Free Music of the Heart by Harper Brooks Page A

think.”
     
                  I should be worried by the look on her face especially after she asks me what I think.  I look up to see a barely there nurses outfit. 
     
                  “What the hell Merritt?  Where is the rest of the costume?  That is the shortest nurse’s dress I have ever seen!”
     
                  Not only is there a slutty nurse outfit, she has had it decorated with sequins and a tag that says ‘Nurse Hot Lips’, white lacy thigh highs, and sky high red mary jane high heels.  I might as well be a hooker.
     
                  “There is no way I can wear that!  I am sure the parents of all the trick or treaters won’t appreciate my boobs being in their kids faces when they come for candy.”
     
                  “It’s not that low.  Besides, it is already done and now you don’t have to worry about anything!  Just say thank you Merritt and we can have dessert.”
     
                  I say thank you and just shake my head.  There is no winning with Merritt so I guess I will just have to settle on the slutty nurse.
     
    *********
     
                  The next Friday arrives and it’s my 25 th birthday.  The girls and I are spending the day shopping and then they are taking me to lunch.  We decided to visit some of the fun boutiques on the streets of Buckhead and then go to the Sweet Peach Café for lunch since it’s one of my favorites.
     
    We walk in the door and instantly, I am overcome with that crazy feeling I only get when Cross is around.
     
    “Merritt, did you invite the guys to eat lunch with us?”
     
    “No.  Why?  Did you want me to?”
     
    I turn my head and start looking around without answering her and immediately lock eyes with Cross.  Of all the places to eat on my birthday, Cross had to be at the Sweet Peach. 
     
    We order our food and then Merritt leads us over to see the guys. 
     
    “Hey boys.  What are y’all doing today?  And why are you in casual clothes?”
     
    “Someone Reed and I convinced Cross to play hooky today so we all took off and just stopped to grab some lunch.”
     
    Dixon and Reed both stand up and hug me and whisper happy birthday in ear so everyone around doesn’t hear and come over.
     
    I thank them and then we head over to our own table.  Our food is brought out and is delicious as always.  No one has said anything to me about Cross because they know there is nothing to talk about.  The girls want so badly for the two of us to hit it off but I’m pretty sure I am not the type of girl he goes for.   
     
                  “Thanks for lunch girls.  You know the way to my heart is through the Sweet Peach Café.  Too bad I didn’t think of opening this place first.  If the owner ever wants to sell it, I would be happy to take it off his or her hands.”
     
                  I notice as I am talking, the girls exchange a subtle look at the mention of the owner. 
     
                  “What?  What did I say?”
                  “Oh nothing.  We’re just glad you are enjoying your birthday lunch.  So, what time does your family get in today?”
     
                  Nice change of conversation by Ava.  I can tell whatever is going on will not be talked about right now so I don’t push it.
     
                  “They were going to leave around noon I think.  Try to get here before work traffic begins.  I wish they would just stay with me but they have plans to go to the aquarium and a few other places tomorrow and want to be able to just walk and not get the car out.  I thought about taking them to Fins tonight for my birthday dinner.  What do you think?”
     
                  Everyone is agreeing my family will love Fins when Jenna comes towards our table with one of their dessert specialties – miniature caramel cakes.  They’re bigger than