“Talk about fair weather friend, Rob! You’re alright for a laugh and a joke, but as soon as there’s any sign of trouble, you’re off! I don’t know what’s got into you these past few weeks!”
I can’t look Jim in the eyes. He’s right. I haven’t been my usual self.
“Where the hell were you?”
“Err, umm, I, umm…”
“Oh for goodness sake, it doesn’t matter. Try and get Jackson’s onside and remember, they’re our largest account. We can’t afford to lose them.”
“Yes, Jim. Sorry.”
“I suppose you’ve forgotten it’s my fiftieth birthday? For once, I’d like to see my wife and kids for more than half an hour tonight.”
I swallow nervously, pulling at my shirt collar. Oh God, I hope it will be OK…
“Well, what are you waiting for? Open the door, stop faffing about!”
“No, Jim, you do it, I –“
“Oh good grief! Alright, I’ll go in first they’re not going to –“
“SURPRISE!”
The door is yanked out of Jim’s hand, streamers whirl across the room, party poppers explode and all Jim’s friends and family are smiling and raising glasses to toast the health of my best friend.
Of course I hadn’t forgotten. Fair weather friend indeed!
————–
Freya Writes... 
Nice twist for an awkward moment. Hopefully their friendship will “weather the storm” 😉
I’m sure it will – sometimes it’s hard to keep secrets!
You have such a great way with dialogue. I can always feel the characters standing out from the page, even in so few sentences. Realistic, natural dialogue is something I find difficult, so it impresses me hugely what you manage to do. Great work!
I love this. A great way to end it and show him she is a real friend 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂