Midnight

thee, the debutante ball invitation

As we gathered around the dining table, the scent of bouillabaisse filled the air, marking the beginning of our traditional summer dinner. Naturally, Conrad found his place at the head of the table, with Belly and Mom on one side, leaving a spot for me right next to him. Susannah occupied the other end, while Jeremiah and Steven sat across from Belly, completing the circle.

With a playful tone, Mom directed her attention towards Steven, saying, "Steven, I swear to God if you look at that phone one more time, I'm putting it in the screen basket."

Susannah joined in, her free spirit shining through, "We just want to bask in the glory of your radiant faces. Can we declare dinner a screen-free zone? You know, just like back in the good old days."

Jeremiah, grinning mischievously, snatched Steven's phone and tossed it across the room in a perfect pass. His triumphant victory dance followed suit, causing Steven to protest, "Dude, are you kidding me?" The room erupted in laughter.

"We get it, you have abs now," Steven teased Jeremiah.

Belly joined in, laughing, "You're just jealous Jere has a better body than you."

Lissy interjected here with a sassy remark, "Guess it's hard to compete when you're not on the same team, Steven."

Jeremiah's snort of laughter only fueled the banter. As always, Belly knew how to play her audience of two. Steven, not to be outdone, countered with, "Uh, no, actually it's all about the lean look now. Otherwise, you can't wear tailored suits." We all shared a good laugh at that.

Steven turned his attention to Conrad, asking, "When are you leaving for training camp?"

Jeremiah playfully interjected, beating Conrad to the response, "He quit football."

I couldn't help but blurt out in disbelief, "You quit?"

Conrad remained silent, prompting Steven to exclaim, "Are you serious, man? I'd kill to play college ball."

Hoping for a change of heart, Susannah said, "He can always change his mind."

Conrad retorted, "I'm not changing my mind. I was just going to sit on the bench all season anyway."

I shot Conrad a hurt glance, surprised he hadn't confided in me.

Susannah shakes her head at him, gently but firmly, expressing her disagreement.

Shifting the conversation, Mom inquired, "Well, if you're not playing football anymore, what are you doing all summer?"

Steven suggested, "He can work at the club with me and Jere."

Conrad declined with a simple, "No thanks."

Belly turned to Jeremiah, surprised, "You guys are working this summer?"

Jeremiah clarified, "Yep, I'm on lifeguard duty, and Steven's tackling the tables. Lissy decided to o a summer of leisure."

I added with a playful grin, "Yeah, I'll pass on lifeguard duty and table-bussing. My summer's reserved for some much-needed relaxation."

Susannah, always one to grab attention, took the chance to redirect the focus onto herself. "Oh girls, I almost forgot—I've got a surprise for both of you." With her signature flair, she unveiled exquisitely crafted invitations, handing them to Belly and me. The corners of my lips curled up into a knowing smile, my doe eyes lighting up as I glanced at the invitation. "Is this what I think it is?" I inquired, looking at Susannah with a grin that perfectly matched hers. We shared a moment of mutual understanding, a connection that made our bond even stronger.