Of course, the expensive bottle of wine I had bought for the celebration had disappeared, swapped out for something from the house stock. I didn’t say anything, but I noticed.
Dinner was mostly quiet, aside from the occasional clink of silverware and my mother’s warm laughter. That was all that mattered, I just wanted her to enjoy her birthday.
Then Spencer finally arrived.
"Stella, Mom, sorry I’m late," he said, walking in with a neatly wrapped gift and a bouquet of flowers. He handed them to my mother with a smile before sliding into the seat beside me like he belonged there.
Spencer had no family, his parents had passed away when he was young, but he never let that define him. We had known each other since junior high and I used to invite him over all the time so he wouldn’t have to eat alone.
Back then, it was just me wanting to help him. Over time, that turned into something more and before we knew it, we were together.
"It’s not too late," Mom said warmly as she took the gift. "Sit down, have some soup. Work been keeping you busy?"
She had always treated Spencer like family. Long before we started dating, she had already accepted him as a son.
Spencer took the bowl of soup Alexis handed him, but the second he looked up at her, his brows knitted together. "Alexis, are you okay? You look upset. If something’s wrong, just say the word, I’ll help if I can."
That was just how Spencer was. Always kind, always thoughtful, always looking out for everyone.
Alexis shook her head, her eyes slightly red, like she was holding back tears. Then she glanced at my mother, then at me, like she was hoping someone would notice her suffering. "Thank you for asking, sir… I’m fine," she murmured, her voice small and pitiful.
I didn’t react, but in my head, I had already made my decision.
She had overstepped before, acting too familiar, treating herself like more than just an employee. But this was manipulative. I could ignore a few misplaced opinions, but I wouldn’t keep someone around who tried to stir up trouble in my home.
Her contract was up at the end of the month. She wouldn’t be staying.
Spencer took a few sips of soup, then seemed to remember something. He reached for the cake on the table, cutting a generous slice and placing it in front of Alexis.
"Oh, right," he said with an easy smile. "Today is your birthday, isn’t it? Happy birthday, Alexis."