Disclaimer: I own nothing, and only borrowed the characters for a little while.

"I'm tired," protested Harry Korn.

"C'mon babe," cajoled Tommy Jefferson.

"Did you just call me babe?" questioned Harry imperiously, not objecting as she was tugged upright from her chair.

"Yup," declared Tommy blithely. "Cos that's what you are. One hot old babe."

"Ever the charmer," muttered Harry as she stumbled after him. She didn't object when he slid her jacket around her shoulders.

"Shall we?"

Stepping into the elevator, she turned to him. "One drink," she warned him, finger raised.

"One drink," promised Tommy.

Opening the door at Arnold's, Harry was startled, taking an involuntary step backward as a loud cheer of "happy birthday" sounded from the large group of people present.

Turning instantly, she looked up at Tommy. "I'm going to kill you."

"Yes dear," he demurred as he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her back to the crowd. "Smile and wave Harry, it's your birthday."

"Not something that's cause for celebration," she gritted through her teeth. Nevertheless she allowed herself to be guided to the bar, taking congratulations thrown her way with appropriate derision.

Five hours later and she might have been of the opinion that she had enjoyed herself - though she would not reveal so except under oath.

She had little objection as she waved all goodbye, ushered to a taxi by the ever faithful Tommy.

And if she so happened to invite him in for a nightcap, well that was her business. Reason what you like: it was her birthday, she wasn't getting younger, you only live once…

Ah, to hell with it.

Oh, what could have been!