216 The Fourth of July party 1 (1/2)
~ 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?”