Seasons in the Sun by Kristen Strassel

“Stop it.”
    “I never thought she was going to let you come. Do you have house arrest anklet or anything?”
    “I have a tracking chip implanted. I get shocked if I think anything she doesn’t approve of.”
    “Well then I hope I can make your night electric.” He kissed me quickly before he ran up the stairs.
    Alone again, I wasn’t sure what to do in this house. I was almost tempted to go out back and help the catering crew prepare service. I knew most of them anyway, and was sure to be way more comfortable with them then the actual party guests. Instead I wandered into the den and checked out the bookshelf and CD collection while I wanted for someone to pay attention to me.
    “Whatcha doin’?” Tristan made me jump when he came back into the room.
    “Looking at your aunt’s books.”
    “Nobody ever reads those.”
    “That’s sad.” Only in my dreams would I own this many books.
    “They’re just for show. They’d be much more interesting if anyone cared about them.” They were mostly about Cape Cod and the Islands, The Kennedys, and other local lore. They didn’t make any statement at all. What a waste.
    “Can you get away for a while?” Tristan pulled me back against him, speaking close to my ear.
    “Like where?” My heart pounded at his closeness after not being near him for too long, and at his proposition.
    “I don’t know, the beach?”
    It sounded wonderful. But completely unrealistic. “I don’t know. My mother is going to show up at any minute and the last thing I need is her having a meltdown in front of all of these people.”
    “Do you really think she’d act up in front of the upper crust?” He ran his hand along the side of my stomach. I squeezed my eyes tight to stay focused.
    “I wouldn’t put anything passed her. Especially when you’re involved.”
    “Ahem,” Keisha announced her entrance. I pulled away from Tristan and spun to face her, now convinced she was a spy for my mother. She looked gorgeous, in a yellow halter dress and leopard print heels.
    “Oh my God, Callie, you look so grown up! Gorgeous!” She ran over and gave me a hug.
    “You, too.” It felt good to not be mad at her for that moment. “Is Ray here yet?”
    “No, he’s coming as soon as he’s done with some meeting.” She pulled away from me, but led me by the hand out of the room in to the main area. “Come on, your dad is here setting up with the band.”
    The great room had filled in some with early arrivals and began to feel festive. The band was doing sound check and tune ups. My dad crouched down in front of an amplifier, making sure everything was perfect. He didn’t hear or see me come up behind him, and I tugged on his guitar strap to get his attention.
    “Sweetheart, you look so beautiful,” he looked up in almost disbelief at me. I felt tears well in my eyes.
    “Thanks, Daddy.” I needed to say something before I did burst into tears. “What are you guys going to play tonight?”
    “Well, we have a set list that was approved by the President. Don’t tell anyone,” My dad looked around the room and lowered his voice a bit, “But he might even get up and sing with us!”
    “Oh my God, that would be so awesome!”
    “Wouldn’t it?” His eyes lit up like a little kid’s would be on Christmas morning.
    “Okay, I’m going to let you get back to work. Love you, Daddy.”
    “Love you too.”
    Party goers began to form groups around the round tables, with the catering company working their way through with platters brimming with food. I had yet to see my mother. I took a mushroom stuffed with buttery crab filling and a napkin and went to join my friends, who were hanging out on the deck off of the dining area.
    Everyone laughed at some joke that I missed as I slid under Tristan’s arm. Ray had joined the group, so I’d be willing to bet he’d just finished some funny work story. He had a way of commanding the conversation. I was glad Keisha had found him. Although, the