“You obviously haven’t been told what’s happened.”
I turned toward the female voice. An attractive petite brunette had a hand on my friend’s shoulder to get his attention. We had both been watching for my bus to arrive.
Bob turned, and looked at her, a beaming smile on his face.
“Hi. No. What’s happened? Oh, this is Jim by the way.”
A brief glance in my direction was followed by a quick nod. “Hello.” Then she pulled Bob aside.
“Your Mum guessed I’d find you here,” she said before walking out of earshot. They leaned toward each other, partly to overcome the sound of the passing traffic, and to keep their conversation private.
I feigned disinterest in what was happening but noticed Bob’s face change from happy to sad. Having been class-mates through high school and spending so much time together with his family, I felt I knew all his expressions. This one showed deep concern.
He gave the attractive young lady a kiss on the cheek, and returned, head nodding from side to side.
“Something wrong?” I asked.
“Yeah, dammit. Tonight’s drinks for your birthday will have to wait I’m afraid. I’ve gotta urgently get some things organized and get them to Mum.”
“Everybody O.K?”
“Sort of, I hope. That was Melanie, a nurse who works for Mum and Dad’s doctor. She’s just got off work and Mum asked her to grab me coming out of work. Some sudden unexpected problems I’m afraid.”
“Oh Hell, sorry mate,” I said.
“Look, I’d still love a drink though, but later,” said Bob.
“Once I’ve run around, picked up some stuff she urgently needs, then, visiting and so on, I’ll probably need a few drinks. Hell, can’t miss the 30th birthday. So, I’ll pick you up later.”
Bob still lived with his parents.
“No worries, I’ll be ready.”
“Probably around 7:30 p.m.”
“If you don’t feel up to it, I won’t be offended,” I said. “We don’t have to go anywhere.”
Feeling he needed more than a handshake, I put my arms around him, and patted his back in as masculine a fashion as I felt comfortable with. I hoped there were no work colleagues nearby.
He looked lost and lonely as he turned and walked to his car. My bus had arrived.
All the way home, and through my after-work shower, I kept thinking about the possible health problems his Mother might have. Both his parents were dearer to me than any uncles and aunts. Then again, maybe I had guessed wrong. I had presumed it was his Mother. It could be his Father, Bob had not said which.
The doorbell rang promptly at 7:30 p.m. Bob looked seriously worried.
“C’mon,” he said. “We’ll have a few drinks at my home. We can sink a few too many, get really pissed, and you can sleep over just like old times.”
I let the silence dominate during the drive. He would tell me what had gone wrong when he was ready.
“I’m really sorry,” said Bob. “There were so many unexpected panics this afternoon.”
We pulled into the driveway. Only the front outside light was on. He ushered me into the dimly lit lounge.
Bright lights suddenly flashed on around the room, mixed with yells of “Surprise.” A chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ started as I gazed around the room at 20 or so workmates. Bob’s and my out-of-town parents were standing behind an enormous icing covered cake.