It was one of those rare, golden afternoons where everything seemed to fall into place. The sun was dipping low, casting long shadows over the sprawling backyard, and the smell of grilled food filled the air. The Starkey family reunion — an annual tradition Drew had been bringing you to for the last couple of years — was in full swing.

Drew’s parents, Todd and Jodi, had been married for what seemed like forever, and every year they hosted a gathering with all their kids, their partners, and even the grandkids. It was loud, chaotic, and so much fun.

You were chatting with Mackayla, who was telling you about her latest adventure abroad when Drew came into view, wobbling slightly on his feet. He had a drink in hand, and there was that mischievous glint in his eyes — the kind that made you chuckle just thinking about what he might do next.

“Uh-oh,” Mackayla whispered, her grin wide. “Here we go.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, already anticipating Drew’s antics. When he was drunk, he had a habit of doing or saying the most ridiculous things, and it always managed to make you laugh — the kind of laugh that felt like a full-body release.

Drew caught sight of you across the yard and stumbled over, grinning like a big goofy kid. “Heyyyyyy,” he slurred a little, holding up his drink. “I don’t care what anyone says. I’m definitely the best dancer in this family.”

Before you could reply, he set down his drink and, without missing a beat, started doing the most absurd little jig in the middle of the yard, his arms flailing around in every direction as if he were auditioning for a role in a comedy show.

You couldn’t hold it in. Your laughter bubbled up, loud and clear, and soon enough, everyone was looking over at him.

“Seriously?” you said between laughs. “Drew, what are you doing?”

He spun around dramatically, looking over his shoulder at you. “Just wait until I bust out the moonwalk. It’s about to get legendary.”

Mackayla and Brooke exchanged amused glances while Logan shook his head with a smirk. But their laughter joined yours as Drew dramatically ‘moonwalked’ (if you could even call it that). His version was more like a mix of stumbling backward and pretending to glide across the grass.

“You’re such a mess,” you said, unable to contain your grin.

He wobbled over to you, stopping just in front of you with a grin that could rival the sun. “But you love it.”

You rolled your eyes but pulled him closer, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. “You’re an idiot, Starkey.”

He leaned into you, smirking as he slung an arm around your shoulders. “Yeah, but I’m your idiot.” His voice was playful, and there was a warmth in his eyes that made your heart skip a beat.

The rest of the family was still laughing, watching Drew as he made silly faces and goofy comments. Todd and Jodi, standing by the grill, exchanged amused glances, clearly used to this side of their son. But it was clear that Drew’s humor and charm were an infectious part of the family dynamic — and it was impossible not to be drawn into it.

“Drew, seriously, save some of that energy for the rest of us,” Mackayla teased, nudging him.

He winked at her. “Oh, don’t worry, there’s plenty more where that came from.”

As the evening wore on, Drew’s jokes only got more ridiculous. At one point, he climbed on top of the picnic table, pretending to give a dramatic speech about being crowned the family’s “King of the Dance Floor.” You laughed so hard you were nearly in tears, and his family seemed to feed off of his energy, matching his silliness with their own playful antics.

At one point, Drew tried to do his ‘signature’ move — a jump, twist, and spin — but his coordination had long since abandoned him. He ended up falling into a chair with a loud thud, spilling his drink.

Everyone gasped, then burst out laughing.

You rushed over to him, unable to stop your giggles. “Are you okay?”

He grinned up at you, looking absolutely shameless. “I’m fine. I’m just saving the best part of the show for later.”

“You’re going to be the death of me, Drew.”