just another ordinary day

just another ordinary day;
Luke's birthday is not an important occasion, and he doesn't think it's been since high school. He goes out to dinner with Kevin and he thinks that's partly because Kevin wants to make up since Luke's back from Las Vegas. They've had enough space from each other that cooler heads have prevailed. So they settle at one of their favorite bars, order some steaks and a round of drinks, and Luke figures they'll shoot the shit for a few hours before he goes home.

He's surprised to see Janet walking up to their table just after they've ordered. She's on her way home from work, and she's just here to drop off his birthday present. It shouldn't surprise Luke that she got him a present since she always remembers every occasion. That's the kind of person she is. He forgot her birthday and their anniversary more than once, but she always knows. Even when she has someone more important in her life, she's still making time for him. Luke wants to tell her he doesn't deserve it, but he doesn't because she won't agree and because selfishly it's a comfort to know she still cares.

She hands him the small box and he pops it open to see the ring inside. Luke's eyes fall to the inscription: Always slay giants. It touches him as he slips the band onto his left ring finger, a companion to the Georgetown ring on his right hand. "Thank you," he says, looking up at her with a small smile.

"You're welcome." She nods. "Are you feeling any better?"

"I'm working on it," Luke concedes. "But tonight I'm just recognizing turning 34 and having a drink."

She nods and contemplates the least awkward way out of this conversation. She can't stay long and she doesn't want to interrupt his plans, as minimal as they are. But she didn't want him to think she stopped caring about him either. Janet tells him happy birthday and turns to go, but then Luke thinks of something else and calls her back.

"Since you're here," he tells her, moving to get into his briefcase. He'd been carrying this around for the next time he crossed paths with Janet at work but since they're here now. He grabs the book and holds it out to her. "I saw this in Vegas and thought of you."

"You didn't have to get me anything." Janet blushes but she takes the book anyway and marvels at the signature inside. "Luke, this is lovely. Thank you. But I thought you're supposed to be the one who's getting the gifts."

"Yeah, well." He chuckles. "Consider it a thank-you for giving me a reality check."

"That's what I do," she quips and turns to walk out of the bar. Holden will be making dinner and she doesn't want to be late. But she could take a few minutes to recognize a friend's birthday, if for no other reason than the smile on Luke's face that she doesn't see.