Paulette spent most of Saturday with a sense of nervous anticipation bubbling away inside of her. It was her birthday on Sunday but Johnny had promised to take her out that evening saying who wanted to celebrate their birthday on a Sunday night? She had to agree, it was a more sedate sort of a day. And he'd promised not to make her wait for her present!

She smiled as she applied her make up. She'd seen him passing money to Sharon, and that could only be for one thing. He wanted to get her a gift she'd really love so he was entrusting her friend to select it. Ok, she'd have liked him to choose it himself but she guessed he'd have the final say. Probably he'd already gone with Sharon to pick something out and Sharon was going to get it for him? Maybe he'd had her try rings on to get an idea of Paulette's size? He was kinda dumb and wouldn't realise they had completely different finger sizes.

"So where's Johnny taking you tonight?" Dolores asked as she watched her get ready.

"We're going to the Italian that's just opened up. Johnny said he wants to treat me."

"You should go out with your friends and let your hair down."

Paulette smiled. "Johnny is my best friend," she insisted as she smoothed her dress down. "The girls can't compete."

"That's dumb Paulette, he's just some guy." Dolores pulled a face like she was the world's worse suck up.

"I love him, one day you'll understand." She looked at Dolores, momentarily forgetting about herself. Dolores was going out with a guy who was far too old for her but the relationship seemed more like friends hanging out. She detected zero romance. "Dolores, what's the story with you and Davey?"

"I love him," Dolores said glibly and Paulette rolled her eyes.

"Seriously, what's going on there?"

Dolores sat down on her bed letting out a deep sigh. "We're friends, who the hell cares?"

"I care, I'm your sister. Davey is too old for you but I'm not picking up the vibes he's like a regular boyfriend."

"Well he ain't like Johnny," Dolores said laughing. "But you don't need to worry. We have a mutually convenient arrangement."

Paulette frowned. "What do you mean?"

"We're boyfriend-girlfriend, that's all you need to know. It works for us."

Paulette shook her head, that made no sense at all. However, she wasn't sufficiently interested to probe Dolores any further. So long as Davey didn't take advantage, that was all that really mattered.

***

Louis stood in Johnny's mom's kitchen leaning against the counter as Sharon fussed about. On the one hand, he wasn't surprised she'd taken Paulette's surprise party on, on the other he was deeply irritated that Johnny was taking liberties.

"Louis, could you help us by buttering the bread for the sandwiches?" Sharon asked as she turned the heat up on a pan of water.

"No Sharon, I can't."

She spun around indignantly. "Why not? You're here, aren't you? Why can't you do one thing to help me?" 

He saw Rhonda stifle a giggle, and he let out an exasperated sigh. "Cos I don't know why you're going to all this trouble for Johnny in the first place."

"It's for Paulette," Sharon said dropping some eggs into the pan of boiling water with enough force to have cracked them.

"And what's Paulette ever done for you?" 

"He's gotta point," Rhonda said rubbing her hands on her apron. "Paulette wouldn't do a fraction of this for either of us."

Sharon looked at the both, a small frown on her face. "Well, sometimes it's nice to be nice."

Louis groaned and then relented. "Pass me the butter knife," he said and Sharon shot Rhonda a triumphant look. He'd barely got started when Johnny burst into the kitchen, surveying the scene with his usual cocky arrogance.

"I see it's all systems go," he said as he attempted to admire his reflection in the glass on the cooker. "Paulette won't know what's hit her."

"I hope she appreciates the effort we've all gone to," Rhonda said, doubt creeping into her voice. Louis raised his eyebrows, and Johnny stood up straighter.

"She's gonna love it," he said and his eyes fell on Sharon. "Oh did you have much change after you bought all this stuff?"

"Yeah it's there on the counter," she said indicating to the pile of cash, and Louis felt annoyed that Johnny had even asked.

"Cool, consider it commission for all your hard work."

"What do you mean?" Sharon asked looking perplexed, and Johnny put his arm around her shoulder.

"For doing all of this," he said giving Louis a sly look. "Go treat yourself, cos I bet your boyfriend never treats you!" 

Sharon's mouth dropped open, and Louis glowered but Johnny gave them a cheery wave as he headed out of the door to pick up Paulette.

                                                   ***

Paulette opened the door to Johnny on his second knock, pretending that she hadn't been waiting by the window for the past half an hour.

"Wow you look great," he said smiling as he handed a large box over to her.

She took it, a little taken aback by its size. It most definitely wasn't jewellery. She gave it a little shake, and disappointment flooded through her. "Chocolates Johnny, I'm on a diet." 

"You don't need to be on no diet, Paulette," he said, and she tried to look appreciative but chocolates were so unoriginal. "And anyway, that's only part of your present."

"Oh?" 

"All in good time," he said and she felt a bubble of excitement working it's way up inside of her.

"Shall we get going then," she said grabbing a jacket and closing the door behind her. She was pleased he'd been able to borrow his parents' car, she hated riding on his bike wearing a dress. Actually, she hated going on the back of his bike period. It was one of those things she'd always thought would be really cool to do, and then when she did it she was terrified. She couldn't wait for the day when he traded his motorbike in for a car.

They drove along in a companionable silence, Paulette idly wondering when Johnny would give her her main present. It was clearly something small, it had to be in his jacket pocket, and she was almost certain it was a ring. She told herself not to get her hopes up but common sense said it could only be a ring or earrings, and giving it to her in a restaurant...well that had all the hallmarks of an engagement ring. She felt giddy with excitement and had to force herself to calm down.

"Shit," Johnny said after they parked up. "I've forgotten my wallet." He patted his jacket as if looking for it.

"It's ok, I'll pay," Paulette said her hand on the car door.

"No way, it's your birthday, we'll have to go back for it."

"But Johnny we're here now, you can give me the money back later if you're that bothered." 

Johnny shook his head, and she opened her mouth to object again when it hit her. He'd probably forgotten her engagement ring! She sat back in her seat trying to hide her smile. "Ok Johnny, let's go get your wallet."

He looked at her briefly, as if he'd anticipated more of an argument before he put the car into drive and headed back home. Paulette sat back, ignoring her grumbling stomach. She was hungry but this would be worth it. 

"Do you wanna come inside?" Johnny asked turning the engine off. "Say hello to my folks."

She looked at him, and she could see the corners of his mouth twitching. It wasn't like him to ask her to greet his parents but if he was intending to take their relationship to the next level then it sort of made sense.

"Sure Johnny, that would be nice," she said opening the car door. He took her by the arm leading her to the front door and she felt her nerves getting the better of her. Something was going on. She looked around and noticed a couple of bikes parked on the Nogerelli's drive, she was almost certain she recognised Michael's bike.

She turned to Johnny frowning. "What's going on? Why's Mike here?"

Johnny shrugged but he was grinning from ear to ear as he opened the door. "Go on in," he said ushering her inside.

She walked into the hallway and paused at the living room door. Her hand reached to open the door but she hesitated. Something was amiss.

"Open the door," Johnny urged, and with a deep breath, she turned the handle.

"Surprise!" a number of random voices yelled as she swung the door open. She looked at them gaping as she slowly took in the scene. There was a 'Happy Birthday' banner over the fireplace and dozens of people were smiling at her, and raising their glasses. Dolores, Goose, Stephanie, the twins...hold up, the twins didn't even like her.

"Johnny, you did all this for me?" she asked turning to him, forcing a smile onto her face.

He beamed back at her. "Happy birthday Paulette." 

"Oh my gosh," she squealed turning to the crowd of well-wishers. "I can't believe it." People surged forward to speak to her and she laughed as if she were delighted. She cast her eyes at Johnny and he was smiling broadly, obviously pleased his surprise had been a success. She took the drink that was thrust into her hand and glugged it gratefully, welcoming the alcoholic effect.

This was her present from Johnny. Not a piece of jewellery, not a ring, a party. She swallowed hard telling herself to be grateful but her disappointment was overwhelming. 

****

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