Closed starter for @prettyxlittlexdollhouse
Another log hissed and snapped as Mr. Kendrick fed it into the firepit. With the sun long ago sunk beneath the horizon, the summer day’s sweltering heat had given way to a cozy chill. Soft jazz filled the gaps in conversation; a Bluetooth speaker nestled in an alcove by the backdoor relayed the living room’s stereo. Half-empty serving trays cluttered the center of the table: burgers and hot dogs, buns, potato salad, cole slaw, potato chips, corn on the cob... Despite how jam-packed the family’s day had been, their parents had made certain the family ate heartily. The days ahead promised to only be more hectic.
Mr. Kendrick patted his wife’s shoulder before settling back into his seat. “Guests begin arriving tomorrow,” he drawled, looking toward Trinity and her fiancé. They were cuddled together in a love seat that Matt had dragged over to the table. “There’s still room in the guest house if your folks would rather not spend on a hotel.”
Matt shook his head. “They’re pretty set on a hotel room. Dad doesn’t like imposing, and I think they’re worried I’ll come back a mess after my bachelor party.”
The screen door screeched as someone slid it along the track. “Sorry I’m late,” Bal said. Another protesting squeal as he shut it behind him. “My flight came into Logan an hour late, and Hertz lost my reservation again. I think that’s four times now!” His free hand fussing with the buttons of his jacket, Bal gazed at the empty place setting beside Hayden. “Did I miss dinner?”