Birthday Surprise
Just before lunch, her boss, Richard Hawthorne, called her into his office.
Sarah Middleton, I have a bit of a delicate favour to ask, he began. I need you to represent our company in presenting a surprise to one of our clients. For various reasons, I cant make it myself this evening absolutely tied up and its not really something I could assign to the younger lot. It calls for someone with your poise: youre elegant, charming, and classically beautiful.
Sarah tried to hide her embarrassment. Oh, come off it. Why not send Jessica instead? Shes our office beauty the client would be positively thrilled!
Now, now, Sarah! When will you learn not to argue with management? Richard replied with mock sternness. In this case, youre the perfect person: you dont know all the ins and outs here, but I do, and trust me it has to be you. Pick up the gift from Jessica, then go home and freshen up do whatever you need to get yourself looking your absolute best. Youre going to be the face of our company tonight, so dress to the nines: dress, earrings, brooch, the works. Discuss your hair and makeup with Jessica shell ring Beauty Emporium and sort it all out, on the company, naturally. A car will collect you at eight sharp, take you to the restaurant, wait as long as you need, and then bring you home. All you have to do is hand over the present, offer your congratulations, and if you like, stay for a bit. Think of it as a personal favour for me.
Sarah left Richards office with mixed feelings. Who could this client be? Shed been with the company for years and knew every major partner worth celebrating. Still, why worry? The task was simple enough, and a complimentary trip to the salon was nothing to sniff at. She wasnt worried about any traps she knew Richard far too well for that; after all, they had weathered too much together to doubt him now.
Well, she thought, tonight Ill forget my age for once! Though truth be told, she didnt feel old at all fifty and a bit thats hardly ancient. Only six months ago, shed adamantly refused to throw a party for her milestone birthday. Her children and friends were quite put out; they all wanted an excuse to gather and celebrate. She wouldnt have it. Fifty? What kind of milestone is that? Thirty now thats worth a party! Young, beautiful, in the prime of life! Seventy thats a date worth noting too. Thats when you take stock and count your blessings you made it so far.
Meanwhile, Jessica, the perky young secretary, was on the phone to Beauty Emporium, confirming Sarahs appointment and checking with her for approval. She handed Sarah a beautifully wrapped, flat box, more like a presentation folder sealed in cellophane the gift. Jessica chirped away:
When you arrive at the restaurant, just ask for the organiser, and theyll look after you show you where to go, explain everything!
At exactly eight, Sarah was ready. She gazed at herself in the mirror, hardly recognising what she saw. Elegant, beautiful, captivating just like Richard said. The salon artists had worked their magic with a hairstyle that was precise yet light, effortless but perfectly polished.
Theyd given her a touch of make-up subtle, barely there, but just enough to highlight her eyes and lips. Her nails were perfectly manicured, neat and delicate, showing off her graceful hands. She pulled on her finest dress and gold diamond earrings a cherished reminder of happier days with her late husband, Michael.
She was determined to do her company proud and not let Richard down. Her phone buzzed the driver let her know the car was waiting. Sarah made her way outside, where a sleek black Mercedes with chrome accents was waiting like a panther. The smiling driver held the back door open, slid into his seat, and off they glided, the car parting the stunned silence of the elderly ladies on the bench and her neighbours in the playground.
Probably a new contract with the Ministry, and theyre hosting the minister, Sarah guessed. Though for such a big wig, surely Richard would have wanted to do this himself? She shrugged the thought away, quite content to simply enjoy the moment. The ride was smooth and confident, the scent of real leather in the air, a quiet background of gentle music playing.
They arrived. The driver stepped out, opened her door, and helped her out.
Ill be waiting for you in the car park. When youre ready to leave, just let the organiser know, and theyll fetch me.
Sarah entered the lobby and was immediately greeted by a poised lady in a smart suit.
Sarah Middleton? she smiled. Im Emily, the organiser. Please follow me, everyones waiting for you.
They ascended a short flight of stairs, moved along a corridor, and turned into a small anteroom. Emily smiled again.
Ill turn off the lights briefly before we head in. Dont worry, Ill be with you. Once the lights come up, youll see everything for yourself!
What exactly do I say? Who is the present for? I dont even know this birthday person!
Oh, you do! Emily grinned. Very well, in fact, you just havent realised yet! Theres nothing to worry about, itll all be wonderful!
Emily raised her phone to her ear: Are you ready? Were coming in! She took Sarahs hand, opened a door, and led her into a large room clearly a banquet hall. Almost without her noticing, Emily let go and melted into the shadows. Soft light began to glow, gradually brightening, allowing her eyes to adjust semi-darkness, a gentle glow, and finally crystal chandeliers lighting up the room.
Sarah found herself on a red carpet at the centre of the hall, right in front of a large table crowded with smartly dressed guests, all looking curiously at her. She searched for the birthday guest but couldnt spot them. Oddly, many faces seemed oddly familiar, even dear to her.
Suddenly, everyone stood up, applause broke out, and a small band played a flourish. Sarah was utterly confused: wasnt that Mary and Andrew? And surely that was Liz and was that Tom? It was! Why were her son and her oldest friend here? Did they know the guest of honour? And there was her daughter, Katie! What on earth was going on?
The music faded and the host a tall, silver-haired, charismatic man stood beside her, microphone in hand.
Dear Sarah Middleton! Were here tonight to celebrate your birthday with all your closest friends and family!
What do you mean, my birthday? Why mine? she stammered, bewildered.
Her children rushed up and led her to the table, poured her a small glass of brandy (her favourite), and started piling her plate high with treats.
What on earth is happening here? she finally blurted.
Dont fret, Mum, chirped Katie. We wanted to surprise you after all, you wouldnt have let us organise a thing otherwise, youd never have come, and certainly not prepared!
In that folder youre holding, Tom grinned, is a holiday voucher for two in Portugal. Take whoever you like its from all of us!
Oh, for heavens sake, children! Are you mad? What on earth possessed you to do this, and the expense and my work
Dont worry about work youve been given a fully paid holiday to match the dates! Tom beamed, as shiny as a new pound coin.
Who approved that? Sarah still couldnt believe it.
Your boss, Richard Hawthorne! We got in touch with him through our contacts he promised to handle everything, and he did! Katie glowed with happiness too.
But I expressly forbade you to organise any sort of party! Sarah was finally starting to regain herself.
Mum, now, dont twist my words! Tom smiled, wagging his finger. Remember what you said? I cant stand all those big birthdays, dont you dare throw me a fiftieth!
Yes, thats exactly what I said! So, what have you gone and done?
We did Tom grinned, as Katie finished, not a round birthday, but a square one or no, a triangle! She burst out laughing like a little girl, though she was well past thirty. At her signal, the lights dimmed, and from the ceiling descended a fiery, glittering golden ring, with gleaming numbers: 50+1/2.
Sarah hugged her beloved children, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, her voice trembling as she tried to say something.
Meanwhile, all around, the party ticked along. The host told stories, waitresses weaved between the guests, and the pianist played familiar tunes. The birthday carried on as planned, picking up speed despite being, as they called it, not quite a round number.
