Valentine's day is coming up, also it's my birthday. Every year I didn't look forward to. I felt like it was nothing after my parents died.



Jean's pov~

They used to go all out for my birthday. Made it seem like it was the most wonderful time of the year. Up there with Christmas and New Year's. Even when kids told me I wasn't special because this day was my birthday. My parents just told me that I was special, especially to them. And they didn't care about what anybody else said. They were like loud and somewhat embarrassing. But I loved them very much.

Now that their gone, the years after I felt like there was a hole in my heart. From missing them, things weren't the same. Of course I had my aunt and uncle. They did their best to keep my spirits up. Those birthday years were good but they weren't as great as my parents had done for me.

Fast forward to the present, I have a boyfriend now.  I felt like we are connecting. And yeah we have been going on dates, having a good time. But we haven't been intimate as far as kissing and hugging. I didn't want him to try to go farther. Don't get me wrong, it felt good and all. But I wasn't ready. We only been together for like two months.

But lately since the end of January my mind's been playing out different daydreams of how he would surprise me on this special day. That a day for lovers, also my 21th birthday.

As I thought on another line up of would be surprises. I headed off to work, yes I still work at the chain store I worked at a few years now. Just because I've gotten myself a rich boyfriend doesn't mean I'd stop working or going to school. It's not like I hit the jackpot or something. Mama's gotta make her own dough as my aunt frequently says. And surprisingly Tony still works at the store after being outed. With extra security at that. Since he's a large corporation's son who would eventually take over everything in the future. But enough about that. I needed to get to work, fast.

And if you thought the Christmas season was crazy. Valentine's Day is whole nother set of busy at this particular store. The partners, spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends want to run to our stores. To buy an array of things because we had it all. Jewelry to flowers, to chocolates to those special gift cards. You can't go wrong with one of those.

I pull up into a parking space making it on time to work with fifteen minutes to spare. I didn't park to far away from the door. So I made it to those automatic door in no time flat. Walked in, my eyes were in search of Tony.

Then I spotted him at customer service talking to the assistant manager who goes by the name of Bill. I saw him smile, my heart set in a rapid beat. I had to calm down. Everytime I'd see him I secretly wanted to jump him. But the rational part of me was scared silly. What was wrong with me. Was this what being love was all about ?

Or am I like this because it's my first official relationship ?

I needed to stop thinking so hard on this. And walk over to see what they were going on about with obviously laughing faces.

But somehow when I got to the two of them. Tony turned, looked right at me, he instantly pulled into his arms, kissed me.

" Okay this isn't the time or place for all of that. If you two want to continue. Leave here, go get a room, " Bill announced in his almost always serious tone of voice.

And we immediately broke apart but not before just staring at each other. Like we were studying each other faces. I felt we were lost in our world. I couldn't take my eyes off him. And he couldn't break away either.



Annoyed Bill came from around the counter, stood in between us, began to wave his hand in front of our faces. Until I blinked and the spell was broken.

I said my good morning how are you's to Bill, he sauntered off. Leaving Tony and I in a awkward place.

" Hi " I told him like a dummy. Like that kiss wasn't a enough an hello already.

He answered back with an just as goofy grin on his face " Hi yourself. "

*
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*

As the days went by the store was a busy epicenter for people looking for the perfect gift. Plus early preview sales for the President's day sale. I loved working here on rush days even though I complain sometimes. But it all floats away once it's time to go home. I get my rides home with Tony sometimes. It's not in a traditional way because of the fact we're in different cars. Once we make it to my house I either climb into his car or he does with mine. And we spend extra minutes more like thirty talking and cuddling.

But this time my mind was elsewhere. Thinking of how we're going spend our Valentine's day. It was because of what an co worker asked me earlier in the day. And I couldn't answer her because I had no clue. Actually we haven't spoken on anything. He hasn't brought anything up. I've told him that that day was also my birthday. I wondered if he even remembered.

Somewhere inside of me felt sad, would be a bit heartbroken if he didn't do anything. So I tried to dash those thoughts away but I guess it showed up on my face.

" Is anything wrong Jean ? " he asked out of concern. I could truly tell by the look in his eyes.

" Nothing. I'm fine, " I lied. I couldn't let him find out what I was thinking. Maybe I'm just too sensitive, probably should work on the part of myself. So I pulled out of his hold, kissed him on the cheek leaving the car to go inside.


.......................


Tony's pov~

Truly I had no clue what just happened. One minute we were talking about our future goals. New movies coming out. One's that are not worth to see because you can tell by the trailer. That their gonna bomb. Laughing and being at ease from my perspective.

Then suddenly she tensed up, she was somewhere in her thoughts. I tried to asked her if anything was wrong. But she hit me with the " Nothing's wrong " line. And I didn't push any farther. I'd give her time. I didn't want to lose her over an misunderstanding. Which almost happened even before we started dating. I truly do love her because I never felt this way about another woman. I've fallen hard for her.

I did try in the past, thought I was in love but she told me all the things I wanted to hear. Plus she wanted to line her wardrobe with expensive clothes and accessories. To just have me as her boyfriend. But Jean was different. She didn't see me that way. It didn't hurt we had things in common. Her personality, work ethic. She's determined to finish school, pay for everything. One time I offered to pay in which was big no no. I wouldn't say I've learned my lesson because if she needed me. I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Now that Valentine's day as well her birthday is just couple of days away. I've planned something special for her. And hoped just like many men on that day. Will truly enjoy their surprises and gifts .

*
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*

For this plan to work, I needed some friends to help me out. We closed the store early. And made the center of the store the main focal point. Decorated with balloons, every other decoration there was. A table with table decor that said romance.

I just needed one of the girls to get her over here. Even though she just had left almost two hours ago. I wondered what reason her friend gave her. I thought to myself as I iced the champagne.


........................


Jean's pov~

I drove back to work because my co worker, friend Eliza told me that I had left something behind at the store. I asked her that I could I get it tomorrow. But she replied by saying it's something I couldn't leave behind.

I couldn't remember what I'd dropped or left behind. Maybe it was because I was disappointed. At work today no one wished me happy birthday. Only the old woman that's a regular, does it every year since I worked there. But Tony how could he of all people forget. So I took my time driving back to the store to pick up whatever I mistakenly left behind.

*
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*

I pulled up at the front of the store. The store did look totally different when all but one set of lights was on. It was in front of the store at that, the rest of the store was pitch black. I wondered why in the hell she wanted me to come back again. So I walked up to the doors, surprisingly they came open. I stepped in.

" SURPRISE !!! " people shouted in front of me as more lights came on. And what I saw were plenty of the people I knew standing around with smiles on there faces.

And I cried like a baby. Well I let the tears flow, I was engulfed in hug after hug. As each, everyone told me " Happy Birthday. "

" Time for cake and gifts ! " Eliza announced, we went to doing that. And something else puzzled me.

Was that Tony was no where around. Where was he anyways ?

*
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*

I chatted up with my friends and co workers but still I wondered where he could be.

Then Aaron clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention, begin to speak.

" We have one more gift for you Jean, " having everyone's undivided attention.

And Tony stepped into view with a big bow wrapped around him.

" What the heck ?! " I said laughing.

And he came towards me, hugged me tightly.

" Happy birthday to you. And also Happy Valentine's Day. I love you, " He told me as he kissed my forehead.

He then took me by the hand, we walked towards the middle of the store. As I heard folks behind us say " Have a nice time " and " Bye you guys "

I didn't have the nerve to ask what was going on. Then we walked up onto the scene.

A table for two. With an candle light dinner and bucket of iced champagne. The whole set up looked super romantic. I squealed.

And the tears flowed, I felt arms wrapped around me from behind. And I wiped at my tears.

" God ! I don't know how I didn't suspect anything, " I said dumbly as Tony turned me around to face him.

" That's what surprises are for to surprise people, "  Tony gently wiped one of my tears away. And said.

" I love you Jean so very much. "

" I love you too Anthony, " I answered back while reaching up to kiss him.
























Did you all like this bonus chapter ? Are these some characters you want to have another story on them or should I leave it to this book ? Or add to this book ? Let me know



THANKS FOR READING ❤
( I CAN'T BELIEVE I WROTE A STORY WITH THIS MUCH FLUFF. IT'S KINDA EMBARRASSING 😅 )