Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88742 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 355(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Saturday is only two days away. It's probably best to put all of this in the back of my mind until then. There's no need to run myself ragged with worry.
I'll take care of it all.
It's the day of the barbecue. The BIG day. I told myself I wouldn't think about today until it was happening. That was a lie. I thought about the confrontation every damn minute I was awake. I thought about all of the ways it could go wrong and all of the ways it could go right. Any and every scenario. I thought about it at work, in the shower, while making food, and while eating food. I couldn’t get it out of my damn mind.
I'm exhausted and I want to sleep for the entire day, but I can't not go. I’ve pumped myself up for this, and it’s something I need to face head-on. I got myself into this pickle, and I need to get myself out of it.
Climbing out of bed, I head to the bathroom to get myself all cleaned up for the day. After my shower, I'm wrapped up in a towel, contemplating my clothes. I don't know what the best outfit to wear is. I don't want to draw too much attention to myself, but I'm not about to dress like a bum either.
I hold up a pair of shorts. It is a warm day. I could throw on a simple t-shirt with these. Nice, but also inconspicuous. I like to keep my outfits low-key so that I don’t draw too much attention to myself. Living under the radar usually works out for me.
When I finish getting dressed and head downstairs, my parents are already in the kitchen having their morning coffee.
“You look nice, dear,” my mom remarks, motioning at my outfit.
“Oh, thank you. It's just something I threw on.”
“Well, it's perfect for today. You’re always so practical with your outfits but still manage to make them look cute. Your dad and I should be ready in about two hours. We're aiming to get there at eleven.”
“Okay, Mom. That sounds good.” I head back upstairs. I've decided to take a nap. That way, I’m all rested up for the confrontation. However it goes, I'm going to go in as prepared as possible.
I set my alarm for an hour and a half so that I’ll have time to redo my hair and makeup. Just a little shut eye, and I'll be all good.
Two hours later, the entire Thompson brood is in the car on our way to this barbecue. My dad is driving and chatting with my mom about the coworkers and friends they'll see. He enjoys mingling with them in a more casual atmosphere. He’s even invited a few to the house for dinner on occasion.
I’ve never really made friends with any of the other employees or their children. When I used to go to these events, I would talk to my friend Mamie afterward. If I recall correctly, we would basically just talk about Brick. He was just as handsome ten years ago as he is today. The first time I saw him, I told Mamie I had seen the hottest guy ever and got a picture just for verification. She was floored by Brick and by Robert, the CFO.
But I was a teenage girl at the time. Of course I'd fawn over this hot guy I'd never have. It was harmless fun. Something for me and my best friend to giggle over while we were eating ice cream.
Now, I’m in dire circumstances.
We get to the barbecue right on schedule. It's held at this huge campground. A lot of different events are held here because it’s the perfect space for a variety of occasions. It also has a gorgeous greenhouse that, if I weren't so anxious about the upcoming conversation with Brick, I'd be hyped to get a peek at.
While my dad parks the car, I take deep breaths, doing my best to remain calm.
The three of us get out of our car and walk onto the lawn. I'm not sure where we'll find Brick, but I know he'll be here.
There’s all kinds of entertainment at the barbecue. Water slides and bouncy castles are set up, as are tents with games and stations like face painting and arts and crafts. And there is so much food. Brick really does a lot for these events. It’s kind of cool. I don't know why I stopped coming as an older teen. Probably because I thought I was too cool for something like this, and then I just never started going again.
Thankfully, my parents reminded me about it. Yeah, the circumstances surrounding my return suck, but at the very least, I'll get some free ribs.
“Do you want to get something to eat, George?” my mom asks my dad while hooking her arm in his.