Page 18 of Game Changer

“Ok, fine. I probably wouldn’t, but if you annoy me enough, I just might.”

AJ had managed to set up a few surprises for her upcoming birthday and was feeling secure about their future together. He believed he wanted to be with her, though he knew there was an “unknown” about an in-person relationship you couldn’t really gauge over the internet. He was as certain as he could be about her, considering their situation.

“You have plans for your birthday?”

Subtle.

“You know I don’t really like my birthday,” she replied, crunching popcorn. “That said, Aoife won’t let it pass without marking it somehow. She mentioned karaoke last week. I don’t really think that’s her smartest idea.”

“That’s what good friends are for. Just make sure she records some of it for me.”

“No chance. I’ve booked Thursday off work, though. I’m not making that mistake again. And I’ll probably call in ‘sick’ to uni on Friday. I couldn’t function last year. I’m learning from my past self.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. You’re still working Wednesday?”

“Yeah, uni Monday and Tuesday, work Wednesday and then hungover ‘til Sunday night when I panic about my assignment due in on Monday that I’ve barely started. You’d think that would encourage me to do it before the drunken debauchery on Wednesday night. But it won’t.”

“That’s my girl. Why break the habit of a lifetime?”

“Exactly.”

***

Lisa: Someone sent me an embarrassingly large bouquet of flowers to work. Any idea who that might have been?

AJ: New phone, who dis?

Lisa: Maybe I have an admirer! You might have competition, Pim!

AJ: I probably have a ton of competition, Miss Millar. You’re an amazing woman – and I’m not just saying that ‘cause it’s your birthday.

Lisa: You’re making me blush. But don’t worry, I have this HUGE bunch of flowers to hide behind. Thank you, Pim. It’s made my day.

AJ: You’re welcome. I just wish I was there to spoil you like you deserve.

Lisa: Someday, right?

AJ: Someday.

***

“Are you day drinking?”

Jeremy’s voice disrupted AJ’s train of thought. AJ had found a quiet spot on a bench between classes and was picking at his lunch. He squinted in the direction of the voice, “That would be a yes.” He raised his bottle and tipped it towards Jeremy.

“It’s my beautiful, unmarried, girlfriend’s birthday today, and I’m not there to celebrate with her. I wasn’t ready for how hard it would hit me. Thankfully, I had liquor at home to accompany me to class today.”

“You can’t let this beat you, Age. You’ve got to find a way to deal. I know it’s hard, and shit. But day drinking on campus isn’t the right way to work through it.”

“Done being sensible now?” AJ offered Jeremy the bottle.

“Yup. I’ve done my due diligence. Let’s get drunk.”

“Not too drunk though, I have to phone Lisa soon. She’ll be home from work and she’ll get my gift before she goes out.”

“I’d say you’re whipped, but it’s her birthday and you’re really just a soppy hoser. It’s kinda cute.”

***

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