JENNIE
"Where are we going that's so close to home?" I ask when we're all in a cab together. My first thought is that Chahee may have organized something at her place, but then we turn into my street and stop in front of the big gates while we wait for them to open, and I'm starting to get worried. "Oh God, you didn't organize a party for me, did you?" I already know the answer to that question when I hear music and lots of people talking and laughing. "Ella, this is way too much, it's only a birthday." Deep down, I'm flooded by love and it's so sweet of her that I can't be mad.
"It's not just a birthday." Ella squeezes my thigh, then gets out and holds the door open for me. "Don't they say 'life begins at 40'. Come on, let's celebrate the start of your forties with a bang." She leads me around the house into the backyard, where a large group of guests greet me and spontaneously break into song as they start singing Happy Birthday to me.
Slamming my hands in front of my mouth, I gasp at the amazing setup and decorations. My backyard has been transformed into what looks like a beach club; low, white furniture is placed around roaring firepits, a long bar is set up in the open pool house, standing tables with fresh flowers are dotted around the terrace and a musician is playing acoustic guitar and singing behind a microphone. A team of impeccably dressed caterers is pouring drinks, mixing cocktails and serving finger food on big platters. Cozy spotlights are dotted in and around the pool, an abundance of chunky candles wafts a heady scent through the air and a huge '40' inflatable covered in string lights dominates the premises, making for a spectacular sight and I couldn't have done it better if I'd organized it myself. The sound of voices singing and Ella and James's hands in mine make my eyes well up for the second time today, and I swallow down the lump in my throat as I greet everyone. I recognize all faces; some I haven't seen in a long time and there are some new friends too.
"Thank you, honey, this is incredible," I say, kissing Ella on her cheek. There's only one person missing tonight, and I wish she was here. "Did you invite Lisa?" I ask.
"Of course I invited Lisa. She provided the whole set up and helped put it all together with Chahee and Nola." Ella winces. "Is that okay with you? Maybe I should have asked but it was a surprise so I couldn't really. She just texted me to say she's going to arrive a little later, in case you weren't comfortable with her coming."
"No, I'm glad she's coming." I smile at her. "So this is all her stuff?" I'm amazed they've managed to keep this from me as I didn't have the faintest idea. Ella even went along with the whole 'meet my daughter over lunch' proposal while all along they've been colluding with each other.
"Yeah, she offered, so I could hardly say no." Ella smirks. "We've been meeting up in secret. I really like her, Mom, and I'm sure James will like her too."
"This is so sweet. So, you, Lisa, Chahee and Nola…" My bottom lip starts trembling and I fight back my tears once more. The four favorite women in my life have gone through great lengths to surprise me. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Just have a good time." Ella pushes a margarita into my hand. "Dad and Yeji are also coming later. I thought it would be nice since James just came home. Is that okay?"
"Yes, of course. He'll be so happy to see James." I smile and hug Nola and her husband and make a mental note to organize a surprise party for her next year, when she's turning fifty. Making my way through the crowd of guests, I throw myself into a frenzy of hugging and kissing, delighted to have everyone I love right here in my backyard. The party must have been going on for a while already because the drinks are flowing and everyone's in good spirits, mingling and laughing, some even dancing to the flamenco rhythm.
"Happy birthday, babe," Chahee yells, grabbing me around my waist from behind a little later. The silver sequins of her dress poke into my skin as she squeezes me.
"There you are. Were you hiding from me?"
"I was afraid you might want to kill us after taking over your home while you were away."
"I'd never." I turn around and hug her tightly. "Thank you. I'm completely overwhelmed but this is incredible."
"Thank God," she exclaims, letting out a dramatic sigh. "It was a hit and miss decision; we weren't sure if you'd be furious or not." She notes my glass is half-empty and replaces it with a fresh cocktail. "I've been hanging out with your girlfriend today," she whispers, leading me to the poolside where Neil is waiting. "She's so cool. I feel like we bonded, you know? And I invited her over to our house for vodka shots, so we'd better set a date."
"Yes, I would love that. So you didn't scare her?"
"You know me; I'm a pussycat." Chahee blinks innocently. "Oh, and you look stunning by the way. That dress is seriously smoking on you."
"Thank you. You look great too." I hook my arm through Chahee's and laugh at her enthusiasm. "I can't believe you managed to get all these people here at such short notice, I don't think you've missed anyone. And having James here…"
"Now that's a big, fat cherry on top of the cake, isn't it? He told me they're staying with you for a week, how wonderful."
"Yes, I'm so, so happy." Narrowing my eyes, I glance at a woman talking to Neil. "Oh look, it's Cindy Ashworth; I haven't seen her in ages. Don't you think she looks good?"
"Cindy Ashworth…" Chahee digs through her memory. "I don't think I know her."
"It's Danielle's mom. Ella's friend, Danielle," I clarify. "She's a little strange but very nice. Ella used to tag along when they went out on their yacht. Let's go and say hi."
