Happy Birthday, Dear Alex
Disclaimer: All Dick's, not mine.
A/N – The story ideas you get when you're just randomly talking about things you hate. Well, R&R, and I hope y'all enjoy.
Alex Eames watched the streetlights go by as she and her partner, Bobby Goren, drove through the cool, autumn dusk. Today was her birthday, and Bobby insisted on taking her out to celebrate. She thought back to the discussion they had three hours previous, in which he finally convinced her to come out and play.
"Eames, it's your birthday," Bobby pointed out. He stood in her doorway, still in a white button down shirt and dress pants. She stared at him, standing in slipper socks and sweats, her hair scraped back into a ponytail.
"Well, thank you, Captain Obvious," Alex replied sarcastically before moving into the living room, back to her Bailey's spiked hot chocolate and all three seasons of "Arrested Development". Bobby followed her, standing in front of the eye of the DVD player, preventing Alex from pressing play.
"I don't want to go home knowing it's your birthday and you're just sitting here watching cancelled TV shows. Let me take you out. We can go get dinner somewhere, hang out for a little bit," Bobby pleaded. Alex wouldn't budge. He sat down next to her, regretting having to bring this up, but he really wanted her to have a nice birthday. "I know you haven't done anything for yourself since, since the kidnapping." Alex glared at him, then softened when she saw his face. "I want to do this for you. Please let me." Bobby held his breath, watching her debate it in her head. She turned to him then, handing him her mug of boozy, chocolaty goodness.
"Don't let this go to waste; I'm going to take a shower. You've got yourself a deal, Goren." Alex stood up and walked back to her bedroom to get ready. Now she was in his car, dressed in a baby pink cashmere sweater, black pinstripe pencil skirt and some heels, driving into the country, and she was getting hungry. "Bobby, not to be a nag, but you promised dinner," Alex said, looking over at her partner. Bobby looked at her amused.
"I know, and we'll eat. We're going someplace special, though." He chuckled as Alex rolled her eyes in jest at him. He was thrilled she had agreed to come out; she deserved to be treated special, and not just on her birthday. They drove for a while longer, finally reaching their destination. Bobby looked at Alex to judge her reaction. "The Traphagen Restaurant. It's beautiful inside. Mike and I will drive here just for the tap room." Alex looked at him, stunned.
"Bobby, this is beautiful," Alex whispered. He smiled at her and walked around to her side of the car, opening her door for her. Alex took his hand and stepped out of the vehicle. But they didn't walk inside. "Are we eating in the parking lot?" Alex joked. Bobby shook his head.
"No, just waiting for someone." The words were barely out of her mouth when Alex caught the sight of Mike walking across the parking lot towards them…with Carolyn. Bobby followed her gaze, turning. Mike ambled on over, picking Alex up and spinning her.
"Happy birthday, kiddo," Mike greeted her, kissing her on the cheek. Carolyn jumped up and down, finally enveloping her friend into a bear hug.
"Happy birthday, babe," Carolyn exclaimed, stepping back to check out her friend. "You look great in that skirt…" Carolyn and Alex walked ahead, talking rapidly, catching up. Mike nudged Bobby as they followed behind them.
"How has she been doing? We don't get to talk too much anymore," Mike said motioning towards Alex. Bobby shrugged, a small smile on his lips.
"She's been okay, considering the circumstances. How's Carolyn doing?" Bobby nudged Mike knowingly. Mike grinned, raising his eyebrow.
"Well, Goren, I haven't the faintest idea of what you're talking about. You ready for the performance?" Mike and Bobby held the doors open for Alex and Carolyn, who were oblivious to the conversation between the two men. Bobby nodded, but deep down he was a nervous wreck.