For YEARS after I could think about that whenever I wanted to have an hour or so of horrible crushing guilt, even though it worked out fine and she really was surprised the next week.

Suspicion rising.

We went to the local “Showbiz Pizza Time Theater”. They had the best selection of games. When we arrived, my father game me $5 and said to go play as long as I wanted.

Who is this man?

Once I had depleted the $5 I returned to my father and said I was done. He checked his watch and asked if there was another place I wanted to go. “Uh… Hoagey’s Corner has some good games.” I replied.

We went to Hoagey’s Corner. I was given another $5.

I played about $2 worth of Xevious before I couldn’t take it anymore. “I’m not sure I want to play anymore. Can we go?” Dad checked his watch and we left for home.
My parents’ poorly disguised ruse had prepared me for a surprise, but not the one I had expected.
Upon entering the house we walked into the dining room. Seated at the table were my grandparents and great aunt and uncle dressed as “teenagers”. Grandma looked like an ancient flapper. Papa was wearing his “Banana Shirt”, the one he only ever wore when he was trying his best to embarrass the family. Uncle Olle wore the worst wig I had ever seen.
I almost wet my pants laughing, but teenagers don’t do that. Best birthday surprise ever.