I spent the 250th Independence Day at my friend Zack's (a co-clerk and now high ranking prosecutor) parent's lakehouse. His father is a retired Army general who was visiting from Saudi Arabia, where he now spends most of his time consulting. Also attending was Cal, another co-clerk who is a deeply religious and conservative closeted gay man, joined by his sister (who I briefly mistook as another one of his ill-fated attempts at heterosexuality), my girlfriend Andrea, and one of Zach's subordinates Jeff, who Zach assured me I'd really like: an obese, gregarious soyboy, among others.

I made a smoked BBQ turkey, which was the hit dish, and I enjoyed feigning humility while basking in the accolades. Andrea spent most of the evening swimming in the lake with Zach's three year old or holding his infant son. I fielded frequent glances and comments, always signaling "you're next" and "hold on to this one, for Christ's sake." I became a little too drunk on frozen watermelon margaritas and asked General Zach Sr. some silly questions about Iran, which he fielded politely, before asking me to help drag his scull to the house. I was thankful for the indication I wasn't that drunk by being asked to help with the task, and also being selected as the most capable man in attendance.

Before setting off roman candles and sparklers (this is a rule following family, so the good stuff was prohibited) we said a prayer. Followed by an impromptu, genuine, heartfelt singing of the Star Spangled Banner. I could practically see the Gen Z nihilistic facade fade from Andrea. On the way home she made some quips about the corniness of it as she rested her head against my shoulder. I looked over and spied her texting her Mom, gushing about me and the evening, until she noticed and hid away like a playful girl, giving me a wry smile and settling back on my shoulder, but with her screen positioned so that I couldn't catch another glance.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5882253&forum_id=2)#49996156)