Surprise

Part 2

I made my way to the bathroom and started the shower. I was still getting used to the new features and as usual, I set the water too hot. I got in and tried to adjust it. "Sorry. Still getting used to this." I shrugged. "We could have a party or go out to dinner."

"Let's just go out." I stepped back from the water. "Still too hot." I laughed and adjusted the water down just a touch more. "Try that." I put my hand in the spray. It was hot still, but I could manage it.

"That's all you want to do for your 30th? Do you want to invite some friends and family to go out with us? What can I get you?" I stepped back under the water and started washing.

"I love my family and the closer we can be, the better. I guess. I don't know. I'm not complicated. 30 is just a number."

"Alright. We'll figure it out." I was going to do my best to plan something fun for him. I had 4 days without him to do it. I wanted him to have the best birthday ever. "What songs do you have planned to do at the clinic?"

"For me? "Full Moon" for sure. They have requested and paid for "Standing By". I won't know what other choices the choirs have made until I get there." I went ahead and started washing as time was running out.

"I love what you do for the kids." I sighed and finished washing my body and hair. I was admittedly distracted by thoughts of his birthday, that our normal shower routine went right out of my head. "Will the concert be recorded?"

"Not likely. Some of the kids' family and friends and some of the fans that make it there likely will, but no. It will not be officially recorded. Sorry." I finished washing and rinsed grateful for the multiple showerheads in our new shower. I rinsed my hair but didn't wash it and wrung it out. "Okay. I'm done." I stole a kiss and slipped out of the shower. I looked at the clock and tried not to freak out. I dried hastily wrapped the towel around my waist and headed to the bedroom. Luckily I keep a bag packed. I just needed to check it. I zipped back into the bathroom, and grabbed my toiletries bag, checked it, and chucked it on the bed as I dropped my towel and grabbed my travel clothes. "Gah. Hate this."

I tried to stay mostly out of his way as I dried off and got dressed. I sat on the end of the bed and watched him. "I'm sorry. Are you taking an uber?"

"Oh! Shit. Um. I can leave my car there, or do you want to drive me?"

I smiled. "I would love to take you. I will meet you downstairs." I headed downstairs and slipped into some shoes and grabbed my purse, phone, and keys. I would run through some drive-thru to grab him something to eat on the way.

"Sweet. Sorry. Not usually a mess like this before a trip. I was trying to think of any excuse not to go, but that is very wrong of me." I laughed at myself grabbed my stuff and followed her downstairs. I slipped on my shoes at the door. I'd buy anything I needed if I had forgotten it. "I'm ready. Whataburger for breakfast?"

"Sounds great." The trips to breakfast and then to the airport were uneventful. We chatted easily and laughed a lot. I walked him as close to his gate as I could get.

"Well, I guess this is it for now. I'll see you when I get home?"

I bit my lip, wiped my eyes, and sniffled. I always cried a little when he left. I couldn't help it. "Yeah. Send me your flight info so I can come to get you. I love you. Call when you can, please?"

"I'll call you as soon as they let me turn my phone back on." I pulled her into a hug that I almost didn't let go of and did a much better job of hiding my tears. "I love you. I'll be home before you know it." I kissed the top of her head, having already spent the morning saying 'I love you and I'll see you later' while we were in bed, and turned to head through the security fast lane.

I smiled and waved and watched until I couldn't see him anymore. I collected myself and headed back to the car and back home to call Marisa or Brad or both to get started on his birthday plans. I ended up calling them hands-free and talking to both of them while I was stuck in traffic. I called Marisa first. We spoke briefly before I asked if I could conference Brad in. She laughed and told me to go ahead. I added Brad in and asked them both for help with ideas for Avi's birthday. Marissa spoke up first.

"We definitely need to do something fun for his 30th." Brad agreed and the three of us started throwing out ideas.

"He is going to kill us, you realize that, right?" Brad interjected.

"Nah. We can blame it all on me and he won't get mad at me," I answered easily. After some brief deliberation, we decided on throwing a surprise party at our house for him on his actual birthday.

"Anything you need help with, just let me know, sweetie." Marissa offered.

"I definitely will. Thank you love."

"I can keep Avi busy, you know that." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"I know you can." I wished them both well and hung up as I pulled back into the driveway. I had lists to make, plans to get in place, and cleaning to do. Just as I was getting in the house, my phone rang and it was Esther. "Hey, Esther, what's up?"