Chapter ONE

"It's somebody's birthday, I wonder who. It's somebody's birthday..." Tony hummed as he continued with prepping his task for the barbeque.

They were planning a small party to celebrate The 4th of July with a surprise twist. They were also celebrating Mona's birthday. Mona's birthday was actually July, 5th. Since she is going away on a trip for a week with one of her "gentlemen suitors", early 4th of July morning, leaving the family with no time to celebrate, her impromptu party was scheduled for July 3rd, disguised as an early holiday gathering.

Tony was baking Mona a cake and preparing a great barbeque in her honor. Angela had purchased new patio furniture for the occasion, so Tony had been landscaping and treating the yard all week, so that everything would be perfect. Angela even hired a DJ/Emcee, at the suggestion of Sam, that they met on some modeling projects, so that the party could flow. Outside of dancing, they were going to have some games that everyone could enjoy as well.

They had awesome gifts for Mona too. Jonathan bought Mona a gift certificate to Sak's Fifth Avenue; Sam bought her a jewelry closet; Tony bought her a weekender; and Angela was treating Mona to an all-expense paid cruise for just the two of them during the slower season for the agency.

Since Mona only has male friends and they didn't want to create a ruckus, they decided to only invite close family friends. So that included: Mrs. Rossini, Al, Wendy and Herb, Paul and Isabel, Jack and Carol. Since Samantha was dating Eric, Angela also invited his grandfather, Mona's ex-fiancé and almost husband, Walter. Angela liked Walter, and was sort of wishful that Mona would settle down with him, but that was hardly likely. Still, Mona seemed to enjoyed Walter's company on and off, so Angela knew his presence would be welcomed. A couple of the kids' friends would be there too: Steven and Bonnie. The Whitner kids were with grandparents for the summer; as well as Isabel's boys were with their father, and Marci was with her mom's family.

Since this party was happening hours from now, Tony was moving about his day quickly. He was such an organized housekeeper, that he was only putting the finishing touches on the side dishes and setting up the back yard. Everything he needed to grille, he prepped late last night so it could marinate; after he and Angela went over all the plans for the gathering. Luckily Sam and Angela took Mona into the city early for a day at the salon, brunch, and light shopping to occupy her. Therefore, it was just Tony and Jonathan at home to take care of everything else.

"Tony, Mom let Sam bring a date to the cookout for Grandma's birthday. She didn't even ask me if I had someone I wanted to invite," fussed Jonathan.

"Ahh, did you Buddy? She probably just assumed you wanted your buddy Steven to come. Do you have someone special you'd like to invite," Tony asked?

"Well, no, but it still doesn't mean she shouldn't have asked," whined Jonathan.

Tony rolled his eyes to the top, while shaking his head before saying, "Well now we know why your mom didn't bother to ask you, huh," teased Tony.

"It's not funny," Jonathan said. "I should be treated just like Sam. Who knows, I might have found a date that I wanted to bring! My point is, I wasn't even given a chance," Jonathan complained. "That is what's not fair, and I'm tired of it," he said.

Tony was taken back by Jonathan's complaint of being treated differently than Sam. Tony and Angela try to treat them the same as much as possible. But they've come to find that they really are two totally different kids that need to be raised the same, with wiggle room for their individual quirks. Still, Tony wanted to make it right and keep this as one less thing on Angela's plate, so he made a deal with Jonathan.

"Hey Buddy, I don't know why your mom didn't ask you about a plus one, but I'm sure it was an oversight with work and party plans. Do you have something else in mind that we can do, to make up for the oversight," Tony asked?

"Actually, I do," Jonathan said.

"Okay, shoot Jonathan," said Tony, knowing all along that Jonathan wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't have something else in mind.

"There is a co-ed Scout Program with Adventure Scouts USA at the Bristol Campgrounds. Our community chapter has a wilderness weekend for The 4th of July. I was hoping after Grandma's cookout, or maybe a bit before, I could cut out. Steven is going, that's why he can only come by for a little while. His dad can drop me off too at the site, if I get permission to go. With the weekend and the holiday on Monday, we wouldn't be back before Tuesday late afternoon," said Jonathan.

"Jonathan, why didn't you say something before now? I don't think your mom would have an objection to you going on the weekend. I don't have hardly any time with everything else to get you packed," Tony said.

"How old do you think I am," Jonathan sarcastically asked? I'm already packed. I just thought Mom and even you wouldn't let me go, since it was the holiday and you always want us here with the family," he said.

"Well, I think we can make an exception this one time, Jonathan. But next time, tell us about these things when you find out about them. Asking earlier wouldn't have meant the answer would be no," Tony said.

"You're probably right Tony. I'll do that next time. Thanks for supporting me on this. I'm real excited to go. I just hope Mom isn't disappointed," Jonathan said.

"Don't worry Buddy. I'll smooth it over with your mom. You just get prepared for your trip," Tony said with a wink and a smile as he tapped Jonathan's shoulder with his fist.

"I'm definitely ready! I've been ready for two weeks," exclaimed Jonathan!

"Two weeks. You were really holding out there. Well, I guess in the end that's wonderful Jonathan, you know that you've been packed. Now you can really focus and help me get this backyard set up for today," Tony said.

Jonathan smirked but knew it was his fate to help with manual labor around the house. Tony may have been hired as the housekeeper and Jonathan's nanny, but Angela always gave him autonomy over Jonathan with learning household task. Tony and Jonathan continued setting up the furniture, the grill station, the bar, and the areas for the DJ and games.

"Tony, I know I'll miss your fireworks, but I hope you, Mom, and Sam still get to enjoy them," Jonathan said.

"Gee thanks Buddy. I'm going to miss you being here too. I learned some new tricks just for you," gloated Tony. "But, you're just gonna have to wait until next year. Hey maybe you'll have a date to bring by then," teased Tony.

"Ha, Ha, Ha," Jonathan said laughing.

"Tony, why don't you have a date for the party," asked Jonathan? I don't think Mom has one either," he insinuated.

Tony paused what he was doing with the chair arrangements and looked up at Jonathan with a perplexed look as he said, "And what are you hinting at Misère Bower? I hope you aren't back to your "match making mischief" again," Tony sarcastically inquired?

"Oh no, I'm too old for that. I'd just ask you out right, why don't you ask Mom out on a date or something," Jonathan said.

Tony stopped, snapped his body back towards Jonathan with a look of what did you say? Jonathan dropped the pillows he was fluffing, and ran in the house.

What is this kid on today? This is totally strange and out of character for him. Every time I plan a party, these Bowers get all romantic on me. It must be my Tony a la Scampi we had last night, thought Tony, as he smiled and contemplated the idea of him and Angela on a date.

It wasn't a bad idea, or one he was against. He just wasn't sure if she'd be interested. I mean they unofficially date and spend alone time in the house, but it's usually because they live together and have to go over household things and just end up spending time together. Well, it's our way of being alone, without being formal. The first time we did that, it was a disaster, thought Tony.

"Naaahhh, Angela doesn't want me to ask her out again on a date. She did ask me would I. But I don't know if we are ready for that. It could be weird," mumbled Tony to himself.

Snap Crackle Pop! Chapter ONE