Riley's POV
Caleb guides me to a seat and settles beside me, his shoulder brushing mine in a way that sends warmth through my chest.
Mason produces a glittery crown emblazoned with "Birthday Girl" and a matching sash from his backpack. I stare at him in disbelief. "Absolutely not. I'm not wearing those ridiculous things."
His face transforms into an expression of pure innocence, complete with wide puppy eyes. "Come on, please? I need everyone to know it's your special day. We ditched our afternoon classes just to surprise you with all this stuff."
I groan, knowing I'm about to cave. "Fine, but only during lunch. The second we leave this cafeteria, these come off."
His triumphant grin spreads across his face as he ceremoniously places the crown on my head and drapes the sash across my torso. Zoey sits across from us, practically glowing with amusement at my predicament.
