Company, Westend- a novel..isation?

Act 1 Scene 1 Part 2.

A surprise party, huh? Aren't I a shit friend... 

Going out drinking with my work pals until stupid o'clock and missing my friends- my crazy, insane, nutty, out of their mind friends when they come to see me..?

I wonder how it would've played out..

Now lets see..

I'd arrive through the door- and there they'd be; standing. Expectantly. Waiting for me.

I'd be expected to say something... Like-

"My birthday! It's my birthday! Did you know you had me scared to death?! I was just about to run out!" This would reassure them that the surprise had been a success- along with my exstatic and wide smile.

"I was!" Just to double-reassure them! "I mean- I didn't know!" This little line gets anyone (cough cough Jamie cough cough) off the hook for potentially maybe possibly letting the metaphorical cat out of the metaphorical party-bag.

"I mean, what kind of friends would surprise you on your thirty fifth birthday?! Mine!" This makes them feel good about themself. Man, what a suck up I am.

"Then again- how many times do you get to be thirty five? Eleven?" And to make 'em laugh, some classic Bobbie humour. Perfect.

Now... 

"Okay, come on. Say it and get it over with!" I would only half joke. "It's embarrassing!" It is. "Quick! I can't stand it!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOBBIE!" They'd chorus in union.

Unsurprisingly, i would mutter "I stood it!".. Then..

"Thank you for including me in your thoughts.." too deeply "your lives..." constantly "and your families." unneccasarily.

"Yes, thank you for remembering.. Thank you." And just.. A little hollow sincereity.. To keep 'em ticking.

"YOU DON'T LOOK IT!" They'd assure.

"Well, i feel it!" I'd retort; smile unwavering.

"IT'S THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!" They'd coo.

"I see you've rehearsed." Which shouldn't come as a shock... I know my damn friends at this point.

"Very good, I am touched." Because.. I should be, right?

"I love it when people are really surprised!" Susan would chortle, smiling at me sweetly.

"Susan LOVES it when people are really surprised!" Is there an echo in here?? No, it's just sweet, loyal, supportive Peter.. He's the model husband, I'll tell you that!

A brightly wrapped present would be shoved in my face by Sarah.

"If you don't like it, you can take it back!" Classic Sarah.. It happens every year so i wouldn't be surprised.

"Well, i haven't even seen it yet!" I'd reassure, reaching for it.

"I mean it though-" She'd pull it back "if you don't like it-"

Harry would sigh and nudge her a bit "Why don't you wait until she looks at the thing-"

"I know i'll like it!" I join this little positive chain.. Just give me the damn present and let's keep this supply line going, people.

"Why don't you just take it back!" Susan insists with a bright smile.

"For God's sake, she just said she likes it!" Harry's voice would raise- not in anger, but in annoyance. In exhaustion. I feel sorry for him- truly, i do. Sarah's lovely.. just.. full on.