Code Of Pool Parties

As I wove through the lively crowd, intent on reaching Precious's table, the once-clear view had become obscured by other guests who had gathered, obstructing my direct line of sight from my previous table spot with Fabian.

Navigating through, I noticed two unfamiliar guys casually chatting with Sandra and Abigail, seemingly eager to capture the attention of both.

l hadn't seen them before but they looked kinda familiar, it was clear they were also guests at the party.

It was evident that these guys were also trying to capture the attention of both Precious and Becky, making gestures towards the pair who sat close to each other.

Precious and Becky, who, by their demeanor, weren't too keen on entertaining the conversation.

The pair of guys, who shifted their focus between entertaining the conversation with the dynamic duo on the other side of the table and trying to include Precious and Becky suddenly turned their gaze in my direction as I approached.

Thanks to my height, I continued to draw attention with my movements as usual.

As I drew the attention of the two guys, Sandra acknowledged my presence as I approached the table from behind Precious "Hey Danny, where have you been?" she chimed in.

"Around. I hope you gals are having a good time," I replied with a light smile, glancing across the table.

"Ohh yess. These are good friends of mine, James and Gideon" Abigail introduced.

"I threw a quick look over to the pair engaging with Abigail and Sandra; our gaze locked for a moment.

"Hey," I exchanged a soft greeting with the newcomers, fixing a seat closely behind Precious, who was sitting between Abigail and Becky.

"Missed me?" I teased, flashing my eyebrows with a playful grin to precious. Initially annoyed, her expression softened, a spark returning to her eyes, likely due to the surprise of my unexpected appearance.

There wasn't much room at the table due to the growing crowd.

As Sandra and Abigail engaged with James and Gideon, their laughter filling the air, I sensed Precious's visible boredom.

Contemplating taking her away from the setting, I decided against it. Knowing Precious, she wouldn't adhere to such a proposal. Not wanting to leave Becky alone to face the boredom by herself, and I wasn't keen on taking two friends away from the gathering; it might seem too cliché.

Instead, I decided to lighten up the mood, engaging in small talk.

"I'm jealous. I thought you said you wanted a girls-only gathering. I gave you space for that," I whispered jokingly, subtly gesturing to the new company.

"Friends of the dynamic duo," Precious explained, eyeing them. She then turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "Jealous?"

""Of course," I grinned. "In a bid to be a good host and honor your wishes, I decided not to be as clingy as I wanted."

Playfully, I added, to catch Becky's attention. "Now look, Becky isn't even feeling herself at this party. You're a terrible host, Precious."

I successfully lightened the mood, eliciting giggles from Precious and Becky.

The anticipation for the upcoming pool party buzzed in the air as Abigail eagerly inquired, "Hey, Daniel, when is the pool party kicking off?" Her excitement was palpable.

"As soon as Greg makes the first splash into the pool," I responded with a grin. "It's the code of our pool party events"

Observing the guys' attempts to conceal their irritation as Abigail shifted her attention towards our conversation, inquiring about the pool party to join in.

The table's atmosphere became more vibrant as we seamlessly integrated Abigail into the conversation.

James, however, had a different take. "So nobody is allowed in the pool until that happens? That's a lame rule," he remarked with a hint of skepticism.

"True, I personally think such rules are lame, but rules are rules, and they are meant to be followed," I retorted, playfully defending the tradition of our pool parties.

As the discussion transitioned to the pool party, Becky hesitated momentarily before expressing her disinterest in swimming,

"Guys, I think I'll pass on the swimming part. I'm not really a fan of swimming," she admitted with a small smile.

Sandra and Abigail, eager to ensure everyone joined the fun, took it upon themselves to convince Becky. "Come on," Abigail urged, "It's all about the vibe, and we want you to be part of it."

As the discussion about the pool party unfolded, I noticed Becky really was a bit hesitant about participating, "Becky, you sure you don't want to join in? It'll be a great way to unwind and have some fun," I chimed in, genuinely wanting her to enjoy the entire event.

Ever considerate, Precious jumped in to offer an alternative. "Daniel has a point, Becky. But hey, no pressure. If you're not comfortable, we'll figure something out. Maybe I can drop you off at your place after the house opening event, so you don't have to worry about transportation later."

Sandra and Abigail, in their persuasive mode, added, "Come on, Becky, don't miss out on the excitement. It won't be the same without you."

Despite our persuasive efforts, Becky remained firm in her decision. "I appreciate the invitation, really, but swimming just isn't my thing."

Precious, being the supportive friend she always was, reassured her, "Becks, it's just a pool party. You don't have to swim if you don't want to. We can chill by the poolside, and I'll make sure you're comfortable."

Internally, I sighed at the realization that my plan to steal Precious away might face a bottleneck if she committed to keeping Becky company throughout the event.

However, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, I interjected,

"Becky, I understand, but think about it like this – the pool party, it's just a once-in-a-while thing. You don't have to swim; just dip your feet in or lounge by the pool." I suggested with enthusiasm.

Becky, considering the compromise, softened her initial reluctance. "You know what, that sounds like a plan. Thanks, guys."

Sandra, satisfied with the compromise, teased, "Deal! We've got our poolside companion in Becky."

The atmosphere lightened, and the focus shifted to the upcoming pool party with a renewed sense of excitement.

***

The night air was alive with the lingering echoes of departing guests bidding adieu to Greg's house, and the clock's hands pointed resolutely at 8:34 PM. Greg, the consummate host, seamlessly embodied his role, gracefully expressing gratitude and farewells to the important attendees. His phone, a constant companion, was a tool for orchestrating the smooth exit of cars onto the main road downtown.

As Greg concluded his hosting duties, we gathered by the poolside.

The departing crowd created a canvas for the transition of a few individuals, into swimsuits.

The pool area, a focal point of the night's festivities, remained restricted by Fabian, myself, and a group of close friends, each of us shirtless and sporting different designs of Ralph Lauren swimsuit shorts, In a subtle nod to casual elegance creating an intimate circle In the dimly lit ambiance of Greg's poolside area. Maintaining the anticipation until Greg was ready to make the first splash.

Precious, ever the center of attention, held court with her friends sipping on a glass of wine, their outfits vibrant against the night's backdrop.

Their presence added a splash of color to the poolside scene, a visual prelude to the aquatic festivities ahead.

Despite the growing excitement, Precious and her friends maintained a deliberate delay in transitioning into swimsuits. They stood out in their vibrant outfits, a deliberate choice to await the official kickoff of the pool party before joining the ranks of those donning swimsuits. The collective decision resonated with the anticipation, a conscious choice to join the aquatic revelry only after the inaugural plunge.