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Don’t do it. Keep your mouth shut. It’s a surprise, damnit.
“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be great.”
Before I slip, I head to the locker room to change into my gym shorts and t-shirt. Raquel has made it clear that we are to be there right after our shift. It makes sense she brought him to work, so she is able to control when he gets to the diner. Smart move.
“I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”
She is outside waiting for Jeremy. I wave and she replies with a smile. I think it’s nice of her to do this for him. It’s been a hard year for him after losing his father to Alzheimer’s, but Raquel has been by his side every step of the way. He is truly lucky to have her.
I pull out of the parking lot, and head straight for the diner. It’s Damon’s job to text her once everyone is there. Does Jeremy like surprises? If it were me, I’d pass. They just aren’t my thing.
Traffic isn’t bad, and I make it to the diner in under five minutes, but it still appears empty. I must be the first one here. The bell chimes above me as I open the door, and Darlene greets me.
“I’ve got everything set up. Jeremy still in the dark?” she asks.
I nod, and walk through the diner. There are streamers and a huge Happy Birthday banner hanging on the wall. Jeremy and his father used to call in an order every Sunday, and he has many happy memories here. I think it’s sweet Raquel chose here for his celebration. Even though he can’t be here in person, it’s the perfect venue. A very nice gesture, indeed.
Damon and Tristan walk in and admire the decorations.
“She is really going all out, ain’t she?” Tristan says.
He walks over and gives me a handshake before sitting down. It takes about fifteen minutes for everyone else to show up and Damon shoots her a text that we are all set.
“She’s been stalling him. Filled the car up with gas, and stopped at the store to grab milk. She is hilarious. I really do think they are perfect for each other, don’t you?” Damon says.
“They are happy, that’s what counts. Even after the depression hit, she stood by him, and that speaks volumes to her character and loyalty. She’s a keeper,” I reply.
Raquel’s car pulls right up to the curb and everyone crouches down so they don’t spot us. Darlene acts like nothing is happening, and is wiping down the counters. How is he going to react?
“Fuck, did he see us?” Tristan says.
“I don’t think so,” Damon replies.
The bell above the door sings and we all jump up and yell. “Surprise!”
Jeremy jumps out of his skin. Raquel achieved the ultimate surprise, but the cracking of his knuckles signals he isn’t too thrilled. Yet, he plays it off.
“Wow. Thanks guys!”
Everyone sits down, and Darlene makes her way around to get everyone’s drink orders. She is going to make a killing tonight from this group. This is her second job to help her pay her children’s college tuition. She’s been here forever.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had to drop off Emily with the babysitter,” Tessa says, struggling to get into the booth next to Damon.
She amazes me. From behind, you wouldn’t even be able to tell she’s pregnant. That girl is all belly. Damon has been nervous, and questioning whether he is ready, but we have all seen him with Emily. Damon is going to be a great father. I wish I had as much patience as he does. No matter how prepared you are for having a child, doubt will always be there for the first one. It changes your whole world for the better. He’s got this #1 dad thing in the bag.
“I swear if I get any bigger, we will have to buy a bigger car.”
He plants a kiss on her lips, and then snuggles into her. They have a strong relationship. No one planned on him finding someone after losing his wife to cancer. He was a fucking mess, but along came Tessa.
“By the way, the crib didn’t come today. I called, and they said it’ll be next week. What if I have this baby before it gets here?”
Damon rubs her arm, and kisses her cheek. “Baby, we have two months left. There’s plenty of time. Don’t stress about it.”
There is some silence around the table, and so I bring up practice.
“Emily did great yesterday. She has one heck of an arm. You might think about grooming her to be a pitcher. If you start now, she’ll be amazing once she reaches twelve and up.”
They make eye contact and nod. “Actually, that’s exactly what we were thinking. And thanks again for volunteering to coach. She would have been bummed if they had to forfeit the season.”
