↳ TIDAL WAVES ༉‧₊˚✧ C.F

22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
✧.* DADS AND MARGARITAS ✧.*

Juliette slowly walked down the steps, seeing Mr Conklin walk in first, a younger girl following behind him, Juliette's brows furrowed at her young appearance.

Belly had her arms folded, a small smile on her face as her father introduced his girlfriend, Steven observing the brunette.

"Juliette." Liam appeared from behind them, a large grin on his face as he peered up at his daughter, "Hey sweetheart."

"Hey dad." Juliette sighed lowly, tucking her hair behind her ear as she side-hugged him.

Steven high-fived the older man, talking up a small conversation as Juliette took the time to slip away, scurrying off to find Belly.

Everyone had piled out into the backyard, standing around catching up, Juliette shut the door behind her, passing Jeremiah as he sat on the edge of the pool with Victoria.

Her eyes landed on Belly, crowded around Steven, Shayla and her parents, Juliette smiled at Shayla as she walked beside Belly.

Laurel nodded as Shayla spoke, slightly interrogating her as she bombarded the girl with numerous questions, her curiosity getting the best of her.

Shayla slipped away, running off as Gigi signaled her over.

"I like her. She's confident, knows who she is. I'm surprised a girl like that would want to deb." Laurel shrugged, the words slipping out of her mouth with no filter.

Belly furrowed her brows at her mother, glancing at Juliette as the blondes face fell, taking slight offense.

"So, tell me about this deb ball." Mr. Conklin turned to the two girls, looking between them.

"Yeah, so, um, apparently, it's for girls like us. Girls who, uh, don't know who they are." Belly snapped, glaring over at her mother who stood with her mouth agape.

Victoria could sense the building tension, talking before Laurel could, "You know, actually, my cousin did it in Chicago and they raised a ton of money for public schools."

"Great." Lauren replied flatly, her lips in a line.

"Yeah. Uh, Belly, Juliette, would you mind showing me where I can find a bathroom?" Victoria asked, swallowing with awkwardness.

The two girls nodded, excusing themselves as they walked Victoria through the large home.

Juliette pointed Victoria towards the end of the hall, walking back into the kitchen where she found Jeremiah sitting on a bar stool, accompanied by Belly who stood at the counter before him.

"Hey." Juliette breathed out, standing beside Belly as she tapped her fingertips along the marble counter.

"Julie." Jeremiah greeted with a grin, his eyes falling on Victoria as she came into the kitchen.

She took the bag of pomegranates, opening up the blender as she dumped a few in, tipping in the strongly scented tequila.

Belly watched her carefully, "How'd you learn to make these?"