When Liam’s, Trina’s husband, birthday rolls around, she is excited to plan something for his special day. But he reveals that he will be away for work on his birthday. Later on, the surprises keep coming when Trina discovers that her best friend is having an affair with her husband. Naturally, Trina plans a surprise in return.
When you’re in love, you trust the person that you’re with. That’s how it’s supposed to work, right?
I mean, that’s how it was for me and Liam, my husband of three years. I never doubted him because there just didn’t seem to be a reason for it.
Until his birthday rolled around and shattered my faith in love, marriage, and friendship.
Liam’s birthday came around, and he told me that he had an urgent business trip to another city. He assured me that he couldn’t refuse and promised that we’d celebrate later.
“I’m sorry, Trina,” he said. “But you know how important work is and I just can’t refuse something like this. Work is the only way we can afford our lifestyle.”
It annoyed me that every time he needed to work, Liam always brought up “affording our lifestyle.”
“So,” he continued. “When I’m back, we can celebrate by going out to dinner or something.”
He pulled a suitcase out from the closet and began packing.
“I’ll be back on Sunday evening,” he said.
Naturally, I had a heavy heart, but what else could I do?
“Fine,” I said. “We can totally do that.”
The night before his birthday, Liam called a cab and was off to the airport.
“I’ll see you soon!” he said, slamming the cab door behind him.
The following day, as I was making myself some breakfast, my mother called me.
“Hi, darling!” she said excitedly. “What do you and Liam have planned for his birthday weekend?”
“Nothing, Mom,” I replied, sipping on my coffee. “Liam is actually away for the weekend. It’s for work, so he didn’t exactly have a choice. We’re going to celebrate his birthday next weekend, instead.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” my mother said. “But let’s do something together today, then? I need to get a present for Mimi’s baby shower, too.”
“Perfect,” I replied. “I’ll shower and then come get you.”
“Come on, Trina,” my mom said. “We can’t get the conventional gifts for Mimi! She’s eccentric and I’m sure that’s going to rub off on the baby.”
“You’re not wrong,” I chuckled.
After a while, we were both famished and needed to just sit down and catch a break.
“Let’s get some food,” my mom said, already walking out of the mall and down the street across the mall.
As we were strolling down the street, my mother saw something that was about to change my marriage.
“It’s just too big and too colorful for me…” I said, talking about my sister’s new tattoo when my mother yanked my arm, pointing in the direction of a restaurant window.
“Look,” she hissed.
And there they are. My husband and my best friend. Sitting impossibly close to each other in a restaurant booth.
Mandy ran her hand along my husband’s cheek before she leaned in to kiss him.
“What in the name of the Lord is going on?” my mother gasped, her eyes wide. “That is Liam, right? And Mandy?”
I nodded.
“Yes. That’s Liam,” I said.
“Wasn’t he supposed to be out of the state?” she asked, stating the obvious lie that my husband had fed to me.
“He was. But I guess he just wanted to spend his birthday with his mistress.”
“Your best friend did this to you,” my mother said, her tone flat.
“I should go in and confront them, right?” I said, shuffling my weight from foot to foot.
“No, darling,” my mother said, beginning to steer me away. “That’s exactly what you won’t be doing. But I’ve got a plan.”
“What are you going to do?” I asked, glancing at the happily oblivious couple in the window.
“Trust your mother, Trina,” she said.
My mom discreetly took a few photos of Liam and Mandy and led me to a salad bar a few doors down
