so much. Thank you.”

Running a hand down his cheek, I whispered, “I love you.”

He rubbed his nose against mine, stroking my face, eyes locked deep into mine. “And I love you. But we’d better get ready—birthday girl deserves her night out.”

---

While Alec showered, I fastened the necklace around my throat and touched up my makeup. A soft smile lingered as I admired the pendant.

A text buzzed from Flick:

Hey girl, what time suits you tomorrow for shopping? You still coming over after? My aunt and uncle are gone for the weekend—no awkward dinner, I promise 😂

“Who’s that?”

I jumped. Alec stood there dripping wet, wrapped in nothing but a towel, hair wild and damp. My brain short-circuited.

He smirked. “Hello? Earth to Jess?”

I pointed a finger, tracing him from head to toe. “Sorry. Distracted by all… that godliness.”

He laughed, kissing me. “What can I say? Born awesome.” Then, with a cheeky grin: “So who were you texting?”

I slid a hand over his firm ass, playful. “Flick. She wants to go shopping, maybe hang out after. I think she’s planning a cake for me.”

His smile faded. “Right. I’m getting dressed.”

---

When he emerged, Alec wore tight black jeans, white sneakers, and a fitted white T-shirt under an open black button-up. His hair was still slightly wild—sexy, effortless.

“You ready?” he asked, keys in hand.

I could tell he wasn’t thrilled about my plans with Flick tomorrow. Once we were in the Jeep, I laced my fingers through his.

“Babe, please. I don’t want to fight. You know Flick’s my friend.”

He kissed the back of my hand, sighing. “I just don’t see why you have to do it while I’m gone. In that house. Where he lives.” He shook his head, resigned. “Just promise me you won’t stay the night. That you’ll come home.”

“I promise,” I said softly. “It’ll be lonely without you, though.”

He smiled, but his eyes were serious. “It’s only one night. I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.”

I squeezed his hand, nodding. He was right—I’d managed plenty of nights alone before him. I could handle one.

---

At the cinema, our choices were The Lost City of Z, The Fate of the Furious, Their Finest, and Gifted.

Alec pointed immediately to The Fate of the Furious. I pointed to The Lost City of Z.

He groaned, shoulders slumping. “Fine. Birthday girl’s choice.”

I kissed him. “Thank you. We can always come back next weekend for your pick.”

His face lit up like a kid promised candy.

We bought tickets, snacks, and popcorn. While waiting outside the doors, we started tossing popcorn into each other’s mouths, giggling like children. Alec pulled me close, pressing soft kisses along my neck.

“I can’t wait to take you home and get you out of this dress,” he murmured against my ear.

I tilted my head back, shivering at his breath—until my eyes caught someone in the crowd exiting the theatre. A girl, staring straight at us.

Audrey.

My heart jolted.

By the time I blinked, she was gone.

“Babe?” Alec squeezed my hand. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I thought I saw Audrey.” My eyes darted across the crowd.

He frowned. “Here? Why would she drive all the way to Lilly Ville when there’s a theatre in Chatswood?”

I searched the lobby, but she was nowhere. “You’re right. Doesn’t make sense. Maybe it just looked like her.”

“Come on,” Alec said, tugging me inside. “Probably just someone who resembled her.”

I nodded, though unease lingered. Even as we sat, even as Alec whispered reassurances—No one saw us. Not long until we can be public. I can’t wait.—my eyes kept drifting to the theatre doors.

---

After the movie, Alec drove us to our lookout. He hopped out, told me to wait, then returned with a picnic rug and an esky.

“Madam,” he said, opening my door with a flourish.

I curtsied. “Why thank you, kind sir.”

He led me to the rug, then set the esky down. “Close your eyes. No peeking.”

I obeyed, hearing the flick of a lighter.

“Okay. Open.”

On top of the esky sat a cake with a single lit candle shaped like a 19. Alec burst into loud, off-key song.

“Happy birthday to you…”

I laughed so hard I nearly forgot to blow out the candle. “Babe, this is perfect. You’re perfect.”

Dropping to his knees, Alec kissed me. “Glad you like it. Been practising that song all day.”

“Maybe practise more next time,” I teased.

He gasped dramatically, then smeared icing across my nose. I squealed, swiping cake onto his chest.

“Marilyn Monroe still sings it better,” I laughed.

“Oh, really?” he grinned, stripping off his shirt. “Happy birthday, Mr. President…”

I collapsed with laughter as he crawled toward me, icing on his chest. When I licked it off, his groan turned the night into something heated, something unforgettable.

My nineteenth birthday ended perfectly—beneath the stars, tangled in Alec’s arms.

---

The next morning, banging woke me. Alec was packing a duffle bag.

“Sorry, baby,” he whispered, kissing me. “Didn’t mean to wake you. My flight’s in an hour.”

I ran my fingers through his hair, memorising him. “I’ll miss you.”

He kissed me deeply, forehead pressed to mine. “I’ll miss you too. But I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”

I smirked, patting his bum. “Have fun with Finn. But not too much. And Alec—try not to kill your father.”

He chuckled. “No promises. But I’ll try.”

After more kisses, he was gone. The house felt immediately emptier.

---

Later, I slipped into a pink floral playsuit I’d never had the confidence to wear until now. Braiding my hair in loose mermaid plaits, I did my makeup soft and light, then texted Flick I was on my way.

When I arrived, Flick was waiting out front. She ran to the car and hugged me tightly.

“Happy birthday for yesterday! Did you have a great night?”

“I did,” I smiled. “Now let’s see this dress.”

Flick clapped her hands with excitement. “Yes! Let’s go!”

We drove off laughing, heading to the dress shop.