Forever in my Heart: Book 3 in My Heart Series Page 8

  By four pm, Pete and Emma have arrived with gorgeous little Crystal. Jemma and Dan arrive too with a car full of the girls, including Tia.

  After we have had a refreshing swim and cooled down some, I changed into my stunning watercolour print strapless mini dress. The colours are pastel pink, purple and yellow, simply stunning. It has a built in supported bodice for perfect cleavage and the front has an overlay skirt, which is totally the fashion right now. It is a perfect dress for tonight. I wear my sexy pink Jimmy Choo heels but have thongs on standby, as I am sure we will be making our way out onto the sand later.

  The caterers for the cocktail food and drinks have arrived and are setting up, decorations are done, the deck is dazzling with blue and silver streamers, balloons, and a special ‘Happy Birthday, Kade’ banner that I had made up.

  “You went overboard with the decorations Rox, but I do love you for it,” Kade tells me and I wonder if guys will ever realise that women just do these things.

  Dave brought some timber and melamine from his work and has made a small stage for our special guests, three out of five members from The Electric Beat.

  Kade’s coach and his wife have made the drive up, then of course Coby and his girlfriend and three other squad members, there are also a few of the locals that know Kade. I’m guessing the catering for around thirty is pretty spot on correct.

  Jemma has set up the iPod dock with large speakers and the fantastic best friend that she is, has made a playlist for the night.

  Right now, we are chilling to some Five Seconds of Summer. Jemma has an eclectic taste much like mine, but I am sure that she will have some awesome dance songs for later on.

  The caterers start with homemade spring rolls, satay chicken skewers, and cheese and spinach pastries.

  “These are awesome Rox, have you tried the chicken?” Kade asks me stuffing his face. Food and sex are all guys think about.

  As Mum always says, ‘A way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ and it is the goddamn truth.

  “Yep, I am impressed. We will use this company again,” I say nodding as I enjoy a pastry and a glass of champagne in my other hand.

  When I sent out the text invitation, I stated in the message no presents, but a few have put wrapped presents on the coffee table. Judging by the looks of the shapes they are alcohol, cards, and vouchers. Men are totally hard to buy for!

  I casually make my way to the semi-permanent stage and grab the microphone that I had Jemma bring and connect. I switch it on and tap the microphone to make sure it really is on; nothing worse than talking away when no one can hear you.

  “Hello, everyone and thank you all for coming up to the lake house to celebrate Kade’s birthday. We are both lucky to have you in our lives,” I say smiling and meaning my words.

  “Okay, we have set up beach volleyball on the sand and we have a few comps, so let’s go have some fun. Oh and there are some cool prizes for you to win.”

  The guests cheer, as we all head out to play, it should be interesting as the night progresses and guests start to drink more.

  “Hey Rox, we are going to play girls versus boys?” Jemma announces to me, she is very competitive and she will be looking to kick the guys’ arses.

  “Count me in, just let me check on the caterers and how far away Jeremy is,” I say to her as I enter the kitchen and grab my phone.

  “Okay cool, it will probably be twenty minutes anyways. The surfers are playing the first round, my dear so no rush,” Jemma tells me playfully and embraces me. I love my bestie.

  Then she heads out to watch the surfers I bet; those abs are pretty impressive.

  “Those starters were sensational,” I tell Jim and Kara, our caterers for the night.

  “Glad you liked them. We will have another round of finger food in around thirty minutes to keep everyone happy, then the main food should be around six pm. Does that sound okay Roxy?” Kara asks me. She is an older lady, around forty-five, with very short, pixie style blonde hair and very smiley.

  “Sounds perfect,” I reply to them pleased with their service, food, and time management.

  I know that Jeremy will be driving so I send Seline a text.

  How long till you get here, hunny. I am just figuring out times for dinner, the band, and the cake.

  I question her hopefully not coming across as rude and wondering why they are not here yet.

  We are fifteen minutes away, Rox.

  Seline responds with the perfect answer.

  Awesome; see you guys shortly.

  I text back smiling to myself, Kade isn’t expecting Jeremy and two others to perform so I can’t wait to see his face. It’s not every day The Electric Beat performs at private parties.

  Right now it’s time to go and whip some arse in volleyball, I think to myself, but I can pretty much guarantee that it will be the other way around.

  “Okay, I am ready!” I shout out to Jemma as I kick my shoes off and head onto the sand and join Jemma, Ebony, Emma, and Tia. The coach’s wife, Edna, offers to mind Crystal so Emma doesn’t miss out.

  “There you are Rox, I have missed your gorgeous face,” a slightly tipsy Kade announces as he pulls me in for a tight embrace.

  “Get a fucking room you two,” Jemma proclaims in her usual no tact voice, causing everyone within ears shot to crack up laughing.

  “Oh don’t you worry Jemma I will make Roxy scream extra loud tonight just for your benefit,” Kade says jokingly obviously looking for that shock value, but Jemma just smirks because when it comes to screaming during sex she wins the gold medal every time. Hands down.

  We may or may not have gotten smashed in the volleyball comp. Damn, I need to get back to the gym.

  “You guys were lucky that time,” Jemma tells the guys, totally stirring the pot.

  “It’s all about the technique and guys are always better at sports no matter what kind,” he announces and I think, Oh crap, don’t get into it with Jemma.

  Perfect timing as Kara comes out with the dumplings, fish pieces, and sausage rolls.

  “I’m starving guys let’s grab some more food,” I suggest heading towards the trays.

  Of course it works; guys are always interested in food and cold beers.

  “Let’s get some cold beverages, Kade,” Pete tells him as he squeezes his shoulders. It’s so nice having everyone here for Kade. We should make a note to catch up more often.

  Jeremy and Seline arrive just in time for dinner. “Happy birthday, Kade,” Jeremy announces and high fives Kade then Seline gives him a hug and kiss on his cheek.

  “Happy birthday, Kade,” she tells him.

  “Thanks so much for coming. Help yourself to drinks guys, come and grab a plate and fill it up with some of this amazing food. So far it’s been to die for,” he confesses to them and I have to agree about the food.

  The sit-down meal is superb of tender roast lamb, potato bake, pumpkin, beans, fried rice, and gravy.

  “Sensational food, Rox, you outdid yourself with the caterers,” Kade announces with a mouth full of lamb and gravy that proceeds to drip down his chin.

  “It’s awesome that’s for sure. Do you want to borrow one of Crystal’s bibs, Kado?” Pete jokes and we roar into laughter. There is never a dull moment with these guys.

  After dinner, we all chat and enjoy each other’s company. The music has changed from easy listening Celine Dion to more upbeat to get us ready to dance and unwind.

  “You rock Jemma, I totally love your playlist and music choice,” I announce to my bestie and give her a wink.

  “Wait till later bitch, it will be pumping,” she replies making me smirk and poke my tongue out at her.

  I disappear into the bathroom to freshen up. I re-touch my foundation and powder, eye shadow and lipstick; it’s nearly show time after all, and I hope Kade enjoys the show.

  As I head out into the living room, I announce for everyone to head outside. As I make my way to the deck and stage I give Jemma and Ebony a nod, it’s t
heir queue to round everyone up and dim the lights when I give the go ahead.

  “Hey, sexy birthday boy, come with me, I have a little surprise for you.” I grab his hand and drag him closer to the stage. The guys have their portable amps and electric guitars so they can just walk out onto the stage when I signal them.

  I climb onto the stage having put my low Jimmy Choo heels back on after volleyball and I nod to Jemma to turn the music off. Then I turn the microphone on again and tap it to start my announcement.

  “Well, I hope everyone is enjoying their night, I know that I am. The food has been mouth-watering. Thank you, Jemma for the music and Ebony for the decorations. Now I just need to say happy birthday baby, I love you,” I declare my love to him into the microphone while looking straight at my sexy birthday boy.

  He mouths the words “I love you” back to me.

  “Now we have organised an awesome surprise for Kade to get the party pumping, so please put your hands together for some special guests, none other than The Electric Beat!”

  “Woo-hoo,” the crowd roars. I hear Jemma’s wolf whistle. Wow, there are lots of screams and happy guests in the room.

  I turn to look at a shocked Kade, who has his mouth open in amazement, “Wow” he mouths to me as Jeremy, Will, and Ash make their way to the stage.

  Jeremy kisses my cheek as I hand him the microphone.

  “Hi guys, I’m stoked to be here. Happy birthday, Kade, the three of us are going to sing a few of our popular songs, hope you like them,” Jeremy announces.

  “I’m so happy to be here with my gorgeous sister and her boyfriend Kade. Roxy you are amazing and Kade you hurt her I’ll break both of your arms,” he jokes but I honestly think if Kade hurt me again he may just inflict some pain.

  “So let’s get this party rocking! This is one of our biggest hits!” he shouts into the microphone.

  Kade is smiling like he just won the lottery as I mosey on over to him. “You cheeky woman, you set this up. It's amazing Rox, thanks, baby.” He hugs me and leans in for a kiss, but not just any kiss, a long, deep, passionate kiss that takes my breath away.

  “Judging from that kiss, looks like you are happy with the entertainment?” I joke to him knowing all too well he loves it.

  “Oh my God, I love this band!” Coby’s girlfriend from the surf squad screams.

  “How on earth did I not know that Jeremy was your brother Roxy?” she asks me and I can’t help but grin at her question

  “Yep, it’s pretty cool having a famous brother,” I tell her still smirking and proud of my older brother.

  “Oh my God! He is so famous and I’m totally friends with Jeremy’s sister, just wait until my girls here about this!” She fangirls over him.

  “When he’s done I’ll take a photo of you with him and you can get his autograph,” I say to her knowing just how excited she will be.

  “Far out Roxy you are the best! Totally awesome, my best friend will total freak and die of jealousy when she sees it,” she states as she stares at my brother on the stage and takes a few quick pictures from her phone.

  Kade and I sway in each other’s arms; we dance and enjoy the music. The band performs six amazing songs, friggin’ sensational.

  Even if Jeremy wasn’t my brother, I can honestly say I love each and every one of their songs. Will is the talented songwriter, but Jeremy has written a few too.

  “God Rox, tonight has been the best. You really outdid yourself, thanks, baby, for all of it but most of all thank you for coming back into my life,” he confesses to me with raw, heartfelt emotion.

  Kade

  After countless drinks and cocktails, I take my angel to bed. Her in that dress is stunning, but her stripped naked, is even more beautiful.

  “Now that I’ve finally got you to myself, I want to talk to you about a couple things before I make love to you,” I say to her sweetly, not to alarm her about the topic of conversation.

  Anything along the lines of we need to talk, is a scary way to start these days.

  “Okay, this kind of sounds serious,” she replies frowning a little.

  “So I kind of have a bit of cash in the bank from my winnings, and I want to buy something for you and me to have together,” I announce openly to her.

  “Jemma is hardly ever at your place and her and Dan will be living together soon. What would you say about you and I moving into a place of our own Roxy?” I ask her feeling excited about this huge step in our relationship.

  “Somewhere to call our home is the next logical step,” I add finding myself rambling, a little nervous about the possibility she could say no.

  “So what do you think?” I query her eager to get her response.

  “I think it sounds perfect. I’d love to move in with you Mr. Thomas!” Roxy squeals and it makes me giddy. We can start our new lives together in our own home full of happiness.

  “Woo-hoo this is unreal, baby. Do you know how long I’ve waited to ask you that question? I’ve known for months that I was ready,” I confess another part to her.

  “Well, shit baby, that’s so sweet. It’s definitely the most logical step. I am so excited it will be our home Kade!”

  Roxy’s intoxicating eyes are boring into me; they make me weak at the knees, and take a deep look into my soul.

  Right now, it’s my gorgeous girl and I all safe and snug, listening to the harmony of each other’s heartbeats.

  Roxy’s arms are the only place I want to be in the world, everything else can wait.

  Everything else is obsolete and minimal to me in comparison. Roxy is my diamond I’ve been searching for the last twenty-five years for.

  Mine and all mine, well maybe the daddy to Stacey’s baby, too, but mostly mine.

  I will not freak out, I will not freak out.

  I squeeze Roxy tighter and try to ignore my crazy arsed brain.

  Jeremy

  I can’t help but take a good look at my life today. So much has changed for the better, so many new opportunities.

  The past was spiralling out of control, with my drinking, the drugs, and then the gambling.

  There was nothing in my life that I was happy with, except, of course, the band.

  The Electric Beat, my band members, now family are what kept me grounded and gave me something to wake up for in the mornings.

  If I didn’t have rehearsals, gigs, and concerts, I would have been much worse. Life on the road is not as glamorous as it seems, with the women and groupies throwing themselves at you it is insane. The phone calls from Roxy were something else I looked forward too. My sister, who for as long as I can remember had so much faith in me and my music.

  “You are so talented Jeremy. You are amazing” these are the quotes that got me through the dark times. Everyone needs someone like Roxy in their lives.

  I was stoked when she was with Kade, he seemed different than the others.

  So here I am today in a committed relationship with Seline, a stunning and wonderful woman; another kindred spirit in my life.

  Seline literally opened my eyes and dragged me out of the gutter. She showed me that I didn’t need to drink or take sleeping pills, and she built my confidence back up.

  I will be eternally grateful for her being my guardian angel, my saviour, who brought me back from the darkness.

  Now I’m at Kade’s lake house, and it was sensational to perform with the band, in a small get together with their close friends.

  This is what life is all about, family and friends, fun and laughter; even as the band’s popularity grows I know my priorities and these simple pleasures are what will keep me grounded.

  Chapter 10

  All work and No play

  Roxy

  In the words of Bill Murray, “It’s Groundhog’s Day again.”

  My alarm clock buzzes and the excitement of heading to work has faded more and more these last few months.

  My dream of running my own studio is running frequently through my mind, to have more control
, more clients and be my own boss is such an appealing thought.

  I half-heartedly find myself at work, feeling like a space cadet as I send an email.

  When I think of Kade, I slip into a trance and find myself daydreaming back to our Hawaii trip. It was truly mesmerising.

  We were on top of the world, without the dark cloud hanging over us, I am falling more in love with him every day, but with love comes responsibility. Life was simple without all of the dramas of a possible baby with another woman.

  I feel my posture go limp at the thought of Stacey. I really wish I could turn back time. I should have fought harder for Kade and followed him wherever he went, no matter what he fucking said.

  But I can’t erase the past; just learn from it. I just wonder what God is trying to teach us, when it comes to Stacey’s pregnancy? Practice safe sex?

  That was an epic fail on Kade’s behalf and I feel a little angry about his lack of responsibility in that area, but I won’t nag him about it, he feels bad enough as it is.

  The email to change Rosemary’s design yet again is sent, so now I can work on my only project assigned for the week. It is so quiet for me, the other designers are busy but Neeta gives me the least clients since I am the youngest and have the least experience.

  But we both know that skill wise I am better than most of the others here. But that is how the industry works, word of mouth and the regulars ask for the well-known designers.

  If only I had more freedom to be out viewing designs and meeting with clients.

  I gloomily find myself doodling on the notepad, playing around with possible headings if I was lucky enough to run my own company one day.

  Roxy’s Graphic Design

  Roxy’s studio of design

  Rox Design Studio

  Oh, the possibilities are endless and super exciting.

  My mood has lifted so I decide to send Kade a message. He always knows what to say, and I’m sure it will make the time speed by a little.

  Roxy:

  Hey baby, work is so slow; you don’t know how lucky you are running your own business.