The Surprise

chapter six

Tiffany

I ’m on a high as I pull into my driveway. I called the restaurant, and the reservations are set for 8 o’clock. I had more than enough time to get myself ready in case Marcus didn’t have plans.

I quickly climb out of the car and make my way into the house. Instead of making myself known in the semi quiet home, I follow the sound of voices.

“You’re playing around,” Jason, one of Marcus’s old work buddies says. “But I’m telling you, this guy isn’t anything to mess with.”

“Man, I’m from the hood. I’ve been around real shooters and gangsters. I ain’t scared of no fake mobster.”

“You’re not listening. This Saint guy is legit. If you don’t—"

I step into the living room and the conversation stops immediately. Taking in the scene, I notice the tv is on low and a basketball game is playing. Marcus is on the chair near the wall and Jason is on the couch. They look tense.

“Everything alright?” I ask.

Marcus smiles at me, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Hey baby.”

“I’m going to get out of here. Just remember what I said,” Jason says as he stands. “See you later, Tiff.”

I wave bye to Jason as he heads out the door. When Marcus and I are alone again, we silently stare at each other.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” At this point it can either be happy birthday or whatever bullshit he’s gotten himself into.

“No, why?”

Shaking my head, I turn and head into the bedroom. “Whatever, Marcus.”

We’ve been together nearly ten years and not once have we ever forgotten birthdays or anniversaries. At this point, I don’t know what else to do to fix us. So much between us has changed to the point that he doesn’t even remember my birthday.

After taking a quick shower, I sit on the foot of my bed and lotion up. Marcus walks into the room, looking down at his watch.

“I’m heading out,” he says before looking at me. His brows dip. “Where are you going?”

Rolling my eyes, I sigh. “Out for my birthday.”

His eyes widen and he walks further into the room. “Shit. Baby, I’m sorry. It completely slipped my mind. I’ll make it up to you this weekend.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I say holding up a hand to stop him. “I’m heading to La Cherie. I have reservations.” Standing, I drop my towel showcasing my black lacy bra and panty set.

“La Cherie?” Marcus echoes.

“Yeah, Nico got me reservations for my birthday,” I call over my shoulder as I slip the royal blue wrap dress over my head.

“Who the fuck is Nico?”

“Mr. Basille.”

“Your Boss?”

I turn to look at him as I pull my braids up to the crown of my head and wrap them in a bun.

“Well technically he isn’t my Boss…”

“Fuck that. Why is that man getting my girl dinner reservations?”

Crossing my arms over my chest I glare at him. “Because it’s my birthday and he actually remembered.”

Marcus rolls his eyes. “I got a lot of shit on my mind. I told you I’ll take you out this weekend.”

“That’s fine, but my birthday is tonight so I’m going to La Cherie.” I’m going with Mira, but I keep that information to myself. He deserves to sweat a little bit.

“Oh yeah, and who the fuck is paying for that? We don’t have the money.”

I scoff. Now he’s worried about money.

“He already took care of it.”

I know I’m being a bitch. And initially I had planned to ask Marcus if he wanted to come with me and tell him it was a gift card or something. However, fuck it.

The room is silent as we continue to glare at each other. I hate the people we’ve turned into. I don’t want to argue and fuss about money and things like this, but it seems that’s all we do lately.

Sadly, this is the most attention I’ve got from him in the last few months. Part of me want to keep him in suspense and make him think that there is another man ready to take his spot. However, I don’t want us to be this way. I don’t want to resort to using petty tactics to get him to spend time with me.

Letting out a deep breath, some of the fight leaves my body.

“Look, it’s nothing to worry about. Mr. Basille is just my boss. Mira’s going out with me.”

Marcus continues to stare at me, his head tilted to the side. Finally, he looks away, his gaze cutting to the wall over my head.

“Do what you want.” He spins around and storms out of the room.

Seconds later the front door slams leaving me feeling like crap. I glance at the heels on my floor and shake my head. I no longer feel like celebrating tonight. However, I’d feel bad if I let Nico’s reservations go to waste. I guess I have to go.