Angela chuckled.
“You know, Mom,” Scottie said, “As far as I’m concerned, she’s got nothing on you.”
Angela looked up at her son and smiled.
“Thank you, Scottie,” she said.
The song came to an end and a new one began, seamlessly matching the beat. The DJ’s voice came over the loudspeakers encouraging everyone to find a new partner. Scottie and Angela stayed together.
As the dancing came to a close, everyone was ushered off the floor so the award ceremony could begin. Wine and champagne were provided to every table, with the Miller’s having an extra bottle of water for Scottie and Hannah.
One by one, the categories were announced and the awards we handed to the winners. It was a constant state of names, cheers, applauses, and speeches. All the while Angela kept causally glancing at Samantha Baxter, seated just next to the dance floor and looking back at her smugly.
It took all of twenty minutes to get to the final category: Agent of the Year. The names were listed with polite claps and encouraging smiles for each nominee. Angela sat tall, waiting with her breath held as the host opened an envelope to read the winner.
“Congratulations… Samantha Baxter!”
Cheers and clapping erupted from the crowd as Samantha stood, feigning surprise and approached the podium. She mouthed “Thank you” to everyone as she waved, blowing kisses and giving hugs on her way. She walked up the steps, took the award from the host while giving him a kiss on the cheek, then finally approached the mic.
Scottie didn’t hear a word she said. No one at their table did. It was just the white noise of some distant commotion as Scottie and Hannah just stared at their mother as she sat stoic, calm, and collected. When the crowd began clapping again, some rising from their seats as the acceptance speech concluded, Angela’s lips parted as she slowly released her breath.
Dale looked around the table then raised his hand signaling a waiter.
“We’re going to need two more wine glasses and another bottle of red,” he said.
Scottie and Hannah looked at their father with a confused expression.
“It’s only a loss if we let it feel that way,” he said. “I don’t know about all of you, but I would like to end this night on a high note.”
“Dale…” Angela started. “They’re not old enough for alcohol.”
“No one’s checking IDs, and none of us drove here. Besides, we both know what goes on at college parties…”
The waiter returned, handing out the glasses. Everyone sat with a glass filled with red wine as Dale lifted his.
“Here’s to my beautiful family, my amazingly sexy and brilliant wife, and the best damn kids anyone could ever ask for.” He raised his glass higher. “Fuck Samantha!” he said.
“Fuck Samantha!” they all cheered with even Claudette and Bernie joining in. Angela cracked a smile.
In the face of defeat, the Millers celebrated. Libations were shared, stories filled with laughter and love. Scottie discussed his hopes for next semester. He was interested in computer programing, something Dale took great interest in as they were considering changing up their website. Hannah expressed interest in going back to school and considered going into law for patents. Angela watched her family, her face almost hurting from smiling so much. Even Dale’s dad jokes were funny tonight.