It's Saturday and Mr. Brown, a member of the Charles' church is throwing a "bon voyage" barbeque for Margaret and her family. They leave for a week in Italy on Monday and the barbeque is this afternoon. 

Margaret told me Mr. Brown uses anything as an excuse to barbeque. Other church members were invited too. He called me first thing in the morning to arrange for me to stash a guitar at his house so I can bring it out to sing at the party later and surprise Margaret. It's going to be a hard secret to keep.

First, I'm getting in some one on one time with Margaret, starting with a picnic in the park. The food, blanket and basket she brought are like a photo in a magazine. "Mom wouldn't let me take anything nicer than plastic plates, even though I wanted to" Margaret pouts a bit and I laugh.

"They're clean so they're fine." I kiss her. You don't have to be so perfect, Sweetie, chill sometimes. Hell, sandwiches on paper plates would be okay.

Right away, I notice she brought a package of my favorite cookies! Whenever she knows I'm coming she is thoughtful enough to make sure to have some on hand. Better than the cookies is when we're laying on the blanket together and looking up at the clouds in the blue sky. We start pointing out the different shapes until we're rested enough to play frisbee. Just another day I wish I could be a teenager chilling with Margaret forever. Margaret confesses that the week in Italy will be the worst week of her life. I remind her I'll still love her and will be here if she still wants me.

"How could I NOT want you! Prince, you're being silly! " she exclaims.

"So are you! Honey, enjoy Italy. Many people don't get to go " I remind her.

"You're right. I'll try to have some fun"

All I can do is laugh. Imagine being miserable in Italy!
Time for the barbeque! Damn! Shauna is here! Her escort is Ivan Hudson, the guy who was flirting with her at church bake sale. Possessively, Margaret grabs my arm when she sees Shauna. Shauna waves at me. At least she's appropriately dressed for a barbeque.

"I don't know what Ivan sees in her." Margaret whispers.

Laughing, I put my arm around her waist. Margaret kisses me.

"Alright! That's enough! We're guests here" Mr. Charles interrupts.

"Yes, Daddy." Margaret answers.

Ivan introduces Shauna to some members of the church youth group. She's out of her element and uncharacteristically shy. A couple of the more stuck up girls aren't very welcoming. Margaret takes my hand and we walk over to Ivan and the other teens.

"Hi, Everyone!" Margaret exclaims to her friends. She engages them in talk about everything that's been going on this summer. Sounds like Ivan and the youth group members have been enjoying their vacations. Trips, time at the country club, tennis lessons, music lessons, internships, perusing other hobbies. 

On the other hand, as far as I know, Shauna works at her family's dry cleaner, is easy on dates and babysits her niece for free. Margaret is making no effort to include Shauna in conversation. Whenever I'm with her friends or her friend Nikki is around my group, Margaret is always making sure to have us feel included in conversation. So this isn't like her.

One girl says to Shauna, "What have you been doing this summer?"

"A little of this and a little of that." Shauna mumbles, looking at me.

"I'm sure she's having lots of fun!" giggles Margaret.

Margaret seems to be trying to convey to Shauna that she won't be able to keep up with Margaret's social circle. Margaret mentioned worrying Shauna would turn her church friends against her so I think that's why she being a bit devious.

"I'm sure you've done something cool" Ivan says to Shauna.

She pauses for a moment, "I found my grandparents' old ice cream maker and learned how to use it. "

Ivan starts asking her about that.

Margaret and I get something to eat. When Shauna goes inside to use the bathroom, Ivan catches up with us. "I was hoping Shauna would get along better with the youth group." he says.

"Probably will eventually." I reply, "Margaret, I'll be right back."

I go inside Mr. Brown's house. . Mr. Brown helps me set up, then yells, "LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE MUSICIAL STYLINGS OF PRINCE NELSON!" and applauds wildly. Margaret, who never gets tired of watching me perform, is so happy. I'll miss her beside me while I practice, her in the audience when I'm performing this week and her kissing me passionately after my performances.

I start my set with a couple of upbeat songs you can dance to and notice Ivan and Shauna dancing together. They make great dancing partners. Next I play a love song that was written with Margaret in mind. It's definitely making her swoon!

As I keep playing, the barbeque takes on more of a "party" atmosphere and lasts until sunset.