Page 5 of Vince
“There’s somethin’ else, Momma.” Julia points to the box.
Vanessa hugs the frame quickly before setting it down on the table in front of us, then reaches for the small white box. Most would assume it’s jewelry, but the smirk forming on Van’s face lets us all know she expects what’s inside.
Yeah. I don’t disappoint.
Van lifts the lid, and Julia gushes, “Look, Momma, I made that.”
Sure enough, she painted the rock covering up the hundred-dollar bill inside.
“See… I also follow tradition.” I waggle my eyebrows, bringing lots of memories to mind.
“At least you follow the tradition of putting moneywiththe rock, like Mom forced you to all those years ago. Jules, I can’t tell you how many years he got away with only wrapping a rock up for me. Grandma finally made him put money inside, or I’m sure Scrooge here would never part with his funds.”
This makes us all laugh.
“Unks… that’s just… mean. Why would you give Momma rocks for her birthday?”
“It’s okay, Jules. Vinnie has been doing this for as long as I can remember. Grandma caught on pretty quick, so I always get money, too.”
Nodding in agreement, I add, “I have no idea how it started, tradition is tradition. We’ve gotta hold onto those.” I bop her on the nose to make her squeal with laughter. “Okay… who wants cake?”
* * *
Ryan and I make it into the bar a little after nine. Music reverberates through my body from the moment we walk through the door. Wondering what all the hype is about, I take a moment to look around. Sure, people are scattered across the dance floor, and tables line the walls and are scattered off to one side. A rectangular bar sits in the center of the room for people to access from all sides. It’s what I’d expect from a place like this, but I can already tell it’s not my scene.
I can dance—or at least I used to in high school, but if given the choice, I’d rather just hang out. I’m here to experience this ‘rite of passage’ my friends claim I can’t let slip by. When I spot Derek and Brayden at table near the back of the bar, I beeline it to greet them.
“Hey, man!” Brayden bellows as he stands and reaches out his hand to shake mine. “Happy Birthday!”
Before I can respond, I’m pulled into a bro-hug, and his large palm smacks my back. When he releases me, I manage, “Thanks. Glad you could make it out.”
“Man—I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
Derek stands to pull me into a bro-hug as well. “Seriously, Vince. We’re happy to be here.” He looks around for someone I don’t see. “I thought your sister and her friends were joining us.”
I shrug. “Nah, she’s home with Jules. They’re going out tomorrow.”
He shrugs, like it’s to be expected, then he quickly glances to the dance floor. “Maybe I’ll have to come out tomorrow night, too. To make sure they behave themselves.”
That earns a laugh from all of us. God knows those girls can handle themselves. None of them are heavily into partying, but you can’t be in college and not go out from time to time.
Ryan guffaws, “Brayden - Dude you’ll use any excuse. Why don’t you just admit you like one of Van’s friends and at least be honest with yourself? You’ve been crushing on Holland forever. Are you ever going to just admit it?”
Brayden rolls his eyes as he lets out an exasperated sigh. “Dude. I know. But she just broke up with John. I’m giving her some space—for now.”
“Just make sure you don’t wait too long, or she’ll be moving on with someone—and it won’t be you,” Ryan advises in a way that lets us all know he’s only looking out for Brayden.
“Speaking of moving on—have y’all seen that hot redhead behind the bar? I think I’m finally gonna ask her out tonight,” Derek boasts in a way that tells me he may have started the party a bit earlier than the rest of us. His eyes are slightly glossy, and he haphazardly throws his arm up in her direction. “I mean… have you seen her? She’s beautiful and can make one hell of a drink. What else would I need?”
My eyes wander to where the bartender’s standing talking with a customer. I see Derek’s point. Her red hair is pulled back in a ponytail and still flows past her shoulders. Her black t-shirt and dark-denim skinny jeans fit her perfect body like a glove. Whatever the girl she’s waiting on says, makes her laugh—and it’s a beautiful sight to see. Her head’s thrown back in full abandon as she holds her belly. It’s not often you see people let loose like that, especially in public.
“Dude!” Brayden shouts, pulling my attention to him. “You don’t stand a chance with Sydney.”
Interesting… I wonder why. Derek never has trouble getting girls. He’s not a player—per se, but he’s definitely developing a reputation with us for being a ladies’ man. The problem is—the girls don’t seem to get that he’s not ready for a serious commitment—so when they want something more serious—he usually ends it.
Pretending to be defensive, I see amusement in Derek’s eyes as he plays along with a devious smirk. “And why is that?”
Instead of Brayden explaining, I’m surprised when Ryan interjects, “Oh, go ahead. We’ll just be right here eating popcorn, because I’m sure we’re about to get one hell of a show.”
