Movement

I went back inside the party, leaving behind the fresh air from the balcony and the unexpected conversation with Lindsay. My mind went over every word, every gesture. It was strange... She didn't look like the people I used to meet at these events.

The noise of the main room immediately enveloped me: laughter, overlapping conversations, and the clinking of toasting glasses. My eyes sought out my father instinctively, and I found him near the center of the room, shaking hands with Thomas Grove, Lindsay's father. My father's smile was wide, that rehearsed gesture he always used when closing a deal.

"So he finally succeeded," I thought, watching them exchange words that seemed important. I remembered the discussions at home about expanding the hospital, how my father had insisted that the Grove family was key to the project going ahead. Apparently, he had gotten what he wanted.

I advanced through the crowd, avoiding the looks and polite greetings that tried to intercept me. My father noticed my presence as I approached, but he kept talking to Thomas. They both looked at me when I got to their side.

"Ah, Sack," my father said, with a smile that couldn't reach his eyes. We were just talking about you.

"Me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Thomas Grove studied me for a moment before nodding with a slight smile. —Your father told me that you will also be at Stanford, studying medicine. It seems that our children have a lot in common.

"Yes, it looks like it does," I replied, trying to maintain a neutral tone as my mind returned to Lindsay's face on the balcony.

"Thomas and I have just come to a preliminary agreement," my father interjected, clearly proud. The expansion of your hospital will be able to begin soon.

"That sounds great," I said, though I didn't quite share his enthusiasm at all.

Thomas nodded, but his gaze drifted for a moment to the crowd, as if searching for someone.

"I hope this project is the beginning of a closer relationship between our families," he commented in a cordial tone. Ah, speaking of which, have you seen Lindsay?

My father shook his head before I could answer. "No, but I'm sure he'll be around here." Sack, why don't you look for her? It might be good for you to spend some time together.

"Sure, I'm part of your PR strategy now," I thought sarcastically. But I just nodded, because I hadn't made sense to argue.

"Sure, I'll look for her," I said, before turning away from them.

-------------------------

I returned to the balcony, where the cool breeze had offered me a respite minutes before. To my surprise, I didn't have to look far. Lindsay was already crossing the threshold to return inside. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, it seemed to me that he had also been reflecting on our brief conversation.

"I was just going to look for you," I said, stopping in front of her.

"Oh, yes?" He asked with a light smile. "Why?"

"Your parents are asking about you. My father too. I guess they want to get us together for some awesome family talk.

Lindsay let out a soft laugh. "That sounds like them. I guess there's no point in making them wait any longer.

We walked together to the main hall.

"By the way," I said, breaking the brief silence, "I thought you would be—" different.

Lindsay raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Different how?"

"I don't know," I admitted, shrugging my shoulders. More like the others here. You know, arrogant, spoiled. But you're not.

She looked at me with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Wow, thank you... I think. And you? Are you also different from those here?

"I suppose I try," I replied, with a half-smile.

We finally arrived at where our parents were, still immersed in their conversation. My father looked up when he saw us arrive and smiled with satisfaction.

"Ah, here they are. Just in time.

Thomas Grove nodded, looking at Lindsay with a mixture of pride and kindness. "Perfect. Lindsay, I want you to hear the plans for the hospital. It's something you'll be interested in, especially if you plan to get involved in the future.

I watched as she nodded naturally, but there was something in her eyes that I recognized: that mixture of duty and resistance that I also felt. At least, it seemed like we both understood what it meant to be a part of this family game.

"In fact, Thomas," my father continued, "we were thinking of organizing something more informal. Maybe in the clubhouse. What do you think of this weekend?

Thomas nodded enthusiastically. "It's an excellent idea. We can bring the plans and discuss the details more calmly. Also, it would be good for the guys to spend more time together.

My father gave me a quick glance that left no room for objection. "Sack will be there, of course.

"Of course I do," I replied automatically, though the idea of spending more time at family gatherings disguised as social events didn't excite me at all.

Lindsay glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, clearly picking up on my lack of enthusiasm. "Then I suppose we'll see each other soon," he said with a smile that seemed to be a mixture of resignation and complicity.

"I suppose so," I replied, smiling back.