"We're here," Ben announced, glancing at his wife, who sat beside him in the front seat. "I'll give Scott a call to meet us in the parking lot of his apartment complex."

"This feels wrong," Shelley replied, looking at her husband. "We should go upstairs to greet your dad instead of sitting here waiting for Scott to arrive."

"If you ask me, it's a bit disrespectful," Shelley added, frustration creeping into her voice.

Ben let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do you always make simple things so complicated? Can't you see I'm trying to avoid them, sweetheart?"

Shelley shot him a playful smile. "I know, my love, but it's still not right. Come on, let's go say hello." With not much choice, Ben reluctantly agreed to follow his wife.

He knocked on the door, and they heard Scott's voice call from inside, "Coming!"

They hear footsteps then the door swings open.

"Hey, guys, come on in!" he says while he stands by the door. "Give me a minute to grab my phone, then we'll head out," Scott said as he dashed upstairs to his room, leaving his brother and his wife to settle in.

The couple made their way to the living room, where Ben's father sat with his second wife. "Good evening! Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Ben greeted them.

"It's alright," Mr. Alexander replied. "It's always a pleasure to have you here. How are you, my son?"

"I'm fine."

"And how about you, Shelley? How are you doing?"

"I'm doing well, Mr. Alexander," she answered.

"And the pregnancy?"

"It's going great," Shelley said, rubbing her hands over her belly. "I can't wait to welcome this little one!" she smiled.

"Neither can we wait to meet the baby. It's a shame we won't be around for that, but we hope to get lot and lot of pictures," Mr. Alexander said.

"You can count on that, sir," Shelley replied just as Scott appeared at the top of the stairs.

Ben cleared his throat. "Looks like we need to say goodbye for the evening. Sorry for not inviting you along, but this get-together is really for the younger couples."

"That's alright, son. I'm just glad you're taking Scott along with you instead of leaving him cooped up here with his old man," Mr. Alexander said, nodding toward his son.

"That's not fair, Dad," Scott protested, causing everyone to chuckle.

Once they were in the car, Ben turned to his brother in the back seat. "How much do you trust Miss Sylvia Benson?" he asked.

Scott looked at Ben with surprise, wondering where the question was coming from. Choosing not to probe any further, he decided to answer honestly.

"I don't trust her. She's too ambitious and nosey, if you ask me, and people like that can't be trusted. Though, I will say, they can be resourceful."

Ben raised an eyebrow at him. "I'm surprised to hear that from you. Anyway, get ready because I invited her and her sister for the occasion."

Scott's jaw dropped in disbelief. "You can't be serious." Ben flashed him a cheeky smile as they drove out of the parking lot and headed toward their venue.

***

At the Sandbox Beach Club, the atmosphere was alive with music and laughter. Couples nestled close together at their tables, immersed in lively conversations. The gentle sea breeze was inviting, and the picturesque view was nothing short of breathtaking. Ben scanned the lounge, searching for his friends. He spotted Dr. Blackson, Michael, David, and their wives sitting by the railing.

Ben, along with Shelley and Scott, made their way to the group. "Looks like the Benson girls still haven't arrived," Ben remarked.

"I'm sure they're on their way," Shelley replied, reassuringly.

As they reached the table, Ben said, "Gentlemen and ladies, I apologise for keeping you waiting."

"You're here!" exclaimed Dr. Blackson, Ben's best friend, as he rose to greet them with a warm hug. They settled into their seats, exchanging hellos.

Ben shook hands with everyone at the table before turning to Mirriam, Michael's wife and a dear sister to him. He kissed her cheek. "It's been ages since we last hung out. How have you and little Benedict been?"

"We're doing well! Your godson misses you and Shelley. You both should come over soon," she replied warmly.

"Definitely," both Ben and Shelley chimed in unison.

"Oh, and congratulations on becoming parents!" Mirriam added excitedly. "I can't wait to meet the little one and shower him or her with love."

Shelley smiled, "I can't wait either, but I'm definitely ready to put this uncomfortable sleep phase behind me."

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, Shelley," Margaret interjected with a grin, "but sleepless nights are only just beginning after childbirth."

Dr. Blackson cleared his throat, shifting the focus. "Alright, enough about babies, ladies. On a brighter note," he turned toward Scott, "it's great to see you again. I heard you've become a partner at Ben's firm. You must be feeling on top of the world."

Scott nodded, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, I am proud. Finally, my skills are being recognised and appreciated."

Dr. Blackson acknowledged this with a nod. Mirriam smirked playfully. "I hope this promotion doesn't go to your head and make you slack off. If it does, I'll be sure to set you straight."

Ben shook his head, chuckling. "Come on, Mirriam, give Scott a break. I brought him here to unwind, not to interrogate him." Mirriam shot Scott a teasing glare, making a gesture that said, "I'm watching you."

Scott felt a mix of nervousness and amusement at the playful tension. Meanwhile, Michael watched his wife with an amused smile, recognising her affection for Scott behind her teasing. It was clear to him that Mirriam was warming up to Scott, though the poor guy didn't realise it, which made it even funnier.

Dr. Blackson glanced around, noticing everyone was present. He speaks out. "Shouldn't we dig into some food? I'm starving."

Ben cut in, "Sorry, Blackson, but we're still waiting on two more. Ah, there they are!" Everyone turned to see who Ben was looking at.

Walking in side by side were two ladies. One wore a fitted red dress that hugged her curves beautifully, her afro hair pulled back into a ponytail-she seemed to be the younger of the two. The other lady wore a floral print dress that flowed gracefully around her, with her hair cascading down.

Ben noticed Scott, who was clearly captivated by Sylvia's look that evening. Even with minimal makeup, she looked stunning, while Mabel also radiated her own beauty, but Scott seemed oblivious to her presence. Ben couldn't help but smirk as he noticed Scott nearly spilling his drink in his distraction.

"Who are they?" Margaret inquired.

"Just friends of ours," Ben and Shelley replied in unison.

David smiled at Mabel, recalling the last time he had seen her, which was ages ago at his wedding to Sarah. She smiled back at him.