The wine waiter approached with the two bottles she had selected from the list. Lori nodded her approval and asked him to pour. Once they all had a full glass, she proposed a toast, “To the success of Silver Lake”
“To rock’n’roll,” declared Paul theatrically.
“No,” corrected Jake warmly, “To Lori. Happy Birthday, Mz Hyde.”
She blushed, then added, “To health, wealth and happiness.”
While they waited for their starters to arrive, Becky produced a gift bag from beneath the table and gave it to Lori.
“It’s from all of us,” she said with a smile.
Lori carefully opened the small bag to reveal a long slim black jewellery box. She opened it to find a silver charm bracelet with three guitar charms, drumsticks and two music notes. It was perfect.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “Can one of you help me to put it on?”
Jake obliged by helping her with the catch before producing a second small gift bag, “And this is from me.”
Inside the bag she found a second small black box, squarer in shape. She opened it to find a delicate silver chain with a treble clef hanging from it. There was a small diamond in the tail of the treble clef.
“It’s perfect,” she whispered, kissing Jake on the cheek, “I love it.”
“Put it on, Lori,” squealed Becky, clapping her hands.
Again, Jake assisted her, kissing the nape of her neck as he fastened the clasp. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Thank you,” said Lori again. “I never expected presents. You’re all too kind.”
To celebrate my own birthday, Stronger Within is free to download to Kindle today
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M
Coral McCallum 