The Urban Dictionary defines a "soft launch" as "a photo preview of a talking stage before it becomes an official relationship on social media, i.e., taking photos of their dinner plate and their hands, half their face or their shoes as to allude there's someone special in your life."
all mistakes are my own.
Chapter nine
Am I excited about the birthday party at my bar? Not right now. Not as excited as I was when Sasha first asked me about it. She wanted to throw a surprise party for her youngest, Tanya, who finally was allowed in the bar along with her two older sisters.
The Denali's have been friends forever, we go way back, to where Sasha wasn't a single mom of three, and to a time where she and Ivan were inseparable. After the dust has settled a bit over the gaping wound that she still carries to this day, she calls herself Wicked Widow in leather when she's out with the motorcycle crew. But I know better than to be fooled by her tough exterior.
Am I still excited, now that Isabella's flirting has kicked up several notches? No. Have I ever been called daddy by a woman? Also no. Do I want to hear her say it over, and over? For fucking sure.
So no, now that the lights are dimmed and everyone is hush-hush, a few giggles from the girl's friends the exception, all I want to do is haul her over the bartop and shut her up with my tongue in her mouth.
"Mom, seriously, why don't you just drive me to Kay's? She's been blowing up my ph—"
Shrieks and chanting of "happy birthday" burst the bubble in my mind. I turn on the lights again, press play on the birthday playlist Kate gave me, and enjoy the way Tanya gasps, one hand over her mouth.
"Oh my god, you did not just surprise-party my ass!" She's so excited, playfully slapping her mother's arm.
Swirls of platinum engulf Tanya and Sasha as Kate and Irina hug their sister.
"Happy birthday, baby Tan!" Kate uncorks a bottle of champagne and sprays it all over their party.
I shake my head. My mop is gonna have a field day.
"I seriously had no clue! Mom said we had to drop by here because she forgot her stupid red scarf and then she'd drive me to your house because you've been such a nagging bitch all day!" Tanya's eyes twinkle, her smile probably visible from outer space.
I notice the way my guest takes off her ridiculous jacket. She's got her hair pulled over one shoulder and looks like an absolute siren. The cleavage is seductive yet classy, but as she places one elbow on the bartop, one thin strap falls down her shoulder, showing off more.
Jane is the first one to go over and hug Tanya, kissing both her cheeks, leaving red marks that make Marc shove her. I make my way out with the gift bag in my hand. Jane is busy using a tissue to rub Tanya's cheek. They're both laughing like lunatics. Jane's basically her aunt by default even though they're not even related.
"Uncle Ed!" Tanya shrieks, throwing her arms around my neck tightly. "I can't believe you fooled me," she says softly. I guess I'm also The Cabin Uncle, since I used to help Sasha with the girls. And with herself, actually.
"When your Mama comes asking for a party for my favorite girl, I can't exactly say no, can I?" I joke. "Happy birthday, Tan. Welcome to the fun part of your twenties. You can now enter my bar without me being anxious for a patrol car."
"Hey, you never gave me any booze!"
"No, but I sure did," Jane interjects with a big fat wink.