When Tom arrived, I felt my anxiety rise as soon as I saw his arms full.
It appeared as though the past was repeating itself.
Tom was standing there, holding two large Tupperware containers. What is it?
” pointing to the containers, I inquired. Take the flowers first, birthday girl,” Tom said with a smile as he slightly opened his arm for me to pick up a bouquet from under it.
I saw behind me that my friends and parents had briefly clenched their fists, triggering a collective flashback.
But Tom, who was completely different from Jamie, laughed at everyone as he hugged everyone and made sure to kiss my mother on the cheek as he went around the room.
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, my mother prepared Gabi’s favorite cheesecake. Additionally, she insisted that I take it for dessert.
I grinned. I couldn’t believe how fortunate I had been in my relationship with Tom.
The stark and encouraging contrast to last year was reflected in the room’s laughter and relieved sighs.
Tom joined in on every conversation and made sure that everyone’s glasses were full before dinner.
Additionally, I could see that the people who were closest to me were also falling for him. We enjoyed the cheesecake that had been made just for me when it came time for dessert.
I realized how different I had been the year before and how different my decisions had been going forward as I looked around at Tom and my friends that night. All I wanted was to be with someone who appreciated my work.
In fact, this birthday was a celebration of new beginnings and the thoughtful, small acts that truly define our relationships, not just a celebration of another year.
