he really wanted to surprise her for her birthday

her landlord lived in the house next door

he rapped on the landlords door and asked if shed let him into her place so he could decorate the livingroom  he held a birthday cake he made from scratch  lemon poppyseed powdersugared

My, you’re really going all out.

I am he knew hed hook herseal the deal with what he said next Shes been an absolute blessing to me

Oh, goodness she blushedreligiously a little She is a wonderful woman; certainly I’ll let you in.

Thank you so much I am so grateful Ill keep a piece of cake for you

You’re welcome. Cake, that would be wonderful, I’ll have it for dessert tomorrow. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

I appreciate your assist

she mused he saw it turn in her face

Assist Its a term used in sportshockey particularly passing the puck to a shooter who scores immediately An assist

Well, okay; I suppose I know more about hockey now than I ever have.

A fast sport Hand-eye coordination off the hook

You’re a fan?

If I could skate I would have played I didnt have the ankles for it so I ended up playing basketball instead but all my buddies in high school played They played on traveling teams two made semi-pro Id go around with them if I could get out of work  We had great fun

Which is a nice seque into decora . .

. . Yes  I apologise Didnt mean to get so enthused Im very excited this morning

Just give me a moment; I’ll get a key.

Thank you so much

he festooned the livingroom and adjoining diningroom he taped to the ceiling a crazy colourballooned centerpiece and from it like a thousand legged starfish or octopus he ran twisted strands of complimenting coloured crepe paper dangled reflective streamers from where the toes touched the ceiling joined the walls

he set beeswax candles to either side of the cake which he set on the diningtable  beside it he left a wrapped Canon lens she had talked of wanting no ribbonshe was a wrapper not a ribboner 

                                                                               unless when they hugged

he picked her up from work early for a drink and dinner and then they doubledback to her employment so she could collect her car

he backed her up against her front door and unlocking itkissing her as they entered she groped for the lightswitchshe wasnt fond of the dark  he saw the moonlight etch their happy embrace on the carpet

as the light came on he released her and she turned into the room What the hell? Oh what the hell?!

Happy birthday love

This is wonderfulabsolutely wonderful! she grabbed his face and kissed him  I never had a birthday party.

You have now for very select partygoers You anme

Oh gosh, Joe, this is gorgeous; I’m so happy! You’ve blown my mind, you make me feel like a little girl again.

Hallie youve made me feel like a little boy every day since we met . . the second time 

she laughed a bellylaugh  she didnt cover her mouth 

Happy birthday 

0511,  Twosday,  10  11. 20

1209,  Twosday,  17  11. 20

Fleetwood Mac  Show Me a Smile  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6nEogq7pRQ