Top Secret

by Sarina Bowen

When the bathroom door opens, I half expect an outraged Luke to stomp toward me and demand to be taken back to Darby. Instead, I find myself gazing at a stricken Luke whose dark eyes are slightly rimmed with red. “Hayworth,” he starts. Then he stops. “Keaton.” I remain seated. “You okay?” I ask cautiously. He gives a slow shake of his head. Fuck. I open my mouth, armed with an apology, but he cuts me off with a strangled groan. “I want to be pissed off at you. I really do. Because this is so fucking extra. One dinner would’ve been a sufficient birthday present. Actually, way more than sufficient. But dinner and two nights at this fancy hotel and a beer festival and a concert? Are you out of your mind?” Once again, I open my mouth to tell him that all Hayworths like to party. It’s just in our blood. Our annual beach barbecue is legendary. But once again, he speaks first. “I’m not pissed,” he says helplessly. “I’m not pissed, because do you realize that the last time anybody remembered my birthday, let alone celebrated it, was back in high school?” I frown. “Not even your family?” Luke laughs bitterly. “Especially them. The last time my mother wished me a happy birthday was when I turned sixteen.” He shakes his head a few times. “I can’t believe you did this.” “But you’re not pissed,” I hedge. “Not much. I’m fucking touched, okay? Even if I want to punch you for making me feel this way—hey! Wipe that grin off your face! This isn’t funny.” I press my lips together to fight my...