[ WP ] A husband and wife have the same birthday . One year , they both plan a surprise party for the other on the same day .

`` Hi, Dave. I need you to distract Rob for a few hours next Saturday,'' Sarah spoke in a hushed voice. 
 
 `` Oh.'' I called their house as Rob asked me to. He wanted me to be *that* guy. I'd call up Rob, but the line would ring until Sarah picked up and I'd make up some excuse which would drag her husband out of the house so he could do final preparations for her surprise dinner party. `` Yes, sure, that sounds like it would be fine.'' 
 
 `` Perfect. Between 12 and 6,'' said Sarah. `` Perfect timing too, I was just about to call you. What did you call for?'' 
 
 `` I do n't remember. It's slipped my mind,'' I lied. `` Are you planning something? It's both of your birthdays on Saturday, right? Is that why you need me to distract Rob?'' 
 
 `` Yes, but do n't tell him, okay? I've arranged for strippers to perform at our house, and they need to set up for the night.'' 
 
 `` What, really?'' I was worried, I knew that Rob had already booked out a section of their favourite restaurant, one with a dance floor. `` Strippers? You hired strippers for your husband?'' 
 
 `` Yes, it's a little unconventional, but he'll enjoy it I think. It will be good for him. We've been married for a few years and he's a pretty timid guy. It will be nice to see some new boobs once in a while. And I'm sure the rest of the guys will enjoy it.'' 
 
 `` Are you sure? Maybe he'd prefer a different kind of venue?'' I was getting desperate. They've both entrusted me with their party plans and I was n't going to let them crash one into the other. 
 
 `` Oh hush, Dave. I've booked a man as well, for the women, and you. Anyway, everything's paid for; no refunds. Oh, it's Rob,'' she cut herself off. `` Rob, Dave's calling for you.'' 
 
 She handed off the phone to Rob. `` Hey Dave,'' he said. `` How's it going?'' 
 
 `` Well,'' I started, `` I told her I'm moving next Saturday and I'll need your help. So, you'll be out of the house and it wo n't be suspicious.'' 
 
 `` Thanks, great, buddy. I knew I could count on you.'' The confidence he had in me fed my feelings of dread. 
 
 `` Listen, do you really think that Sarah would want to eat out for your birthdays? I mean, would n't it be better to cook her a meal yourself?'' 
 
 `` What? Do n't be silly.'' Rob waved away my suggestion. `` It's our party. I do n't want to cook. Especially not for six tables' worth of people. Anyway, I ca n't do that now; I'm supposed to be out of the house the whole day.'' 
 
 He was right. They're screwed. How am I supposed to fix this? Am I supposed to fix this? *Shit. The guests. * They'll know, and they'll blab. One pair of loose lips will shoot this thing down. *Oh, I thought Sarah was having strippers over. Will they be at the restaurant? Are we eating at a strip club now. * 
 
 `` I'll help with the guest list,'' I blurted out. 
 
 `` I'm ready to send out the invites. It's fine,'' Rob said. 
 
 I guess I'll be *that* guy. `` Come on Rob, I thought you trusted me. Is n't that why you asked me to help. Let me help. I'm your friend.'' I sounded like a douchebag of a man, playing the `` friend'' card. 
 
 Silence, then `` Okay, I'll send you the guest list.'' Rob is pretty timid... 
 
 -- - 
 
 I called Sarah's mobile immediately after Rob hung up. With a little coaxing, I got her guest list as well. *It's your birthday, you've planned enough. Relax... * 
 
 Now what? I have their guest lists, a non-refundable strip show, and the entire back-end of a restaurant booked out... 
 
 -- - 
 
 The week went by, and the day was Saturday. I accompanied Rob on his errands, distracting him as promised. He thought it was unnecessary, but I convinced him that it would be safer considering the lie we told Sarah. 
 
 He picked up his new suit, and a matching dress for Sarah. It was n't overly formal but would make them look quite handsome. Afterwards, he drove by the florist for a bouquet he ordered earlier in the week. All the while, I was sneaking off to make phone calls. The party bus was ready and picking up the guests. 
 
 By the time we arrived at the restaurant, everyone was there, except Sarah. Rob went around making sure everything was perfect, before he went back to his car to bring Sarah to her surprise. 
 
 As soon as Rob was out of sight, I set my plan into action. The restaurant staff guided all the guests to the fire exit in the back, each one carrying a hot foodstuff in foil party trays, and onto the party bus with `` Homecoming'' decaled on the side. I tipped the manager $ 100 for the trouble of it all. 
 
 Heading out the front, I saw Rob standing by the car, kicking his tires. They were flat. `` Do n't worry, I have an air pump.'' I opened my trunk and started it up. It gave the bus a good head-start. 
 
 I tailed Rob without him knowing, or at least hoping he did n't notice. He did n't make it obvious that he noticed, unlike with the party bus parked across his house. I lost sight of him as he rounded a corner and entered his house. `` SURPRISE!'' I heard from the driveway. I made my way to the door. `` Surprise, Rob.'' I patted him on the back, and sighed.
