Lara's Birthday
"Happy birthday!" they all shouted as Lara cut the cake.
"Thank you, everyone," she laughed.
"So," Daisy asked innocently, "which did you like more—the vanilla part or the butterscotch?"
"Lately, I've been into vanilla—"
"I KNEW IT," Zain yelled. "You owe me fifty bucks Daisy."
"But you used to like butterscotch, right?" Daisy asked.
"Yeah," Lara nodded. "But honestly? I like the combo more than either alone."
Rain grinned. "Looks like you both owe me fifty."
Lara smiled to herself.
How did strangers turn into this? she wondered. Family, almost.
Everyone laughed.
Then Zain stepped forward and placed something in Lara's hand.
Lisa's pendant.
"Happy birthday," he said softly.
The candlelight flickered, laughter filled the room, and the pendant rested warm in Lara's palm.
For once, everything felt right.
And that was the best birthday gift of all.
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At Company Dinner
"I don't see Zain," Lara said quietly. "Isn't he joining us?"
"He's caught up with something," Rain replied. "Please start off without him."
Then, turning to Daisy, he added calmly, "Drink less. Call me when you're ready to head home."
Daisy nodded.
Rain turned back to Lara. "I might not stay long either. I'll leave my card with you."
Lara nodded again.
Rain stayed with the team, chatting easily. Lara pulled Daisy aside, her glare sharp.
"Be quick," she said.
"How does he know where you live?" Lara asked.
"He's my neighbor."
A pause.
"…Did you drunk-call him?"
"Yes."
"Anything else?"
"Yes."
"Did you kiss him?"
"…More than that."
"Did you undress him?"
"…More."
Lara's eyes widened. "You didn't—"
Daisy swallowed. "We slept together."
Lara stared at her.
"Are you serious?" she hissed, voice low enough to sting.
"It just… happened," Daisy said quickly, then rushed on—about the lock, the night, how Rain had known her from before, how feelings surfaced, how everything spilled out before she could stop it.
Lara didn't interrupt. That was worse.
When Daisy finally finished, Lara exhaled slowly, like she was setting something heavy down.
"Like how you trust Zain," Daisy added, quieter now, "I trust Rain. And those two… they've been watching out for us this whole time. We're not in danger. You don't have to worry."
Lara studied her face for a long second.
Then her shoulders eased.
"Hm," she said softly. "I guess I can't argue with that."
She paused, then added, "I'm happy you found your love, Daisy."
Daisy smiled—small, relieved—and went back to her food, the knot in her chest finally loosening.