Holly could hear the voices of the crowd gathered in the Bauer's backyard long before she actually reached it. As she expected, the place was packed with most of her friends, coworkers and acquaintances from Springfield. She stopped by the entrance to say hello to Gilly and Hamp, already munching on burgers, and stepped back just in time to avoid being run over by Michelle, Little Billy and Ben, engrossed in a game of hide-and-seek.
As she made her way toward her hosts, she smiled as she noticed Bridget, Kat, Julie and David, who had claimed the pool and were looking enviously at their older acquaintances having already reached the legal age for drinking. She also crossed paths with the whole Cooper clan, Harley, Mallet, Frank, Eleni, Buzz and Jenna, busy bringing in assorted cakes and pies from the Diner. Finally reaching the far end of the yard, Holly just had time to kiss Maureen and Ed on the cheek before the latter climbed of a chair and banged against a pot with a wooden spoon to gather his guests' attention.
"Greetings everybody! First of all, let me begin by wishing you a very happy Fourth of July. Maureen and I are thrilled that you guys could be with us today for our traditional BBQ. This year, however, there will be a slight change of plan, which I hope you will all enjoy. I'm happy to announce-"
Loud thuds could suddenly be heard from the house, abruptly interrupting Ed's speech. The kitchen backdoor then opened with a bang, revealing the Lewises who greeted the crowd with their typical enthusiasm and loudness. Billy came in first, heaving a portable BBQ, followed by Josh and Nadine, carrying meat. Reva came in third, holding Shayne and followed by Marah, chirping away at everyone who looked her way. HB closed the march, nodding at his friends, sporting his usual white jacket, a Stenson in his hands.
Once the commotion had died down, Ed clanged against the pot once again. "What I was going to say, before the Lewises here stole my thunder, was that I invited them over this year to hold a joint BBQ. So, on top of my famous burgers, you will all be able to enjoy Billy's incredible ribs, the reputation of which had reached us all the way from Tulsa, Oklahoma," he added good-humouredly.
Maureen grabbed Ed by the arm and hoisted herself on the chair. "Have fun, everybody!"
People cheered before forming lines to both BBQs, eager to sample what each had to offer. Holly found herself right behind Blake and Jessica.
"Hey, Holly, I was wondering when you'd get here! Nice dress," Blake said, looking admiringly at Holly's strapless white summer dress.
"Sorry I'm late, I had errands to run," Holly lied. The truth was that she had spent all afternoon trying on different outfits, wanting to look her best in front of Roger, and Susan too, if she was being perfectly honest. "Where's Ethan?" she asked, looking around.
Jessica pointed at the front of the line. "He's on duty for the next hour. He'll be a master at flipping burgers by the time the night is over. Rick and Johnny will probably take over afterwards."
Holly hesitated and then inquired if Roger was also coming. Blake replied that he was on his way, while Jessica bit her lips. Not telling Holly about the divorce was pure torture to her, but she succeeded in keeping her promise to her father that she would let him break the news himself. Their turn coming up at the BBQ, they all held their plates to Ed and Ethan, who dumped burgers onto them, and then parted ways.
Holly headed to greet her co-workers, Johnny and Chelsea, and interrupted them in the midst of rehearsing a romantic duet they were planning on performing later. "Love is a many-splendored thing, isn't it?" a voice behind her said. She turned around to discover Rick, looking broodingly at the couple.
"You don't look so convinced," she replied, observing her former step-son. "Are you alright?"
"I guess you heard that Mindy and I are through?" he said, pointing his chin at the petite blonde, who was standing next to Beth and Lillian. "I really thought she was the one, you know, and I wish I knew where I went wrong."
"Come on, pal, stop assuming everything is your fault all the time. How about the relationship failed because Mindy is a spoiled little princess? A lovely one, I'll grant you that, but still spoiled rotten. I should know, I was married to her," Phillip Spaulding exclaimed, suddenly materializing next to Holly and Rick. "Cheer up, I could see your long face from over there, and that means that Mindy can see it too."
"Easy for you to say, you have Beth and the baby, while I'm back at Square One."
"Don't think of it as Square One, but as the Square of Endless Opportunities. There are plenty of beautiful single ladies here tonight, starting with Holly, looking enchanting as always."
Holly and Rick both started laughing, the latter feeling cheered up by his best friend's teasing.
"Is Alex going to be here tonight?" Holly inquired to Phillip after a few seconds.
"Are you kidding me? Alan-Michael and I are the only Spauldings able to handle finger food. Alex is home probably snacking on caviar as we speak, but she does sends her love to all of you. Fletcher abandoned her for the night, but I can't blame him; it's much more fun here. Hey Fletcher!" he said, waving to the reporter. Fletcher took no notice; as he was too busy scolding his son for squeezing ketchup down Bridget's bikini.
"Alright, let's find you a new queen, Rick. See you later, Holly!" Phillip said, taking his friend by the elbow and dragging him away.
Needing a break from the roisterers, Holly slowly wandered back into the house. She headed to the kitchen sink, in dire need of a cool drink. She was busy rummaging through the cabinets for a glass when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"You look…exquisite tonight."
Her heart skipped a beat. She turned around to find Roger standing in the kitchen door, a smile playing on his lips.
Before Holly could answer, Ross and Vanessa erupted into the kitchen, hands all over each other's. Oblivious to the fact they weren't alone, they continued to heavily make out, leaning against the table, before Roger loudly cleared his throat. The couple hurriedly stepped apart, looking flustered.
"Oh my, how embarrassing," Vanessa cried, turning a deep shade of crimson.
"We didn't know we had company," Ross added, smoothing his shirt.
"Obviously," Holly stated sarcastically.
They all stared at each other awkwardly before Vanessa turned to Ross. "Shall we get back to the party?" She asked in her usual composed manner, as if nothing had happened.
"Great idea, I need a drink," her lover replied. Holly winked at Roger and followed them outside before he could hold her back. He sighed, wondering if she was avoiding him because she was afraid that Susan might show up, or because she had simply decided that he wasn't worth the wait.
He then laughed silently as he replayed Ross and Vanessa's very passionate display of affection a few moments ago. At least he knew for certain now that Ross was no competition; that's was a start.