524 Banquet 1 (1/2)

We had loaded up and hit the road. Only driving fifteen minutes before pulling into a country club, surrounded by a golf course. There were tall palm trees all along the winding driveway that took us down to a relatively large parking lot. Mr. Atkins parked and we all got out.

\”Looks like we're late.\” Mrs. Atkins sighed.

\”Fashionably late.\” Dave corrected while buttoning his jacket buttons. He glanced down at me and caught my questionable look. \”Button your jacket. It's only supposed to be unbutton when you sit down.\”

I quickly button the jacket together.

Noah rolled his eyes. \”Just do what makes you comfortable.\” He put his hands in his pockets, leaving the jacket undone. \”I think I look good just like this.\”

\”Twerp.\” Kyle gave Noah a shove behind, making him stumble.

\”Mom!\” Noah complained.

\”Kyle, please behave and stop picking on your brother.\” She held a hand to her head. \”All of you be on your best behavior.\”

Dave elbowed Zeke. \”You hear that, Zeke?? Best behavior from you.\”

Noah laughed. \”What would that even be like from Zeke? It's not like he has a bad behavior.\”

\”It means he has to smile more.\” Dave answered.

\”It wouldn't hurt.\” Mrs. Atkins sighed.

Zeke's lips twitched.

\”I'm kidding.\” Mrs. Atkins told him, laughing. \”Just try not to break anything. I feel like whenever we leave the house, one of you will cause some kind of trouble.\”

\”It's a celebration, Mom.\” Noah said. \”What trouble could we get in?\”

We reaches the building. Familiar faces were walking in, and I recognized some of them from the lower-leveled teams. They came with a parent or two, some even brought their grandparents.

\”Hey, kiddos!\” Garret threw his arms around each twin, pulling them in tight. \”Ready to see who won 'king of the hill'??\”

\”It's me this year. For sure.\” Dave threw Garret's arm off.

\”You? You had two different injuries this year.\” Kyle snorted, getting rid of Garret's arm too.

\”Guess that leaves me as the winner again.\” Garret beamed. He noticed the rest of us. \”Hello Mr. and Mrs. Atkins.\”

\”Hello, Garret.\” Mrs. Atkins smiled at him. \”Is your parents already inside?\”

\”Yes ma'am. I already told them to save two seats for you two.\” He jerked his thumb to the biggest room in the building.

\”Thank you.\” Mr. Atkins nodded and walked with his wife to the banquet room. \”You boys be good. And come in when they say to come in.\”

\”Yea, Dad.\”

\”Sure, Dad.\”

\”Whatever you say, Dad.\”

Mr. Atkins could only shake his head. Him and Mrs. Atkins left us alone with Garret. Though we weren't the only ones to stay in the long entryway. Other baseball players had gathered and were in smaller groups, chatting.