Matched: A Tragedy.

A Birthday Surprise!

Tia looked beautiful in an electric blue, silk slip dress. Her long hair was out of twists and in a messy, full bun on her head with soft tendrils sticking out at her temples. Genetics, my liberal use of both oil and kisses combined to make her skin glisten underneath the city lights. She looked mesmerizing.

I was sure she'd added some glitter to her shoulders the way the artificial light made them sparkle. The inner muscles of her back rose and fell as we walked, making her movements hypnotic. She was truly a work of art.

She was already tired of me taking pictures in our apartment so I wouldn't pester her now. The photos would come later.

"How about we stop and grab a drink before the gallery?" I grabbed her hand in mine after she nodded. "This one up here," I pointed with both our hands and she smiled her agreement.

I hoped she didn't know but who was I kidding, I was terrible at secrets. I'd likely let it slip somehow.

I let her go in first and when she did, she was enveloped with cheers and a chorus of happy birthdays from our friends.

She was near tears after being surprised. "You did this!" She playfully punched me before I wrapped her in my arms.

"Happy birthday baby," I kissed her lips and she rocked in my arms, wrapping herself around my body. "Now let's get fucked up!" I laughed, before receiving cheers from our company.

We welcomed and thanked our friends, enjoyed the drinks and danced to the music before we were pulled into a conversation with Maxine and Ryan when Tia's face froze. I followed her gaze and found it stuck on a woman who had just entered the bar.

She wore an ox-blood, leather trench coat and matching boots. In her hands she carried a small gift bag. When her eyes landed on us, she smiled.

Her small frame was accentuated by the outfit she wore with the trench coat belt pulling her in at the waist. Her skin resembled coffee with too much creamer and her make-up was kept light to enhance her beauty.

It was clear she knew Tia but my wife's response showed her discomfort.

"What's wrong babe?" I asked before the woman approached us. She chose not to speak so we just ogled the woman who approached our quartet.

"Bobby?" She asked and her accent glued the pieces in.

It was Megan.

"Megan!" I tried to save face. "It's great to finally meet you. I'm happy you could make it." I stuck my hand out for her to shake it but Tia moved first.

"Where are my manners!" she reached out and hugged Megan who reciprocated the action.

"Happy birthday!" She handed Tia the box before gesturing to me. "Bobby invited me. I hope it's not too much of a shock." She had noticed our faces.

"How could it be," she looked at me and I smiled back. "The more the merrier as your people would say."

And then the five us sat in a specific awkwardness.

"Megan, it's lovely meeting you. I'm Maxine, Tia's best friend." Maxine was a tall, curvy white woman with blonde curls. Her partner, Ryan, was undeserving. "This is my boyfriend, Ryan." She offered and he waved.

Then more awkwardness as we all stood there. Before I could offer her a drink, Maxine took the lead.

"Can I show you where to put your coat?" Maxine asked and Megan eyes smiled before her lips did. "It's a beautiful jacket by the way." She waved her over and the two were off.

I turned to Tia then, "What's going on? Should I not have invited your new friend?" She shook her head but she was clearly affected. "Are you good, Tee?"