A Birthday Surprise
When I got to work the next morning, Caitlyn came to talk to me right away. We spent a bit apologizing to each other, ensuring each other that apologies weren’t necessary, then apologizing for the earlier apology. It went on like that for an hour, at which point the robot’s clock must have kicked in, and it interrupted us with a cheerfully beeped “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEANETTE.”
My what now?
OHMIGOSH
How did I forget my birthday?
“How did you forget your birthday?” Caitlyn asked. I couldn’t explain it.
“Stuff! I was busy and … things.”
“That’s okay!” she smiled. “I booked us seats at Chez Llama, we head over after work.”
But when we got there, all they had was two separate tables, for five of us. I was surprised to see Kimberly and Sergio, but they both gave their birthday wishes, and I think we were all going to be fine. Skylar arrived as well, and it was great to see her looking so good after childbirth. Which must have happened…. yesterday?
It was weird to have Caitlyn sitting alone, but she assured me she was fine.
“I get to talk to you every day at work,” she reminded me. “This is time to hang out with your friends!”
I guess. She was close enough to carry on conversation, so it worked out.
After dinner, and several glasses of wine, the waitress brought out the cake. I silently wished Aiden could have made it, and blew out the candles.
Apparently Skylar can play the trumpet. Where was she keeping that?
The waitress came by with a steaming hot tray of more wine.
The cake was amazing, the wine great, and the friends fantastic. It was a wonderful night out, I couldn’t thank Caitlyn enough for organizing it.
Sergio even stuck around long enough to help pay for dinner, even though Caitlyn argued that she had it. We said our good nights, and they all wished me the best for the next year.
Late into the night, I trundled home. Next year? Good grief. So this is 30, eh? All adult, apparently.
Time to get on with life, I suppose.
But first – of course – wine.
The DJ was fantastic tonight. None of my usual friends showed up, but I had a good time with those who were here. I headed back to the bar for another drink, to find that there’d been a shift change during my workout on the dance floor. And that’s when I met….
I’m glad I did. I’ll call Aiden, but I really needed to get out and jump with my friends. Caitlyn was at the Ruins, and was I happy to see her.
He eventually gave up.
Most of the original group had given up by that time as well. Caitrin was getting a second wind after a nap, and her friend Carla came down to join us. Carla seemed like a good sort, and we got along well right away. I think she needed to get out for a fun night.
I got in line to book a table, and the place started filling up.
I mean, it’s like everyone arrived at the restaurant at exactly the same time. Odd.
Anyway, we ordered and had a good chat. Maybe, Serge isn’t such a twerp after all.
I was telling Sergio about my day at the lab, explaining a little bit about my latest experiments, when he stood up suddenly.
“I mean, I um… I need to…”
Tuesday morning, in my new kitchen! I couldn’t be happ… well, yeah I could happier, but it’s still fantastic. The stove is a used piece of junk, but it works. The fridge smells like old cheese and dead raccoons, but … well, it’s colder than outside. I was sure enjoying dining out, so this whole “cooking my own food” thing will take some getting used to. But, I did always love mom’s grilled cheese, so…
No no… It’s a perfectly safe artificial food supplement. The boss said to test it.
Tee hee.
Well, it worked perfectly. Meagan spent the remainder of the day mad as hell, and couldn’t really figure out why. And she broke another computer.
I can’t decide if they like the work I’m doing so well, and they think I enjoy it so much, that I should have one to play with, or they think I *really* need to practice more. Either way…. Fun With Chemicals!
The raise also allowed me to purchase a small POS computer, which should really help with my gaming. WORK. With my work, and studying and whatever. Yeah. But, then I got a call from my old friend Serge, talking all excited about a fantastic dance party going on. I calmed him down, and we headed out.
Dinner was another quick grilled cheese, and this one was far better than my first. Mom would be proud.
You know… just before bed, let’s see if this …
Eh… whatever. It’s a place to sleep.
An early morning run…
Followed by a shower – I think I broke it.
I arrived at FutureSim Labs, and was greated by Caitlyn Paynter, who showed me around the place.
Hanging with the coworkers, Summer Holiday and Caitlyn Paynter.
Time for some much-needed coffee, and a sandwich. My energy was waning, but this will keep me going until the end of the day.
Home! After a great day of hard work, along with two startling breakthroughs at the lab, they promoted me to Apprentice Inventor.
The library seems to be a great place to meet people. Eventually though, it was getting dark. Time to head back to the spa to see if I can get some sleep.
My second home, apparently. But that’s when I met …
This guy. Said his name was Sergio Romeo. Of course it is. I tried lying down to sleep, but he pushed me aside, turned on the tv, and started talking. AND started talking. WHILE watching tv.
Seriously dude, I’m just trying to …
Serge… come on man…
I think old Serge is finally getting the idea.
Ahh. Thank you. It’s almost midnight, and I have to go to work in the morning. I’m really hoping that coffee does it’s job tomorrow too.