Grace POV

"Alice—"Hesitantly, I spoke up.

"Say it."

Despite everything, I manage a small smile.

"So what's the occasion?" I ask. "Why the party?"

Her cheeks flush. "It's for my birthday."

I blink. "Your birthday? Alice, you barely know me. You don't have to---"

"I want to." She fidgets with her teacup. "You're my friend."

The word settles warm in my chest. Friend. When was the last time I had one of those?

"Besides." Her blush deepens. ...