Self

Chapter 72

Wade could not help but smile back.

Zachary leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Shane, your big day’s almost here, right? What’s the game plan? Fast cars, fabulous drag queens, or maybe we can all go out with a wild stripper extravaganza?”

Michael was quick to back him up. “Love that idea.”

Both looked expectantly at Shane, the king of wild times..

Despite his buttoned–up suit and tie, Shane was known to be the wildest of the bunch.

“Let’s keep it chill with a simple birthday party this year.”

Zachary blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

Michael’s eyebrow shot up. “Seriously? A birthday party?”

Who would still do that?

“Wait a second.” Zachary’s eyes flicked to the side. “Are we talking about one of those wild parties?”

Michael perked up in an instant, his eyes gleaming.

Shane rolled his eyes. “Get your mind out of the gutter. It’s a classy affair, a private place at Goldleaf Lane. You’ll get your invites soon.”

With that, Shane got up and strode out.

Zachary and Michael shared a look before peering out the window.

Nope, there was no sign of the world turning upside down that day.

Yara was caught off guard by Shane’s call, especially when he invited her to his birthday party.

“Me?”

“Yeah.”

Yara bit her lip.

22

She knew Shane’s parties. Yale would be there; the last thing she wanted was to bump into him.

“It’s just a small get–together with friends. Zachary’s coming. You’re not bailing, are you?” Shane caught the hesitation in her voice, his eyebrow arching. “Or are you scared of something?”

Yara gripped her phone tighter, staying quiet.

“You and Yale are history, and he’s cozy with his new girl. Are you scared to show up because you’re not over him?”

Yara’s frown deepened. “That’s not it. We ended things.”

Shane’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Well, then, there’s no reason to dodge the party. I’ll text you the address. Don’t forget to show up.”

Before Yara could respond, he hung up.

On the day of the party, the estate was buzzing, decked out in celebration.

Yale made a fashionably late entrance with Xandra on his arm.

Shrugging off their coats, Xandra passed them to a server. Hand in hand, they made. their grand entrance through the front door.

Goldleaf Lane was prime real estate, snatched up when it hit the market. Shane only. snagged his sprawling thousand–square–meter estate because his family had dibs on it.

Every inch of the place was crafted by top designers, no expense spared.

After winding through a manicured rock garden and the lush backyard, the guests would find themselves in the reception area.

Right as he walked in, Yale was on it, hitting Shane with a greeting.

“Got something for you–happy birthday, man.”

He chucked a set of keys Shane’s way. It was the yacht Shane had been eyeing; the guy was all about that sea life, so Yale got him the perfect toy.

Shane caught the keys with a grin. “Much appreciated.”

Yale was about to add more when he froze, spotting a familiar face.