Chapter 23: Welcome Lewis

 I would like to thank Julie Demers for helping me with the development of Lewis.

Welcome Lewis

Lewis was due to arrive that evening around dinner time. Mary Anne knew that he would be tired and hungry after a long drive. She had arranged for everyone to come over at about 7:30 to get the party started. Shannon had come over to help Dawn with hang up the banner and balloons. They set out some food on the bar by the pool. They were just snacks since they were all going to Good Sport that night to eat and dance the night away.

As soon as the doorbell rang, Logan was at it in a flash. "Lewis, you made it! Come on in! Have a beer! Come out by the pool and unwind!"

Dawn and Shannon were out by the pool area and Mona was in the kitchen set a picture of ice tea on a tray. They stopped what they were doing to line up by the banner and hug Lewis when he came out the door. Lewis was dressed casually in some basketball shorts and plain red tank top and sneakers. He was very rugged and chiseled with defined muscles and a strong jawline.

"Mary Anne, you look gorgeous! I'm telling you if Logan hadn't snatched you up..." He gave her a big hug. Then he turned to Dawn. "My mystery girl! How could I forget you? I'm glad you are staying with Logan and Mary Anne this summer." Then he turned to Mona."Hey good lookin', what's cookin'?" He hugged her too.

"The girls got some snacks together. All your favorites: pretzels, chips, dips, ...and I picked you up something..." There was a basket of all kinds of various flavors.

"My favorite! You remembered! That's funny because I kinda picked something up on my way out of Kentucky for you..." Lewis reached into his pocket and pulled out some homemade beef jerky. "It's from Papy's. Remember when we used to eat these all summer?'

" Oh my God, this is awesome!" They high-fived each other and went and sat on the lawn chairs. 

"You can go swimming if you want to. Cool off before the others arrive save room for Good Sports though, they have the best cheddar peppers in town."

"Thanks, Logan! I think I will and then go change for the party."

"You can choose any room you want, take your pick. And Good Sports is casual you don't have to dress up."

Dawn couldn't help but notice how brawny Lewis had become. I bet he smells like beef jerky though, she thought. She excused herself and went upstairs to get ready. She decided on a yellow tank top and jeans. She curled her hair at the bottom and put on some minimal makeup. She could hear the others gathering downstairs. They had already turned the sound system on with country music blaring out. She heard a screech and went out to the balcony to see Stacey and Abby were both decked out head to toe in Good Sports merch just different colors. They had on Good Sports striped baseball shirts and shorts. Dawn had to admit they looked cute. She ran down to join them. Mallory and Claudia showed up. Mallory was wearing a baseball shirt with an iron-on Krushers decal Claud had made up for it and jeans. Claudia was all themed out too in a football jersey and ripped jeans. One by one everyone arrived and they caravanned over to Good Sports.

Logan had reserved them a huge table and the waiter came quickly to take their orders. Logan and Mary Anne gave the kids some money to run off and play video games while the adults made their way to the dance floor.

A fast song came on and Lewis and Mallory went out on the dance floor. Dawn and Pete soon followed Bart and Claudia right behind them. Jessi had found a good-looking bartender and they were really good together! Sooner or later they had all changed partners and danced with each other. The DJ came on the mike and said," Attention! Good Sports fans! We have Pete Black in the house tonight! Not only is he on the campaign trail, but he can live it up! Be sure to register and rock your vote for Pete Black right here in September!" They put a spotlight on Pete and he waved two peace signs to the crowd. 

"Man, he must be working overtime," Lewis said to Dawn. 

"Kristy's brother owns this place, and her stepdad funding his campaign." Dawn explained.

"Pretty cool. What party is he on?"

"Independent. I've been helping him a lot recently. We all have. I think he has a great chance at winning."

"Independent, huh? That's pretty interesting. I'd like to know where he stands on certain issues."

Dawn was surprised at how interested Lewis was in Pete's campaign. Impressed. Maybe Lewis being here won't be so bad. And Dawn couldn't help but notice Mal and Lewis were pretty much sticking to each other most of the night.

A guy with a camera came up to get a picture of the group at their table. "Rick Chow?' Dawn asked. 

" Yeah. I freelance for the paper. Claudia tipped me off that Pete was going to be here tonight."

"Claudia?" Asked Dawn.

"Yeah, I ran into her a few weeks ago. I'm glad I did. I'm glad to see you and everybody. Who is that guy over there?"

"Oh, that's Lewis. Logan's cousin from Kentucky."

"Oh yeah, I remember him."

Rick went off to go talk to Lewis and Logan. Dawn turned around and found Bart standing there. "I don't think having Lewis here will be as bad as I thought, as long as he doesn't make me eat barbequed chicken carcass we will be okay."

Bart laughed.