Chapter One Hundred and Forty Eight

Cassie was dressed in Niles. When she woke up that morning she hadn’t the idea that she would be attending a party of her own.

She had received texts and wishes from all the friends she made at work, Jamie, Turner, Max and even Ahn Cowell surprisingly except from Thompson who had been missing from the house since morning.

Even as an early riser she was surprised to see that Thompson was already out of the house by six in the morning leaving only a note saying he would be back soon, he had a meeting. Sighing to herself she wandered listlessly around the house looking for what to eat.

But she couldn’t find any, Thompson had purposely cleared out all her junk food and replaced them with something she regarded as not inclusive.

Picking up her phone she was about to place an order when Thompson’s line came through.

Baby, he called hoarsely. Hey! She greeted me with a blush. I am sorry I left abruptly this morning. I had an important meeting.

It's okay, she breathed. I am just a little hungry and you have cleared out my food, she pouted. Don’t pout I am in a public area he teased her making her blush further.

Right, he had always known about her reactions. Sorry about that, he said to her.

Why don’t you come on out so we can go get ourselves something to eat? But… she stuttered surprisingly.

Aren’t you at the office? She asked him.

I will be with you shortly. He answered her and Cassie could hear the grin in his voice. Go get yourself dressed, he said to her.

They had surfed the streets that morning, ate breakfast at a coffee shop and visited a mini dance crew.

She had danced to the songs and even tried her talent in karaoke.

After a while, Thompson Block booked a whole amusement park for her to enjoy herself making her feel pampered.

Though he was yet to wish her happy birthday but he had celebrated it subtly. Okay, it’s time let’s go Thompson had said to her at the park.

Time for what? She asked but he only grinned.

Now she is standing in front of an oval mirror at a hotel close to the gym wearing a silk green gown with silver frillies around it.

Her hair had been made by one of the most prominent hairdressers in New York. Her nails were painted and her makeup light.

Tom, she called his name when she got out of the changing room. You look… he paused before giving her a full-blown grin.

Let’s get going. I don’t understand what is going on, she said.

But he only gave her a mysterious smile. I just want to spend the day with you in a different manner.

We had breakfast and danced at a pub. Played like kids. Thompson said so because when Cassie had first told him she would love to go to an amusement park he had called it a child’s play.

Now we are going to have dinner. There I can give you your birthday gift. Birthday! She cocked her head a bit then began to cry.

I don’t know how to apply makeup, he said knowingly so don't ruin that. Smiling, she cupped his face in her hand and kissed him softly on his lips.

Thank you for all of this, you are the greatest gift I have got. So, thank you she whispered.

Now, let’s go she turned to leave but Thompson engulfed her in his arms.

****

You allowed him to hug so closely, how could you do that, Maxwell thundered making her flinch. Calm yourself, he placate him gently.

You can’t possibly expect me to push him off when he just grabbed me and won’t let go. He is hurt Max, I can’t bear that you know me.

That isn’t the case Fiona, he said angrily. Do you like him? No, don’t be ridiculous Max, I don’t see it that way.

Then why would you let him touch so frivolously and the words he spoke to you? Are you melting because of that?

No, I am not. Max, listen to me she tugged his hand gently. You didn’t even let me tell him what was in his mind before you broke the conversation when he shook his head, she hugged him to her.

I love you, Max, you and you alone hold this heart. I can’t help it Fiona, he looks at you like he owns you and it irks me to no extent and seeing you two like that cuts the whole deal for me, he sighed.

I am sorry, she whispered then kissed him on the lips softly. Taken back by her actions Maxwell basked in the feeling. She forgave him finally, he thought. Fiona hasn’t openly kissed him since they fought.

He hugged her to him and sighed in her hair. I would excuse you too but Thompson is in his way bringing the celebrant.

Okay! She said in his embrace then looked up suddenly. They are coming here? Right now. Oh shit! She said and rushed out to make the preparations.

By the time Cassie and Thompson got to the gym Fiona already had everything in place.

When Thompson had told her that they were going to have dinner she hadn’t thought it would be at her sister's gym.

We are having dinner here, she asked him since he didn’t bother to cover her eyes. Yes, he tucks her hand in his.

You don’t want to? Of course, I do. I am just surprised that’s all. Come let’s go, he said, tugging her hand.