Chapter 32

**** Alyssa ****

“One of the best things about being an adult is that no one can tell you cake isn’t a breakfast food,” Nathan says, laying a fabulous cream-covered, fruit-topped creation crowned with sparklers and a handful of tall skinny gold candles on the table in front of me, the sweet fruity scent tickling my sleepy senses.

I’ve been up a whole four minutes, thanks to my friends bouncing on my bed and loudly serenading me with Happy Birthday.

“My birthday was yesterday,” I yawn for the second time this morning. I might not be physically capable of showing it yet, but I truly appreciated this sweet gesture.

“Nope. Since Emily here hasn’t slept yet, it’s still your birthday. That’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it. Now, blow out those candles and make a wish,” Dara demands.

“Oh, no! I gave up on wishes a long time ago. This is truly amazing, though, thanks everyone,” I smile, rubbing the last crystal bits of sleep from my eyes.

“Well, aren’t we surly in the morning? You’re