Grown ish: Zoey and Aaron, The Future (BOOK 2)

Part 38: Twenty Five

Zoey narrates.

Today is Aaron's 25th Birthday, and I'd planned a huge party for him tonight.

I wake up this morning, with my head resting on Aaron's chest, as I look up and find him already staring at me.

'Happy birthday, baby.' I say, softly, as he leans down and kisses my lips, and then my forehead.

'Why do you still have to work today?' I say, pouting.

He laughs.

'Look, Zoey, I want nothing more than to lay in bed with you all day, but you know I'm meeting with a really important client today.' He says, and I nod.

'Also, I don't even need this party. Last night was enough.' He adds, winking, as I blush and kiss him, before sitting on his lap, straddling him.

'Okay, but you still need to come back as soon as your meeting finishes. I'll drop Zara to my moms before everyone arrives.' I say, as he nods, and holds my face.

'Okay, Zoey. Whatever you say.' He says, smiling.

As I'm about to kiss him again, we hear Zara crying on the baby monitor, as I sigh.

'I'll go!' He says, as he quickly kisses me, before lifting me off of his lap, back into bed, and then leaving.

I scroll through my phone, seeing lots of messages for Aaron on our squad group chat.

'Say good morning to mommy.' I hear Aaron say, as he brings Zara into our bedroom.

'Hi baby! Hi!' I say, as he sits Zara on the bed between us.

I stroke her head, as she plays with Aaron's hand.

'I can't believe I birthed this beautiful human.' I say, smiling at her.

'Papa...'

My eyes widen in shock, as I look up at Aaron, who stares at Zara in disbelief.

'Did she just...' I say, speechless.

'She just said her first word!' Aaron says, excitedly, picking Zara up and lifting her into the air, spinning her around in his arms, as I laugh and clap my hands.

'I can't imagine having missed this!' He says.

'Zara! Say mama, say mama!' I clap my hands at Zara, who stays laughing at Aaron.

'I'm sorry Zoey, but she's always going to like papa more than you.' Aaron says, jokingly, as I laugh and my smile widens, seeing Aaron play with her, as she giggles at him, and in my heart I knew that Zara would always love her dad the most.

_____

Later that day, I drop Zara off at my moms, before heading to the restaurant to set up for Aaron's big night.

I'd gone for a sophisticated vibe, and it was all coming together, as my friends arrived to help finish setting up.

'Oh my god! You guys look great!' I say, hugging them all.

'This place looks incredible, Zo.' Nomi says, as I smile.

'Thank you! It's all thanks to Ana's amazing planning.' I say, as she waves at everyone, triumphed.

'I can't believe we've all been riding with each other since college, and now one of us is actually turning 25.' Doug says, shaking his head in disbelief.

'2 weddings, one engagement and 2 kids later.' Nomi adds, as we laugh.

'Oh yeah, Doug and Jazz...any updates on the wedding?' Vivek asks.

'Well...we booked the venue. We're getting married in a few months!' Jazz says, jumping up in excitement.

'Jazz! That's so great!' I say, hugging her.

'Yes, but for now, let's get this party going!' She says, cracking open a bottle, and turning up the music.

'I can't wait for Aaron to see it all.' I say, looking around in awe.

_____

Aaron's party had started, as I waited at the door, greeting guests, but also waiting around for him.

I finally see him, as he approaches me, wearing the tux I picked for him.

'Ahh, it looks great!' I say, as he comes over and pulls me into a side hug, kissing my head.

'Ready?' I ask.

'Yeah but...Zoey we need to talk about something.' He says, looking around, rather than at me.

'What is it? What's wrong, Aaron?' I ask, confused.

'Aaron! Hey man! Zoey! Come on!' Doug says, coming over to us, excitedly, as he drags Aaron away, who looks at me, helplessly, as I'm left confused.

The party continues, as everyone dances the night away, drinks in hand, celebrating Aaron, although I can't shake the uneasy feeling inside me, wondering what Aaron wanted to talk about.

A little while later, I finally manage to grab Aaron away from everything, as we settle into a quiet corner. He sits in the chair opposite me, holding both of my hands in his.

'What did you want to talk about?' I ask, softly.

'Zoey I...I have to leave.'

_____