"If either of you even consider doing anything for my birthday then not only will you be my new least favourite person behind my ex husband but I will also make sure you live to regret it." Jean warned as James went to hand her a card.
"Ma'am it's a big one, you can't not celebrate your 40th birthday." James tried knowing full well that they had a surprise party planned.
"Thank you James but I don't need reminding of my age and I certainly don't want anyone else knowing."
"Oh you know what they say ma'am, life begins at 40." Robbie interrupted.
"It may well do but no one else needs to know that I'm 40." Robbie had now left after checking his watch.
"Happy birthday baby." James said softly before kissing her, having made sure that no one could see them from where they were stood.
"I meant it James, no fuss or else." Jean told him but kissed him again anyway.
"At least let me make a fuss of you later when we're at home."
"We'll see, I just want a normal day and to forget it's my birthday."
"I can't make any promises, you deserve to be spoilt."
"You spoil me everyday, can't we just do normal levels of spoiling me."
"Maybe."
"James, I didn't expect you so soon." Jean said as she answered the door to him.
"Yeah well I thought we could go for a drink."
"James we have to be careful when going out or people may suss what's going on."
"If anyone asks we're out as friends, but no one will." James told her, he needed to find a way to get Jean to the pub where the surprise party was taking place and so far it was proving harder than the thought it would be.
"Fine, a quiet drink and then home."
"I can agree to that."
"James, I'm just nipping to the loo, you know what I drink."
"Okay." He smiled as Jean walked away. "Okay everyone she's here so hide and when you see her walk in jump out and shout surprise."
"James she's going to kill us." Robbie told him.
"Well she'll have to wait until after the party and I was hoping by that point she may be too drunk or have enjoyed herself too much. Anyway go and hide."
Everyone was hidden, and it was just as well as Jean walked back into the pub.
"Why is no one here?" Jean asked as she walked back in and took the drink James had got her.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone shouted as they jumped out, scaring Jean slightly. She looked mortified as she looked between James and Robbie.
Soon enough drinks were flowing and everyone was on their way to becoming well and truly drunk.
"Enjoying yourself?" James asked as Jean found her way back to James.
"Yes thank you but if you told anyone how old I am I will kill you." Jean slurred as she giggled.
"I didn't don't worry."