“Me too! Luckily, I know of this new Italian place that opened up. We should go there.”
I opened the door for Livvie and she gave me a kiss on the cheek before she got inside. I slid behind the wheel, and as I put the vehicle in gear to leave the parking lot, Livvie’s hand was already on my thigh. She explained where to go while her fingers gently stroked me.
“Thank you, Kitten,” I whispered.
“You’re welcome, Sexy. Are you enjoying your birthday?”
“Immensely. I think tomorrow I’m going to try and find that arcade game.” Retirement had opened me up to new hobbies. I discovered I really like video games.
“Men,” Livvie scoffed. “You better not start ignoring me.” She was pouting, but her heart wasn’t in it.
“You’re the one who encouraged me to get a PlayStation. I’m not the only bad influence in this vehicle.” I casually put my hand on top of hers and held it the twenty minutes it took to get to the restaurant. When we arrived, I realized Livvie had lied to me about spending the entire day alone. Claudia and Rubio were already waiting to be seated. They held bags in their hands.
Claudia appeared giddy, and after hugging Livvie, she tossed herself at me.
“Happy birthday!” She planted a kiss on each of my cheeks. I begrudgingly returned the embrace and the kisses. Claudia is a good friend, and though I hate to admit it, I’d do most anything for her and Rubio.
Rubio shook my hand and wished me a happy birthday. He was wearing a pink shirt with grey pinstripes beneath a dark grey sweater and black slacks. It wasn’t bad actually—for a moment he had me contemplating pink. Then I realized the shade matched the summer dress Claudia was wearing and I scrapped the idea. Livvie and I will never wear matching outfits. No!
“There is a fair in town. Claudia and I are going after dinner. You’re welcome to come with us if you don’t have other plans,” Rubio said on the way to our table.
I looked ahead at Livvie, who was busy gabbing with Claudia about beating me at go-kart racing. She conveniently didn’t supply the results of our shooting spree or mini-golf tournament. I smirked.
“We’ll probably head home after dinner. I have one last gift waiting for me and I’m eager to open it.”
Rubio blushed.
“I… yeah, ok.” I nudged him with my shoulder and we laughed.
We ordered appetizers and salad since no one was particularly hungry. The restaurant was quaint and quiet. Most likely it was owned and operated by a single family. The food tasted homemade and was delicious. I almost wished I hadn’t eaten so much pizza earlier, but it was difficult to regret any part of the day I’d had.
“Is it time for gifts? I’m so excited!” Claudia clapped her hands.
“I had to buy her that dress earlier. She always wants a present when someone else is getting one.” Rubio laughed and kissed Claudia’s bare shoulder. She didn’t have the decency to look embarrassed and I found myself enjoying that aspect of her personality the best. With Claudia, what you saw was the truth. It’s more than I could say about most.
“Do you want to open presents?” Livvie asked. She wriggled her eyebrows at me.
“I suppose.” I feigned disinterest.
Claudia shoved her gift toward me first. It was a slender box and weighed practically nothing, but Claudia was nearly bursting with held laughter and excitement. I was instantly suspicious. Especially when she said to Livvie, “You have to make him wear it.”
I tore away the paper and lifted the lid off of the box. I stared and stared and stared some more.
“What the hell is this?” I laughed. I shook the box and two plastic eyes wiggled around.
“Take it out,” Livvie suggested. She had her hand over her mouth to hide her grin.
I obliged the group and regretted it. I had to smile though. It was funny and just the right touch of embarrassing. It was underwear.
“I assume I’m supposed to put my um… in the trunk of the elephant? Very clever. Rubio, do you also have a pair?” I tossed them onto his lap and he picked them up between thumb and forefinger. He slung them back at me.
“Sorry, friend. I don’t do animal prints.” We all laughed.
I received a new video game featuring the Mario Brothers from Rubio. I didn’t know much about the game at the time, but let me assure you that many a day has been spent acquainting myself with the famous plumbers since.
“I’ll be right back,” Livvie said as she stood. “Claudia has my present for you. Open it.” She kissed me and walked away before I could ask where she was going.