"I picked a birthday," I said, because that was the best place to start. "I still can't remember mine and I remember so little about London that I don't think it's going to come back to me any time soon, so I picked one. August twenty-third."

I had picked the day before Eddie first kissed me without even realizing it. Maybe subconsciously I had done it on purpose, but I hadn't realized until several hours later and I didn't mind. It was a good day, I felt right about it.

"I've never had a birthday party before either," I continued. "And I wondered maybe if you would let me use the pool at your mansion so I could have a proper birthday party this year. You wouldn't have to do anything, I would make sure everything is done and I would clean up after and we wouldn't have any alcohol. We would be smart and safe. I just..." I trailed off and grinned. "I just really like the pool."