After She's Terminal The Alpha Regrets (Elaine and Lucas) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Ayla shooed away a servant as the final balloon was tied down, framing the chair at the head of the table. Everything seemed perfect.

It was a beautiful day. The gazebo provided shade for the lunch she’d had prepared, and a place for the presents and cards. The table was out on the lawn, shaded by a few large umbrellas. Balloons were littered here and there, with a bigger bunch near a large ‘Happy Birthday!’ sign in the grass.

Shayne had already arrived. He was one of Lucas’ friends, though Lucas hadn’t seen him in several months Neither had he seen Evan or Jake. All three of them were here, loitering and already drinking.

Ayla didn’t mind.

So long as they played their part when Lucas showed up.

“When’s the big man supposed to arrive?” Jake asked from where he lounged on the grass.

“Soon. Liam and Kyle are with him now,” Ayla replied. She’d managed to get Liam to suck it up on his own feelings and celebrate this one day for Lucas.

Ayla turned to the other three. “Remember. This is his big day! Let’s keep it light, okay?”

“You know, Elaine never did this sort of thing for him. Throw him parties and all that,” Shayne said. “You’re a better Luna than she ever was.”

Ayla laughed, waving a hand to try to appear more modest. “Oh…stop it,” she said half-heartedly. Her gaze sharpened when she noticed a familiar figure walking through the gardens to get to them.

Elaine.

She actually showed up.

“You invited her?” Shayne muttered.

“Of course! She and Lucas are still…friends,” Ayla said the word as if it cost her something to get out. “Hey Elaine, you made it!”

Elaine forced a tight smile. It’d been a long time since she’d seen any of Lucas’ old friends. Ever since he became Alpha, he hadn’t had a chance to hang out with them much.

“Yeah…where do I put this?” Elaine asked, lifting a card.

Ayla tilted her head. A card. That seemed oddly personal. She tried not to frown as she stepped forward to grab it. ” I’ll take it.”

Elaine let her.

“Why don’t you mingle! I’ll put this with the other gifts…” Ayla said, walking over toward the gift table.

Elaine turned to Shayne, who was sizing her up. “Been a while.”

“It has,” she replied.

“I can see you finally grew a spine,” he joked. Jake and Evan chuckled.