Read Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) for Free Online

that’s sweet of him to come.
    “Welcome to the
over-the-top birthday party for me.”
    He just laughs.
“Happy birthday, Bryer.” Noticing the hot men in this room, every last one of
them.
    “Thanks, grab a beer,
or…”
    “What’s the red stuff
in the punch bowl?” I ask.
    “Sangria.”
    He smiles.
    I give him the
thumbs-up, wondering where that idea came from. Totally random.
    “The appetizers look
amazing, Nathan.” As I fill my plate. I can’t help but notice the shit-eating
grin on his face, he’s so proud of himself, and he should be. I love him even
more, what was I worried about?
     
    “Having sex is like
playing bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good
hand.” They both crack up, as Clayton proceeds to tell Graham jokes, old jokes ,
and Clayton thinks he’s hilarious.
    I glance over to Gen
watching Clayton, irritation written all over her face. Won’t be long now.
    “My mother never saw
the irony in calling me a son of a bitch.”
    I thought I heard
Graham snort a laugh, they were amusing themselves like kindergarteners
misbehaving in class. I head for the sangria.
    “Really mature,
Clayton,” Gens starts, with a look of disinterest.
    But she’s anything
but.
    “Immature is a word
boring people use to describe fun people.” Is Clayton’s witty comeback.
    “Here’s a good one, Graham.
Surprise sex is the best thing to wake up to, unless you’re in prison.”
    Even Nathan is
laughing and heads over to join in. “That’s it, Clayton, play hard to get.”
    “Shut up, dick-fuck.”
    “Way to make friends,
man, I think she hates you.” Nathan strolls away, chucking.
     
    “I think someone
needs a time out,” Gen adds.
    “Do you hear that?
It’s the sound of no one caring.” Clayton quickly rebuts.
    “I’m visualizing duct
tape over your mouth right now.” Her retort, lightning fast.
    “Did you think of
that all by yourself?” Clayton’s eyes give him away—he is crushing over this
woman and is completely clueless how to get her.
    “You never shut up,
do you?” Gen strikes.
    “Are you always like
this, or just guys you’re attracted to?” Sending an air kiss her way.
    “Fucking mental, you are aware you’re still talking, right?” Rolling her eyes, attempting to ignore
him, yet she’s not.
    I notice Graham
slowly moving away from the brewing storm and approaching us.
    “So when did they break
up?” he asks.
    “Ah, they’ve never
dated, this is foreplay,” Nathan answers with a straight face. As he walks to
the center of the room. “Dinner,” Nathan yells. “I have strict instructions
from Mary Ann. Then presents. Bryer.” He smiles, knowing I’ll hate that part.
     
    I start to sweat, I
never have been comfortable being the center of attention. I’m accepting of the
fact I’m among friends, but it doesn’t alleviate the pressure.
    From out of nowhere,
two servers appear in white shirts, black pants, and crisp white aprons, and we
all are told to take a seat.
    “Impressive, Nathan,”
I say as I scan the table set to perfection. I think I saw his chest puff out,
but I can’t be sure.
    “We will be serving
Beef Wellington, grilled Portobello’s sautéed in wine, Asparagus Parmesan, with
Italian Pan Napoletana Bread .” One by one our plates appear, and there
are sounds of praise, delicious, tasty, yummy, nom nom…The champagne is poured
and toasts are made.
    “To Bryer, may all
her dreams come true,” Gen starts.
    “Cake or presents?”
Nathan asks me.
    “I’m still so full.”
So I’m forced to answer presents. And at that very moment, there are a pile of
yellow-wrapped presents in front of me. Oh God.
    “Mine first,” Gen
yells.
    No surprise there. I
open the small square box and it’s a necklace, a half of a heart.
    “See, I’m wearing the
other half.” Holding it out from her neck in pride.
    Feeling emotional at
her thoughtfulness, I swallow it down. “I love it, thank you, best friend. It’s
perfect.” As