"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time." – Maya Angelou
The evening was warm and fair. They all got together at Rossi's house for a little celebration, counting down the hours to Emily's birthday. All were happy to get some stress relief and they were glad that they could still celebrate the birthday of someone most of them thought was dead. Even better, they had just finished a case and where of duty for the weekend. After a luxurious Italian meal, they lit the fireplace and gathered in his lounge, enjoying good wine and even better company.
Rossi had separated a bit from the others, overlooking his garden and smoking the rest of a cigar, a good glass of whiskey parked nearby to keep him company. He listened to the sounds of laughter behind him and was grateful for his friends.
When quiet steps approached him, a small smile stole itself upon his face. He didn't need to turn around to recognize these as Emily's, a sound he had missed dearly. So, he waited patiently until she appeared at his side, looping her arm through his. As she spoke up, he turned slightly to face her. He could see that she was smiling, even though he also recognized a slight insecurity in her normally perfect demeanor.
"I wanted to thank you", she started. "For throwing this party for me. It's nice to have a birthday that isn't a horrendous gala, designed above all else to impress the elite." He could see that she tried to appear unphased by the normal circumstances of her birthdays, but she was unable to expel the hint of a bitter undertone from her voice. "And the wine bill must drive you into ruin", she added in an attempt to lighten the mood a bit, gesturing to the table that was loaded with bottles.
"That bad?", he snorted, but deep down he was sad that she couldn't enjoy her birthday with her parents.
"You have no idea…" she retorted, her gaze had shifted away from him, starring of in the distance instead, avoiding to face him. She hoped her eyes wouldn't betray her.
"You are a special person Emily", he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek, gently forcing her to look him in the eyes. "For you, a nice party is always worth it". He smiled warmly at her, which dispelled the clouds from her eyes and made her smile shyly in return. "For months we thought you were dead, I'm just glad that we can celebrate this with you. Now come, we should go back to the others, it is nearly midnight."
She nodded, unsure of her voice. She was a bit overwhelmed of everything the others did to celebrate her. When they went and approached the others, sitting around a table, Dave held her back by resting a hand on her shoulder. "And don't worry about the wine, if you guys really down my whole wealth in wine tonight, I can always write another book", he winked at her. She chuckled and took hold of his hand, squeezing it.