Chapter 40: SLOANE

Chapter 40

SLOANE

My eyes slowly unfurled, colliding with the ceiling. I sat up in my bed and reached for my phone instantly. In exactly ten days, on May 28, Xaden would be 30.

I called the girls, “Sloane, it’s too early.” Daisy groaned.

“It’s 10 am,” Rave answered.

“Exactly!”

“What’s up, Sloane, why did you call so EARLY?” she teased.

My lips curled into a smile, “Guys, Xaden’s birthday is in ten days.” I muttered.

“What?” Daisy’s voice roared through the phone, “Ten days? And you are just telling us?”

“We have been occupied lately. I completely forgot. My calendar gave me a notification just now.” I pouted.

They sighed almost at the same time, “So what is the plan? Are we getting him a gift or what?” Daisy asked.

“Uhm, Daisy, the man is a multi-billionaire, I don’t think there is something he wants that we can afford to give him,” Rave added.

Isaac joined the call, “Isn’t it too early for calls, Sloane?” he grumbled, his sleepy voice filling the phone.

It’s 10 am… seriously?

And these two are starting to get on my radar. Is something…

A message popped up on my phone, a private message from Rave.

RAVE(with a heart): What are the odds that they both woke up late?

ME: Beats me. They are suspicious as hell.

RAVE: Should we keep playing along?

ME: Do we have a choice? I just hope I don’t walk in on them someday.

RAVE: Gross but bulky worthy.

“Sloane, are you there?” Isaac called out.

“Yes.” I bite back a laugh. “Oh, we were talking about Xaden’s birthday.”

“When is it?” he asked.

“In ten days.”

“Seriousky? That’s not enough time to buy a gift! We still have the project to finish and our assignment with Prof Yamaguchi… how can you forget something this important, Sloane… I am disappointed in you.”

Jaw dropped, “Sorry… and Rave is right, gifts are overrated.” I said.

“You talk like you have something in mind and every cell in my body is screaming that I will love the idea.” Rave cheered.

“Surprise party.”

“Yes! I knew I was going to love the idea.” She added.

I laughed.

“That is a great idea.” Daisy concurred.

“Truly…. And the guest list?” Isaac asked.

“I’ll work on that. I have an idea of the people he would want around for a surprise party.” I added.

“Great, I’ll call my brother, fill him in on the details, and rob some extra funds. And I’ll speak to my mum to cater.”

“Rave and I will work with Isaac’s mum in planning the party… Sloane, what do you think about using Isaac’s family yard? The same place where Kyle had his birthday.” Daisy asked.

I pulled out my notepad, listing out the things needed and the organization, and responsibilities. “It’s perfect but make sure Aunty doesn't have any prior engagement for the day… so you should ask her first,” I added.

“I’ll do that after the call,” Daisy added.

“But I still think we should get him a gift, if we think about how he has come through for us recently even though he is an extremely busy man,” Isaac added.

“What do you suggest?”

“Uhm, actually, guys, I already have a gift I want to give him… but I can recommend something you might want to consider as a gift.”

“You traitor!” Rave and Daisy barked.

“Sorry.” I laughed.

The bonfire happened. Xaden didn't want to go at first but I used my charm on him and he agreed. He and Isaac helped set the fire, the girls and I brought out the snacks and drinks.

We played games, humiliating but fun games. We danced around the fire and we talked, we laughed and played like kids and most times, Xaden sat on his chair, holding his beer and he watched us… But mostly, he had his camera with him. Taking pictures and laughing and taking more pictures. He even ended up taking us more pictures to commemorate the evening.

“We are out of beer,” Rave called out.

“I’ll go get it!” I ran back to the villa to get the pack of canned beer in the fridge. I was heading out when I noticed Xaden’s computer was open. He must have opened it when he came in briefly. I was going to help him close it but then my hands touched the mouse and the dead screen came alive and pictures… professionally taken pictures and it wasn't random pictures.

They were pictures of me. At the museum, at the mansion, at his private studio. Pictures of my friends and me. Pictures of the sky. Pictures of strangers and nature. Pictures of cats. Pictures of Kyle and his friend. Pictures of Jasper during his hockey game… a game I didn't even know he attended.

I knew Xaden loved painting, loves art but I never knew he loved taking pictures like this.

It was so good and I could feel the emotion in every image.

I was invading his privacy… I should go but then I saw his Amazon finds. He was going to order a camera, a very expensive vintage camera but he didn't click on the buy button.

That camera is my birthday gift to him.

After the call with my friends, I called my mum.

“How is my favorite daughter doing?” she wiggled her brows as she answered my call.

“Mum, I am right here with you.” My younger sister glared in disbelief. She knew my mum was just messing with her. My mum loves her kids equally.

“I’m good mum.” I muffled.

“How is my favorite human doing?” My sister said with an evil smirk.

“Hey!” my mum fired and we all laughed.

“I have a case I am working on, Sloane but it can wait because you obviously know I am busy and since you called anyway, it means it’s important, so, talk to me, darling.”

“I want to throw a surprise party for Xaden’s thirtieth birthday,” I revealed.

My mum gasped, “Oh my God, that is so sweet and thoughtful. Absolutely, tell me everything you need.”

“Abything for uncle Xaden.” My sister said with a bright smile.

“I want you both to be present. The party would be at my friend’s yard. It’s big enough. But I was hoping if you could make the cake, if that’s okay with you, mum.”

“Of course…. I’d love to. Xaden is like a son to me.” she affirmed.

“Great, thanks, mum.”