Samantha paced her bedroom, checking her phone for what felt like the hundredth time. The stylist behind her was still fussing with her hair, but Samantha's mind was far away. Her birthday celebration was finally here, and her stomach fluttered with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Miss, please hold still," the stylist pleaded softly, trying to pin another section of her updo without pulling too hard.
"Sorry," Samantha murmured, eyes still glued to her screen. No messages. No calls. Nothing from Alan. Not even a confirmation that he would show up tonight.
Her heart sank a little, but she forced herself to breathe. Jenny had promised. Jenny had personally guaranteed that Alan would be there.
The thought steadied her. Jenny never made promises she could not keep, especially when it came to her son. Everything would fall into place, it had to. Samantha had been planning this night for months, and she would not let it fall apart now.
