Fragment #117 - Dark birthday

The alarm goes off. It's a new dawn, a new day starting. I go to the kitchen, and put the kettle on. Steve comes in, and gives me a cuddle. I don't feel too well, but the doctor says it's only normal. Steve whispers some love and hope in my ear. Thanks, honey, but I don't really want to hear that today.
"Are you working today?"
"Er... no. But I have to go and see Vince and then we have an appointment with Sasha."
"You're going to see Sasha? What for?"
"For the suit, honey, I have to try it eventually before the big day..." He smiles. Right, of course. What other reason would the groom and the bridesmaid have to be meeting?
"Are you going to take your car?" I tried to make my voice sound as light as possible, but I only manage to control a little its vibrations. Steve seems to notice it and steps back to look at me.
"What are you talking about, Charlie?"
"Nothing. It's nothing."
"Baby, you didn't sleep last night. And now, you're asking if I'm going to take the car. What is going to be the next question? 'Do you intend to get killed in a car crash on the M8?' ?" He shakes his head. "How many times will I have to tell you, love? I am NOT Matthew. What happened that day will not happen again. And just because we are engaged and you are pregnant, doesn't mean something bad is going to happen..."
He kisses me, again, and again, and again, and again, and again...
"Come with me" I whisper.
"Anywhere", he answers quietly on my lips.
"Don't play around, I'm serious!"
"So am I! I'll be happy to spend the day with you. I think actually that Sasha said something about you chicks having to try on some dresses and underwear..." He winks at me and lean towards my neck. The next words are said on my skin.
"Although I do like you best without anything on..."

I listen to the water running in the bathroom. The plan of the day is then settled. We'll go to my office, spend the morning there, have a nice lunch somewhere in town, maybe at the Bonne Auberge, on Renfrew Street. And then, meet up with Vince and Sasha, go to Esperanza, and then maybe have a drink with them too. And no car the whole day. Not even a cab. Only by foot or subway. Maybe the bus, but I'm not sure if I could indeed take it yet.

You see, Matthew, I can't forget you...