Dreaming aside, it was time to get up and ready for the day. The twins were probably going to ‘punish’ me again this weekend, so I needed to be ready. This time, I was going to surprise them with a gift. It is kind of my going away present for them, since we won’t be seeing much of each other after they both head off to opposite ends of the country. I would stop by the Jewelry store on the way home to get them something sparkly!
After rolling out of bed, I made my way to the bathroom. Did the usual ‘three S’s’ (for those of you that don’t know, look it up. I learned this one in the Navy) to get ready, and checked my reflection in the mirror. Again, I wasn’t a super-model, but I think I pass inspection. I got dressed in some cargo pocket shorts, a Tommy Bahama T-Shirt, and my lounging sandals. I was all set to do… nothing! Too bad I had to go to work first.
I nuked up a breakfast sandwich I had in the freezer and had some coffee to go with. I had recently gotten one of those Keurig brewing machines, to replace the old drip machine I had since my Navy days. I had to special order my own KONA coffee blend, and got a little cup adapter to use my own grounds. I know that all sounds complicated, but it allowed me to continue making my favorite coffee, just one cup at a time instead of a whole pot. The other up-side to it was that my coffee was ready a LOT faster.
I turned on the T. V. to watch the local news. Friday mornings were usually the lightest of commute days during the week, but the afternoons were pure hell. I watched the weather report, and all weekend looked to be gorgeous. I decided to be proactive, and go pack my stuff for the weekend now, so I wouldn’t have to rush when I got home from the office.
After I got my stuff all set, and left by the door, I locked up and went to work. The day went by pretty quick, only having about half the staff in the office today. Most had the “good weather flu” today it seemed. Or, more than likely, they were all blind. You know, “so blind they couldn’t see coming in to work today”? Believe it or not, I had used that line once or twice. My boss was very cool, and was in fact one of the ones that seemed to be hard of vision today. Imagine that.
I decided at about two in the afternoon that any further attempt at getting something done was a wasted effort, and left for home. The commute was already terrible, but I put up with it. I had some hot twins waiting for me! If that doesn’t motivate a person, I don’t know what will.
I got off the freeway and went to the nearest jeweler, the kind that specialized in diamonds. I wasn’t about to get a ring, but I could still get them something very nice, to remember me by. I decided on getting Teri a nice heart-shaped pendant, with some smaller diamonds in the center. I got a pair of very nice diamond earrings for Katie that really sparkled. I asked them to gift wrap the boxes, and was on my way.
I stopped at the grocery store, and picked out some roses to get for each of them, along with some chocolates. It wasn’t Valentine’s Day, but felt like doing something nice for them. I also picked up a bottle of wine, a bottle of Rum, and some Cherry-Coke as a mixer. Lastly, I looked in the movie section, and picked up a new release DVD that we might watch.
There were a few people in line in front of me, but after only a few minutes I got through the line and checked out. I walked to the car, and put the stuff in the back seat, careful to put the flowers in gently. Was I being too corny? Probably, but I didn’t give a damn, really. I wasn’t as much of a romantic as I wish I was, but I tried on occasion.
I drove back to the house, and took the things inside. I put the flowers in separate vases, to present to the ladies when they came over. I was already pretty much set for the trip, so I went to the kitchen, and got myself a cold bottle of Red Hook out of the fridge. I had just finished my first swig, when there was a knock at the front door. I went down the steps (I have a split level house, if I forgot to mention it) to welcome my guests.
The door was barely opened a crack when I got shoved aside, as it swung wide. Teri came bursting in, with Katie on her heels. “John, did you miss ME?” she asked loudly. I think it may have created an echo in my house.
“I’ve been thinking of you beautiful women all day. I got something for you both, let me go get it.”
I shut the door behind them, and ran upstairs, girls in tow. I left them in the upstairs living room, as I went around the corner into the dining room to get their gifts. I stood next to the table, and called them both into the room.
“Hey ladies, come and get your presents!” I barely got the word presents out, and they both came running toward the table. I waved my hands at the flowers on the table, as if I were modeling for the Price is Right. As the girls went a little goo-goo over the flowers, I pulled the two gift wrapped boxes out from a bag they were hiding in, under the table. I extended both hands, holding one out to each of them. I don’t think either one of them expected a gift, so they were naturally shocked.