216 The Fourth of July party 1

~ Seattle, the Anderson family villa ~

July 4

4:13 PM

When Liz and Max arrived, the party was on in full swing. And there were definitely more than a hundred people present!

The lower floor of the villa is decorated with garlands and banners, and the tables have snacks and drinks available. Everything is in red, white, and blue, and Liz is happy that they are dressed for the occasion. She is wearing a white and blue striped sleeveless top and a white knee-length flowy skirt, and the purse hanging off her shoulder is red. Max is in blue shorts and a white t-shirt, and both of them have white running shoes on. Max is missing the red color, but other than that, they are color-matching with the event (and with each other).

Guests are seated in small groups on the sofas and chairs and Max waved at them as he and Liz made their way toward the back of the villa.

Liz and Max stepped into the garden where most of the guests are and Liz's sight fell on the massive white tent under which are tables with chairs.

Lanterns are suspended from the tent and trees in the garden, and Liz guessed that in the evening they will lit up the place (in red, white, and blue). It is a hot summer day, and the tent is there to provide shade for the guests while they enjoy food and drinks.

The waiters are weaving skillfully among the people, carrying drink and food refills to the massive table which is arranged buffet-style. There are all kinds of beverage and snack options and even a chocolate fountain!

It appears that most of the kids are around the chocolate fountain, dipping fruits, and marshmallows.

Liz can see that guests are filling up their plates with food at the buffet-style table and eating under the tent.

On the opposite side of the eating-tent is another tent under which is a long bar where two bartenders are mixing cocktails per order of their thirsty patrons, and beyond the bar-tent are two big grills with burgers, hot dogs, and kebobs that are sizzling and spreading mouthwatering aroma. It seems that the longest line of guests is for the kebobs.

On the right is the swimming pool with massive donut-shaped floaties which are in the colors of the American flag (red, white, and blue).

Everyone is smiling and in a good mood which is enhanced by the music from the stage where the band is.

"Your parents really put a lot into this party…", Liz told Max while observing everything.

"Mom takes care of the catering and inviting people. Rina is behind everything else. And whoever praises the setup gets the business card of her interior design studio."

Liz thought about how this makes sense. Most of the guests are from rich and influential families and if they like this themed party, they might contact Rina for her services.

Liz's attention went toward a hand that was waving vigorously. She nudged Max and gestured with her chin. "Mia and Hunter are there…"

Max understood. "Let's go and say 'hi'."

They were halfway to reach Mia and Hunter, when Madeline intercepted them. "You are finally here! I was afraid that you will not come…"

Madeline gave a hug to Liz and spoke enthusiastically: "You need to meet my friends. I was telling them about you, and they are dying to meet you."

Max pulled Liz toward him and cut off his mother: "Liz is on her way to greet Mia. You can introduce her to your friends later."

Madeline paused and glared at Max for a few seconds before giving in. "Fine. Later."

Liz watched Madeline walk away and glanced at Max. "Is meeting her friends a problem?"

"No. But be prepared that it might take hours. And they will not give up until you join their women-only club which gathers on Thursday evenings to play card games. They are so eager to get new people in that they even invited me a few times."

Liz laughed. Not so much because of what he said, but how much his expression was comical. It must be because he was invited to a women-only club.

Max smiled. He likes that he can make Liz laugh. He put his arm behind her back and his hand landed on her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.

"Stick to me for fun times.", he said while leading the way toward Mia and Hunter.

Liz saw that Jake, Derek, and Mike are by the table with condiments, enhancing their grilled hotdogs with ketchup, mustard, relish, and a variety of finely chopped vegetables.

Ashton is missing from this merry group. He is by the fountain, chatting with Sabrina.

After Mia and Hunter exchanged greetings with Liz and Max, Mia asked Liz: "Bri didn't come?"

"No. She will come with Quentin."

Mia blinked before leaning closer to Liz and asking in a soft voice: "Did she finally accept that they are a good match?"

Liz responded in a whisper: "You will need to ask her."

Mia made a face before gesturing to the side. "McKenzie is here."

Mia looked at Max with accusation in her gaze and added: "And a number of other ladies turned sour when you made your appearance."

Max wanted to say something, but Liz wrapped her hands around his waist and said: "What can I do when I have a handsome boyfriend? He is sweeter than honey, and flies gather around honey…"

"Yeah…", Mia mumbled. "Flies gather around shit as well…"

Liz and Max didn't hear Mia's comment they were busy smiling at each other, but Hunter heard her.

"What was that about?"

Mia snorted. "I wish that your brother deals with all these women who are coveting him. Liz is blinded by happiness, and she is not aware of the dangers that a jealous woman represents."

"You told me that she didn't have a serious relationship before Max. She will learn. She needs to learn on her own. And didn't you tell me that Liz never suffered a loss? Have more faith in her."

"I know. Sorry…", Mia said while sulking, and spoke softly, only for Hunter to hear. "This thing with McKenzie put me off. She pushed Liz from a cliff and now drugs? How far will she go? It makes me wonder how many others here are like McKenzie. And Liz might be oblivious, but Max is so calm that it's irritating."

Hunter exhaled and didn't say anything else. He agrees with Mia, but what is Max supposed to do?

"Let's keep an eye on them.", Hunter suggested. "We can watch their backs."

Mia agreed. She planned to watch over Liz anyway. You never know which one of these women is dangerous and Mia feels guilty that the Hawaii incident with McKenzie during their hike happened right under her nose.

Max was giving Liz a tour of the table with snacks. He had a funny name for every dish, and Liz was amazed at how everything is themed. The watermelon was sliced into star-shapes, the cheesecake had blueberries and strawberries on top, bite-seized sandwiches had toothpicks with tiny American flags on them, and the pizza was topped with cheese, tomatoes and black olives… shapes, colors, or the decorations were right for the occasion.

Liz was about to reach for the star-shaped watermelon slice, when Mia grabbed her hand and tugged her on the side.

"Bri is here…", Mia said enthusiastically and then glanced at Max. "We are having girl-time next to the pool."

Max watched with a small frown as Liz went with Mia and Bri.

"Nice party…", Quentin said as he stood next to Max.

"Yeah. I'm glad you made it.", Max responded before asking: "Things worked out with Bri?"

Quentin took a deep breath before responding: "We are getting there."

"What does that mean?"

"We are dating."

Max didn't get it. "Dating? That is great. Why did you say that you are getting there?"

Quentin puffed his cheeks while exhaling before answering: "She agreed that we are dating until the end of the week and then she will see if we are going to renew it."

Quentin saw Max's confusion and lifted his hand to prevent him from asking more questions. "It does not make sense, I know. M, this whole thing is driving me crazy and as much as she accepted that we are dating, I have a feeling I'm walking on thin ice…"

"But she accepted, right?", Max reminded Quentin to stay optimistic. "I don't know on what you are walking, but I can see that you are walking together…"

…

Next to the pool, Liz and Mia eyed Brianna. They didn't say a word, but Brianna knows that they are interested in finding out the details related to her and Quentin.

Brianna exhaled. "We are dating."

Liz smiled and Mia bobbed her head.

"Can you give us details on how that happened?", Mia demanded in a half-whisper.

"I stayed overnight at his place, in the guest bedroom. By myself.", Bri needed to clarify that nothing happened even though she slept at his place. "In the morning, we had a chat and I realized that I can't fight this. With Quentin, I am stiff and awkward, but without him I am miserable…"

"Why are you stiff and awkward?", Liz asked.

Bri shrugged. "I don't know how to do this dating thing. It's uncomfortable."

"There must be something comfortable about Quentin if you are miserable without him.", Mia voiced her thoughts.

"You know how I have a chart for guys?", Brianna asked and continued before Liz or Mia could answer: "Quentin is off the charts in every category."

"So… you say that it's physical.", Mia concluded.

Brianna nodded.

"I don't think so.", Liz chimed in, making both Mia and Bri look at her. "If it's only physical, you would spend a steamy night, get your fix and forget about him. Bri, I saw you last night. You are nervous because you like him."

Mia agreed with Liz's point.

Bri sighed. "Fine. Let's say that you are right. I like him. It still doesn't make it less awkward."

Liz shook her head in disapproval. "And you told me that I don't know how to have fun? You are awkward because you are overthinking it. You like him, he makes you feel good, and he obviously wants to spend time with you. What does it matter if you say that you are dating or not? Just go and have fun. If you like kissing him, then kiss him. And if you want more than that, I suggest you find privacy. You definitely have some points in common. Start from there and take your time exploring other things that you enjoy doing together. That is what relationship is all about."

Bri looked at Liz like she heard something very important.

Mia's eyes lit up at the thought that Liz is all grown up and is giving great relationship advice!

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