If Only...

IN A NUTSHELL

"Oh, happy birthday, baby girl!"

I grumble dismissively, and Stella pulls away to hold me at arm's length and she studies me from head to toe.

Now that Rosie knows about Danny and I, this is the last thing I want Stella to know.

"Look . . . at . . . you!"

"I'd rather not." I sigh and try to break free of her iron grasp.

"I am loving the haircut! And this dress? . . . You look so delicious I'm surprised Danny hasn't eaten you up yet!"

What!

"Although I can see he's tried to." She grins, fingering a spot at the base of my neck. Crap.

"Stella!" I hiss and cover the mark with my hand, staring down at my red toes and praying that Rosie isn't listening.

"You've got another one there." She points to the other side and I turn away, feeling the blood rush to my cheeks.

Damn it, Danny!

"Okay, I'll let you off easy . . . For now. Where is he, by the way?"

"Meeting his boss." I say rather meekly, letting my arms drop after watching Stella's expression. She has let me off easy. For now.

"He left you all alone on your birthday?" Stella gasps dramatically and I roll my eyes.

"I'm not alone. I have Rosie with me. And besides, today is just like any other day of the year and--"

"Oh, here we go again . . ." She blows raspberries, moving away to drop onto the couch.

I clench frustratedly.

Stella happens to be a loyal supporter of the 'b-day'. Just like Danny. Just like anyone I know.

God, I just hate getting all the attention . . .

Except from Danny, of course.

"Can't you show some enthusiasm? For my sake, atleast? It's the least you could do now."

"Okay." I sigh, flopping onto the couch next to her. I want to tell her what she really means to me, but I know that she knows. She tends to overdo it, that's all. It's like her signature.

Stella perks up drastically, wearing her copyrighted cheeky smile.

"So . . . what all have I missed?"

Where to start? . . .

"Danny and Rosie baked me a cake today." I say the first thing that pops into my head.

"And you cut it without me?"

She clenches her teeth.

"Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I wasn't thinking. They wouldn't let me think. I was forced into the whole thing anyway."

"Did they atleast smear some on your face?"

"No." I frown at her. Why would they do that?

"See, this is why I need to be there."

Oh.

"Don't worry. I was embarassed enough to your liking." I say sardonically, but Stella narrows her eyes.

"I don't believe you. I'll need to see pictures."

"That won't be a problem." I grin.

"What about presents?" She perks up again.

"Well, Rosie made me this beautiful birthday card--"

"And Danny?"

She asks leaning forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. I chuckle and shake my head at her.