AN- Looks like there's a lot more chapters in this story than I had originally anticipated…but you all seem to like it, so what the hell? I'll continue until I get bored! (I know an ending…but I really want to drag the story out…so there) well I hope you all enjoy chapter 33! R&R!
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Collins' party grew closer and closer until the day of the party was finally there. Tom still had no idea of the plans to surprise him- he was convinced that Jesse was taking him out to dinner at the Life Café- just Jesse and him. To keep Tom busy for the day, left the decorating and other party details to Mark, Roger, Mimi, Gwen and both Joanne and Maureen.
The group was gathered at the Life Café, discussing last minute things for the party. Maureen had taken a seat on Mark between Mark and Gwen, which thoroughly annoyed Joanne. She shot Maureen dirty looks every time Maureen scooted close to Mark. Gwen had her eye on Maureen as well, purposely telling Mark that she loved him in front of Maureen. Mimi sat on Roger's lap- she forgave him for being an asshole that night when he came home late.
"So Annette is cooking for the party now?" Mimi asked.
"Yeah…she said she wanted someone to help her though…any volunteers?" Mark glanced around.
"I'll do it." Joanne said, staring at Maureen, whose hand had found its way to Mark's leg. Joanne got up and walked into the kitchen.
"Ok…" Mark watched Joanne walk off. He moved his leg in hopes of Maureen removing her hand. No success. "Uh…Maureen why don't you and Mimi go to the store to pick up the balloons…they should be ready by now…"
Mimi smiled and got off Roger's lap. "Sounds like fun! C'mon Maureen!"
Maureen glared at Mark and got up. "Yeah…we can get lattes while we're out too!" Maureen and Mimi left the restaurant.
Mark scooted close to Gwen and put his arm around her. "Roger, you have the guest list right? How many people are coming?" He asked.
Roger pulled out a piece of paper and looked at it. "I think everyone who was invited is coming…" He said glancing over the people's names. "Forty-eight."
"Wow!" Gwen exclaimed. "He has a lot of friends…"
"He's a great guy…of course he does." Roger rolled his eyes and laughed. "I hope tonight goes off well…hey what about the cake?"
Mark's jaw dropped. "Uh…well…" He looked at Gwen. "Did you order the cake honey?"
She shook her head. "You never told me to." She said apologetically.
Mark covered his face. "Shit shit shit shit shit…." He said over and over, his eyes brimming with tears.
Gwen put her arm around him. "Honey…" She rubbed his back. "Calm down sweetie. We can get a cake…Roger will go pick one up at the Food Emporium…"
"I can't." Roger said frowning. "Remember, I'm in charge of decorating setting ALL the tables."
"Damn." Gwen thought for a moment. "We have to call Jesse."
Mark sniffled. "But…"
"Mark Cohen you listen to me right now!" Gwen said sternly. "We either call Jesse and get a cake…or Collins doesn't get a cake at all…you choose."
Mark sighed, defeated. "Fine…call him."
Gwen smiled. "Okie dokie!" She got up and bopped over to the phone and picked up the receiver. She dialed quickly. The other end rang twice before the familiar SPPPPEEEEAAAAKKKKKK came on. "Jesse? Are you there? It's Gwen…" The other end picked up.
"Gwen? It's Jesse…what's wrong?"
"Jesse…we have a major problem." Gwen said calmly.
"What?"
"We never ordered a cake." Gwen whispered.
"You have GOT to be kidding me. Well I'll call the bakery and see if they can whip up a quick cake and have it delivered…"
"You're a life saver hun! I'll see you tonight!" Gwen hung up and looked over at Mark. "Jesse's gonna call the bakery and have then whip up a really quick cake for us."
Mark sighed loudly. "Well then I guess that's settled...Roger can I trust you to look over the restaurant while Gwen and I run to pick up Tom's present?"
Roger folded his arms. "I'm not sure if you should trust me to do that…but whatever…" He smirked. "Nah I'm just fuckin' with you I'll watch it. What did you get for Collins?"
"That's a surprise…only Mark and I know what it is…and no one is going to find out what it is until tonight." Gwen said grinning. "Well Roger we'll see you in a bit! Toodles!" Gwen grabbed Mark's arm and dragged him out of the café.
Roger shook his head. "Now I'm going to have my own party!" He pulled a joint out of his pocket and lit it up. He took a long drag of it. "Happy Birthday Thomas!"
