The Wild Ride
Twelve.
The Bakers had been moved into their new home for about a month, and Peyton’s twenty-ninth birthday is coming up, so Zack was in full blown party planning mode. He was in his office, looking through caterers and planning services when Peyton walked in the room. “You’re not birthday party planning, are you?” She asked, leaning against the doorframe. Zack spun around to face her and smiled, “We need a good party babe. Plus, we can combine it with a housewarming party and people will bring us free booze.” Peyton laughed and walked further into the room, sitting in her husband’s lap. “Zack, I don’t need a big ass birthday party, save it for next year.” “Oh trust me baby, next year will be twice as badass. Who knows where we’ll be celebrating your party.” He said, wrapping his arms around her. “We’re celebrating this weekend since we have to take Linc trick or treating. But don’t worry, we’re still gonna have the Halloween party that night.” “This weekend? Zack that’s two days from now!” She exclaimed, jumping out of his lap and rushing out the door. “Wait, where are you going?” The green eyed man asked, following her out of the office and into their bedroom. “I have to find something to wear! I gotta call Val. We have to go to the mall.” Peyton said hurriedly, while Zack just laughed and walked back into the office.
Two days later, Zack had pulled out all the stops and the lower level of their house was completely transformed into party central. The furniture in the living room had been moved around to make room for a dance floor, and Peyton had made sure to put all of the valuables away. The dining room was transformed into a buffet, the kitchen turned into the bar, and the backyard was full of tables with black table cloths, silver chairs, and hundreds of twinkling lights. The party planner even put a few floating candles in their pool, along with the hundreds of silver and black balloons floating throughout the house and into the backyard. Peyton had spent the day with Michelle and Val, getting dolled up and had yet to see her home. She was wearing a black long sleeved bodycon dress with an asymmetrical here and a slit that went halfway up her thigh, with a pair of nude t-strap heels with studs on the straps. Her hair was curled and her makeup was flawless, and when she walked into her house she was taken aback. She couldn’t believe Zack had gone through all the trouble to do this for her. “Oh my god Pey this is amazing!” Val shouted over the music. “Let’s go find the guys!” The twins took off into the house while Peyton trailed slowly behind, taking everything in. When she walked into the area between the dining room and kitchen, her eyes fell on her husband. As she began walking toward him, his head turned and the grin that he was wearing widened. “There she is.” He said, pulling her close and kissing her. “Babe, this is beautiful. Thank you.” Peyton said into his ear. “Anything for you, baby.” He replied before kissing her again and leading her toward the bar. “Hey! The birthday girl is here! Time for shots!” Johnny shouted. Peyton laughed loudly and pulled her best friend in for a hug, “Any excuse to drink, right gome?” “Damn right Peanut.” The bassist said as he handed her the first shot of the night before holding his own up in the air. “To your last year of your twenties, and to this being one hell of a night.” The pair clinked their glasses together and downed their shots, slamming the empty glasses on the counter. “Okay,” Johnny said, clapping his hands together, “What are we drinking?”
The party had been in full full swing for a few hours, and Peyton was feeling the effects of the alcohol. She was currently dancing with Val, Lacey, and Michelle when Zack cut the music. “Hey what the fuck, Baker?” She shouted, as the room interrupted into laughter. “Come here, Pey. You can dance in just a minute, I promise.” Zack chuckled, holding a hand out for his wife. Peyton grabbed his hand and he pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “I just wanted to thank you guys for coming out and celebrating not only our new home but also Peyton’s birthday with us. We love you, and appreciate all of you.” He said, before turning to look at his wife. “P, baby, I’m the luckiest man on the planet. I love you. Happy birthday.” Right on cue, two waitresses rolled out a beautiful three tier cake. The two bottom tiers were black with silver icing dripping down the sides, while the top tier went from back to white and had black and white marbled candy bark pieces on top and scattered on the sides, along with a single sparkler candle on top. The entire room sang the birthday song, and once it was over Peyton closed her eyes to make a wish, before blowing out the flame. The guests burst into cheers, and the DJ started the music back up. “Go on, I know you want to dance.” Zack said in Peyton’s ear. The smaller woman grinned brightly at her husband before placing a quick kiss on his lips and joining her friend’s back on the dance floor.
It was nearing three in the morning, and most of the guests had left, except for Zack’s band mates and their spouses. Peyton was laying in the grass with Johnny, the pair sharing a bottle of Jack Daniels, when Peyton had an idea. “Johnny! We need pizza.” She slurred, sitting up as quickly as she could. “Peyton it’s like three a.m, where he hell are we going to get a pizza?” The bassist asked, slightly confused. “Um, my fucking kitchen, Jonathan. Oh! Maybe we can talk one of the caterers into making one for us!” She said, standing up to walk into the house. Once she made it inside, Brian met her in the kitchen. “Whatcha doing munchkin?” “Pizza. I want pizza.” She stated, digging through the freezer. “Yes! Jackpot!” She exclaimed, holding the box up for her pseudo-brother to see. “Now, how the fuck do I work this oven? Zack! How do I work the oven?” She yelled, pushing random buttons on the appliance. “Zack is outside, dumbass. Move. Let me do it.” Johnny said, pushing his friend out of the way and squinting at the oven. “Who the fuck bought this thing? It’s written in Chinese.” “No it’s not you fucking idiot. That’s clearly American.” Brian stated, pointing to the button that said bake. “Bake! You found it! Good job Bri!” Peyton cheered, “Wait, what temperature do we need?” “Fucking 350 Peyton. Jesus act like you’ve been drunk before.” Johnny laughed, pushing the button on the oven. “Okay, now where the hell did the movers put my pizza stone?” Peyton said to herself, looking through cabinets. Brian opened the cabinet above the oven, and all of the pots came tumbling out and onto the floor. “That was the wrong door.” He chuckled, picking up pots to put back in their spot. “What the fuck are you guys doing?” Zack asked loudly, walking into the kitchen. Peyton dropped behind the island and looked at the other two men, “Oh shit my husband’s here!” She whisper-yelled as Brian and Johnny burst into laughter. “Peyton, what are you guys doing?” Zack asked again. Peyton slowly stood up from behind the island with a smile on her face, “Heeeeey babe! Seee what happened was I was trying to make a pizza and then I couldn’t see the buttons so Johnny helped me but he thought the words were written in Chinese but it was CLEARLY American like Brian said and I can’t find my pizza stone.” She rambled, looking around the room. Zack’s serious face turned into a smile and he began laughing hysterically. “How drunk are you right now?” “I’m not drunk!” Peyton slurred. “I just can’t find my pizza stone!” “Baby, go sit down on the stool and I’ll make the pizza for you.” Zack chuckled, pointing to the stool beside the back door. The brunette huffed but did what her husband asked, scoffing as he went to the exact cupboard the pizza stone was in. “You mother fuckers tricked me.” She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. Zack got the pizza in the oven and set a timer, then helped Brian put all the pots back into the cupboard. Once they were finished, Zack turned around and noticed his wife was sound asleep, sitting in the stool with most of her body leaning against the wall. “More pizza for me.” Brian shrugged before walking out of the room. Zack chuckled softly before picking his wife up bridal-style and carrying her upstairs to bed. Once he stumbled his way into their bedroom, he took off her shoes and dress before covering her up and placing a trash can on the floor beside her, knowing she will most likely need it later. Once he made sure she was still asleep, he walked back downstairs and made sure his friends had somewhere to sleep, and that Brian had taken the pizza out of the oven, before going back upstairs and crawling into bed with his wife.
Notes
Okay so this chapter is just a random filler but I felt like they needed to have fun. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I’ve updated, August was a shitty month for my family. My stepmom was diagnosed with lung cancer and I’m still struggling with it to be honest. Hopefully I’ll be back before too long with another update and some Gena drama!
Oh Veng... I'm so sorry, honey <3 I only hope writing can bring you some relief, and maybe a little smile xxox
2/15/19