The house of Tony Banks was immaculate. That's the only word that could be used to describe the enormous lake mansion that Andi, John and their families were standing in. The foyer was cavernous, their footsteps echoing across the rock floor. The stony ground changed to luxurious hardwoods as the visitors entered and made their way into the living area. The ceiling towered over them, a skylight illuminating the room from the highest peak. The staircase ascended in a spiral from the left of the room, large with an intricate wrought iron railing on the side. The kitchen had all of the latest appliances, next to a bar that held shelves upon shelves of high-class wines. In the kitchen, two small women were cleaning, one with a vacuum and the other with Clorox.

"We're all getting ready for your visit," Tony mentioned, "And I wanted to do something lighthearted before I head to the conference center to talk with Mr. Gates and Mr. Poole here. So I'm going to be throwing a small get-together up at the lake clubhouse. You all packed some clothes on the dressy side, right?" He patted Riley's shoulder in a friendly way. Riley nodded, a bit astounded at both the house and at how much Tony reminded him of a movie star.

"I like to think of this house as my project," Tony Banks said as he walked ahead of them nonchalantly, adjusting his sunglasses that were folded on the neck of his shirt. "I bought the place and renovated it, adding in the third deck on the house and the boathouse outside."

Mr. Banks looked casual, like a man on vacation, but he had a sort of class about him that made him seem as if he belonged to the house. He looked like he had been taking advantage of the lake as well which was evident by his evenly tan complexion. Andi shifted in her sneakers, feeling totally out of place standing in the massive, luxurious area.

"This is amazing," Andrew said to himself, scratching his black hair.

"Thank you," Tony said from the kitchen, "my wife is off giving Ben and Abigail a tour. You'll have to meet him later."

Almost on command, John's parents stepped down the staircase, laughing about some joke that nobody else had heard. Behind them came another pair of long, tan legs sporting sandals. The beautiful woman descended the stairs, adjusting her black blouse over her khaki shorts. Her dark brown hair was up in a causal yet stylish ponytail.

"Tony, honey, have you not offered our guests something to drink?" the woman said playfully. Tony smiled, his white teeth standing out against his tanned skin.

"Everyone, this is my wife, Starr," he said.

"Starr?" Andrew said in a judgmental way almost to himself, receiving an elbow in the ribs from Andi. Riley and Ben stared, and Abigail cleared her throat disgruntledly.

"Your house is immaculate, Mr. Banks," Abigail said kindly as she approached him, Ben following closely behind.

"Thank you. And please, call me Tony," Tony paused. He then suddenly acted as if he remembered something important. "I'll show you where we're having the little event I'm throwing in a couple hours," Banks said, motioning for the families to follow him. Andi caught up next to John, looking at him and chuckling.

"Is there anything that this place doesn't have?" she asked him with wide eyes. John pretended to straighten his invisible tie and slick back his hair.

Tony Banks led them across the room to two transparent sliding doors. He opened them, striding out onto the deck outside. The families followed, their eyes widening as they saw what was in front of them.

"Wow," John said quietly.

It was the first time that the group had gotten a real view of the lake. Before, Lake Lure had been obscured by houses and trees. Now, the entire lake was spread out before them, surrounded by green, peaceful mountains whose peaks were brushed by wispy clouds. The sky was an immaculate blue, reflecting in the lake itself which was occupied by several jet-skis and a few families enjoying their day on pontoon boats. The warm wind and the sound of the ebb and flow of the lake tempted them all to jump in.

"Welcome to Lake Lure!" Tony said, spreading his arms out and leaning against the rail of the dock as if he was about to have his picture taken. He pointed to the east. "If you look up in that direction, that house right there is where I'm throwing our little party tonight. Yes, that stone lodge right there, the clubhouse. The one with the lights on the dock. It's a lovely place inside, very spacious. I can't wait for you to meet some of my colleagues. And I hope your children can come as well. Mine will be there waiting to meet them."

Tony flashed them a brilliant smile and left.