Bree slipped away while Jim was paying attention to Ali opening her gift, but after he noticed he went into the kitchen to fetch her back.  "Bree, come out here.  This is not about me cancelling your girl's night.  We're just going to have a quick toast, all three of us, to your birthday.  I'll let you know my news and then unless you want me to be part of girls' night, I'll be on my way.  I have a date with Ali tomorrow night that I am looking forward to, so this is about you tonight."  Jim realized after that he had called it a date, but what the hell, it was a date, might as well call it what it was.<br/><br/>Jim sat at the couch and poured out a little wine in each glass.  "Happy birthday to you, Bree.  If you'll notice, the two necklaces have interlocking charms and by putting the two of them together, you get the whole.  I think the two of you really make the saying true, the whole is better than the sum of its parts.  You help each other and teach each other and I think you should know that others can see it, too.  Don't let any stupid boys, including me, get in the middle of that."  Jim clinked glasses and took a sip of the wine.<br/><br/>"For my news, I haven't figured it all out, yet, but it turns out my Great Aunt was more wealthy than most people realized.  Apparently, she had a soft spot for me since she didn't have any kids of her own, and my share of the will included a few interesting items that could change my life.  As soon as I figure out all the ramifications, you ladies will be the first to know, but suffice it to say that I am a fair bit richer than I was last week.  And to celebrate, I'd like to do something with all of us.  You are the best friends I have right now."<br/><br/>Jim let the news soak into each of them and then concluded, "That concludes my visit, unless you would like me to join girls' night.  I could put on a skirt for the occasion if needed, though with my legs, I'd be better in a dress."