I am turning nineteen today, and I have many things to be grateful for. I have my family, my job, and my girlfriend. I have everything, but something is missing, and I make the biggest effort I can to prevent myself from overthinking.

Overthinking leads to cigarettes, pills, and stupid decisions.

Kitten's mood doesn't help my case, either. She's been quiet, and not her usual, shy kind of quiet. Something has been bothering her since the day we went shopping. I've been too busy with the garage stuff to even talk to her, let alone spend quality time together.

Pops' business is growing fast, almost too quickly, which means little rest for the two of us.

Although Lenny is throwing me a party at his house tonight, I will have another celebration at home tomorrow. Jim and my grandparents will come, too, and I invited Leah.

That will be tomorrow, but tonight, Pops will stay at Mom's, and my house will be empty. I'd be lying if I said I don't want to be alone with Leah if only to kiss her without prying eyes. It won't be more than that because she isn't ready for more yet, but I plan to take advantage of the night we can spend on our own.

Pops went into town to buy some stuff, leaving me in charge once again. I am almost done changing the brake pads on a bike when Mac strolls into the garage.

"Happy Birthday to the ex whore," the fucker says, grinning. "Here's to many more happy years."

"Thanks." I laugh, cleaning my hands with a paper towel before hugging my best friend. "Did anything happen?"

Mac slaps my back and says, "All is cool. I had time on my hands and decided to give you your gift before the party."

"You didn't have to get me anything," I say.

Mac shrugs and reaches into his pocket, retrieving a small box.

"Dude, are you gonna propose?" I gasp. "Wait, let me fix my hair."

Chuckling, Mac gives me the box and rolls his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself, dude. You're handsome, but not my type."

I smile, opening my gift.

It's a silver bracelet. The design is simple; just the way I like it. What makes me emotional as fuck is the word Brother engraved onto it.

'Thank you," I say to Mac, blinking away the moisture that appeared in my eyes all of a sudden.

"You're welcome. I wanted to give you something more or less original. I'm glad you like it."

"I love it. I'm lucky to have a friend like you."

Mac laughs. "Right. Who else would put up with your shit?"

"Hey, dudes."

Mac and I swivel our heads around and see Lenny.

"Leonard, what a nice surprise," I say, putting the bracelet back into its box.

"Happy Birthday, man. The surprise is waiting for you tonight," Lenny says with the grin I am not sure I like.

Mac raises his brows and looks at the dude. "What do you mean?"

"I announced the party on Insta. Judging by the number of responses, it's gonna be epic."

I groan and shake my head. "What part of, 'I want something small and my closest friends only' didn't you get, man?"

Lenny looks genuinely confused. "But Bri, you used to—"

"Exactly. Used to. Used to, but don't anymore. I wanted to spend time with our usual crowd, having some drinks, and listening to good music. Why would I want to be surrounded by dudes I hardly know?"

"And dudettes," says Lenny.

I throw a wrench into a box. "Of course, you had to invite random chicks. Did you tell Bella not to come, or is she one of those dudettes on your not-so-exclusive guest list?"

"I can't tell her not to come if half of the town will be there, Bri. Besides, she said she'd bring her boyfriend."

Mac sighs, and Lenny flicks his big, guilty, brown eyes over to him. "Say something, Mac."

"You should have asked Brian because you're doing it for him. Bella caused trouble for Bri's girl, and now she's gonna be there to cause more. You should start using your brain, man."

"I'll make sure she causes none," says Lenny.

"Yeah, right," I mutter, getting back to the bike I've been working on. "If you'll excuse me, I have shit to do, guys. See you tonight, and thanks for the gift, Mac."

Mac nods and smiles. "Glad you like it. Come on, Leonard, time to leave."

Lenny follows my friend out of the garage, and I hear them arguing outside. Leonard is a good kid, but he's not very brilliant upstairs and has some growing up to do. I know his intentions were good, but the thought of a crowded party makes me nauseous.

Since Leah and I started to go out, I've been better. I feel better, and I don't miss my previous lifestyle. Maybe I outgrew it, or perhaps I just want something more meaningful. I busy myself with the Harley and hope for the best. I don't need another misunderstanding with Leah. She's been nothing but sweet about me, my fuckups, and my less than innocent past. I'm not going to let anyone screw up our relationship.

The voices, one of which belongs to Pops, interrupt me yet again. Pops and Bill walk in, laughing as they chat about something.

"Happy Birthday, Brian boy," Bill says. The guy half-hugs me and thrusts a package in my hands.

"What's that?"

"Open it, and you'll see," says Bill.

Inside, I see more crosswords and puzzles. Bill is the owner of several small businesses in town, some of which are stores.

"Thank you." I smile. "You didn't have to."

"You deserve it." Bill smiles, squeezing my shoulder. "Your dad and I were talking about how this town would benefit from having more smart guys like you."

I chuckle and shake my head. "There are many of them, you included. By the way, are there any decent candidates for the mayoral elections?"

Bill sighs. "None. The only other guy is new in town. People don't know him. He's not bad, all the opposite, but he won't have the support he needs to win."

I look at the guy. "So, do it."

"Do what?"

"Become a candidate. You've lived in this town all your life, and so did your parents and grandparents. You worry about the people here. You always help anyone who needs it, and you know about all the problems our town has. Right, Pops?"

Dad nods. "Brian speaks the truth. You will have our support, and believe me, once people see you on that list, Martin won't stand a chance. It's time to change something here, Bill. Not only for us but for young guys Brian's age. There are lots of thriving towns where the budget is used to improve things. Here, we're in limbo, stuck with one useless governor after another. There's no better person than you. Besides, we know you have time. What do you say?"

Bill blushes, and the sight is chuckle-inducing. I look at him and hope he accepts it. He is the best person for the job, and he does worry about our hometown and its people.

"I would need help," says Bill. "I'm awful at all that campaign stuff, and Martin seems to know what he's doing."

"Martin doesn't stand a chance," I say. "And don't worry, Pops, and I will help you. Right, Dad?"

Dad nods. "Of course. You will do us all a favor. Now, if you win and then screw up—"

Bill's deep laughter echoes in the repair shop. "I won't. I won't let my people down."

"Good." Pops winks at him and then nods toward me. "What are you doing here still, little fucker? Don't you have a party to get ready for? Get out of here and let the grownups talk."

"Okay." I laugh. "See you later, and thanks for the gift, Bill."

I leave the garage after washing my hands and hope that tonight's celebration won't turn into yet another major disaster.