Amy gawked at Cole in surprise.
"Wh... what are you doing here?" She stuttered.
"I came here to wish you a happy birthday in person," he replied.
"But... How did you know that it's my birthday today?" She asked.
"From reliable sources," he replied with a smirk on his face. Amy didn't need anyone to tell her it was Tris.
"But you shouldn't have driven all the way here to wish me a happy birthday. You should've just called or sent a text. I'm sure you have a lot more important things to do with your time than-"
"You're more important than everything else, Amy," he cut her off.
She stared at him, stunned by his words.
"Me? Important?" She pointed at herself.
Cole was just about to reassure her when Tris burst through the door.
"Daddy!!" He exclaimed and ran outside to give him a big hug.
Cole picked him up and gave him the flowers.
"They belong to your mother," he said and set him down.
Tris walked back to the doorstep and handed the bouquet of flowers to Amy.
Amy smiled at the wholesome action. She gave it a slow whiff, and her face showed pleasant satisfaction.
"So I heard you didn't have any plans of celebrating your birthday?" Cole asked.
"Yes. I don't usually celebrate birthdays-"
"Can you believe that this fireball planned to go job hunting on her birthday? Today of all days?" Kayla joined them outside immediately.
"What?! Why?!" Coke looked shocked.
"According to her, there are better things to do," Kayla ridiculed Amy.
"No no no. That's no way to spend your day. Thankfully, I have something planned," he said.
"And what's that?"
"I heard from a little fairy that you were dying to watch the fourth season of After?" He asked.
"Yes, I have! But the tickets are just about the same price we pay as rent here," she said.
"Well, you don't have to worry about the costs today. We're all going to the cinema to watch that movie right now. I'll cover the costs," he said.
"Really?! That would be great!" Kayla squealed in excitement.
"No, that won't be necessary. I don't want to come off as a burden to you-"
"Amy, please stop with this burden talk. You're never a burden to me. Plus, you can't keep working yourself to stupor. Where is it heard of that one looks for a job on her birthday?" he questioned.
"But-"
"She's going to change, Cole. Give us one minute," Kayla shut Amy up and dragged her inside.
****
To say they enjoyed themselves at the cinema is an understatement. They had the time of their lives. Even Tris was so engrossed with the movie that he didn't speak a word until the movie ended.
Next, they went for a picnic in the park. Kayla has prepared for the picnic in secret, so it came as a surprise to Amy that it was already planned out.
"Who told you my ideal birthday party was on a picnic like this, staring at people?"
"Like I said before, I have a fairy that tells me everything that I need to know"
"Just say Tris told you all you needed to know about me," she said and he couldn't help but surrender.
They watched as Kayla and Tris played frisbee at a corner of the park.
"Hey, catch!" Tris hollered and threw it way too high.
Kayla pursued the frisbee until it hit the ground. She was about to pick it, a hand got there before.
She looked up to see Liam's face.
"What are you doing here?" She frowned.
"I came to congratulate the celebrant. Cole invited me," Liam sighed.
"Good thing I'm not her. She's over there," she pointed and left without giving him a chance to explain himself.
***
Time was far spent, and they were all ready to go. Cole was taking things back to the car while she was arranging it, to help him.
She felt a light tap on her shoulder.
"Happy birthday, Amy," Liam said.
"Thank you. Where have you been?" She asked as she went back to folding the linens.
"We're obviously going back home after a good time in the park"
"And how's work? Have you gotten anything yet?" He asked.
"Nope," she knew where this was going.
"So why don't you come back to my tech company?"
"I can't believe you asked that question. I should come back to the pace that made it seem like nothing happened? After turning your back on us back in the court, you want me to go back like nothing happened? I'll pass," she said and continued whatever she was doing.
"Come on, Amy. Are you still mad about what happened that day? You're to understand that they were formalities - things I had to do for Cole. You of all people should know that I didn't mean it"
"But it almost put me in serious trouble if Cole didn't drop the case. When we needed your help the most, you made a mockery of my situation. Please, we'll pass"
"Amy please. I haven't the same with you out of my life. The company has not been the same with you either. If not me, at least, think about Tris. How long are young to stay unemployed? What happens if your money gets used? Come on, Amy. This is just like before - except I owe you a lot. All I want is for you to resume work as early as possible", he explained, and watched her contemplate
"Fine. I'll give it a thought," Amy said, just to let him off her back.
He saw Cole from a distance, getting closer to them.
"There are some things that need my help urgently. I'll see you later, bye," he said and left immediately.
****
They finally came to Amy's home.
"Let me take Tris into the house," Kayla said and dragged the knocked out Tris out of the car, leaving just the both of them.
"I had fun today," Cole said.
"I had fun too," Carly smiled.
"I want to ask for something," Cole said
"What's that?"
"Can we do this again, but just us?" He asked with hope in his eyes.
Amy was stunned by his words. "Like... A date?"