Gathering together

 

Jen thought she might faint when she saw the crowded house at Em and Yuki's. Granted, she'd been in overhead with all the reports and meetings at work. She barely had time to get her nails done as of late. It was a lonely world, but it was hers and at least she was making good money.

She'd brought cupcakes from the grocery store for this big feast. Just as she was saying, "Oh, I wanted to bring something different-" She noticed Amy was not alone. She'd brought a boy. It almost gave her a heart attack. Of course, she scurried over to Stan who already had a lite-beer in his hand. Of course, he looked all fetching in a fall sweater as if he was waiting to dazzle someone.

"What's this?" Her eyes lit.

"It's actually non-alcoholic." He looked at her in shock. Yuki and Em were going for a nonalcoholic Thanksgiving.

Jen wanted to kick him in the shin.  He was such an overgrown kid with their kid and somebody else's kid, too.

"No, Amy..who is this?" She shot a look at the mess of dark curls with big eyes peeking from beneath as if he might have something to hide.

"Eli from next door," Stan said after he took a sip from the longneck bottle.

Jen swelled a frown. She didn't like this. Not at all. Of course, Amy hadn't said one word to her. She dipped a carrot in the Greek yogurt dip from an appetizer plate she shared with this boy.

Jen was in a stomp. She didn't wait for Stan to say another word. She went over to Amy to scold her about spreading germs.

Remi dressed smartly in her sweater weather outfit. Of course, she thought she might sweat to death, but she kept smiling, and Wolf looked just as smart in the black jeans and thrifted jacket she'd found for him. Honestly, he could make cheap look great. 

Of course, it was a fun time catching up with Brandon and Declan. It was a delight meeting Heidi. She was so adorable. Everyone seemed to be keeping a close eye on her. Naturally, there were a few she didn't know and she was friendly. Yet, she was a wallflower to those she did know, like Melissa and Yuki. She didn't want to make trouble. She kept her distance and hung out with Chili and Axton.

"Well, I've been there," she nodded about the Coffee Shop where Chili worked. "At least the coffee tastes like coffee now." However, she did miss the grilled onions on the burger the shop used to have.

"Oh, we just can't seem to get that right," Chili explained. "It's a new grill. We got rid of the old one."

Remi suddenly felt sad. Yes, everything had to be new and different. But she was doing her best to get on with things. Finally, she met Yuki. She walked right past Melissa. Honestly, she didn't know her anymore and maybe Melissa wouldn't know her either.

Once upon a time, they'd been roommates with benefits. Oh, the things they'd shared. Remi wished to forget. However, it couldn't be quite forgotten. After all, she saw Alfie every day at work.

Alfie put on his best smile. Another toast. They'd all driven down to Lincoln to have dinner at Boone''s Mom's house. Of course, now their father lived there too. One more thing to make a toast about. 

They'd had Friendsgiving at Gage's and everything went as planned. Yes, he and Zoey were engaged. Officially. Of course, it was more work than anyone intended. Finding the ring at the downtown jewelry store. Thank God, the ring had fit on the first try. Yes, she'd wanted something simple. They'd spent the day antiquing for one, but then went back to the first place and settled for something new. After all, it was a new start.

Honestly, it was a No Drama week. Even cheesecake was included. 

"Only, I don't want to wait another year," Zoey told Alfie. "I think we should do it before the new year."

Alfie almost lost it. "But..but don't you want to have a nice wedding?"

Most of Thanksgiving had meant discussing the wedding. Boone's mother was already making plans. They could have the wedding here. There was a beautiful stairway ready for a photo op. It could be here in the livingroom.

"But," Alfie winced. "It could snow or something."

"It'll be beautiful. No matter what," Zoey insisted.

"And..and I know how to make a wedding cake," Boone chipped in.

"Sure." Alfie was left with.

"Your family loves you," Zoey said ever so sweetly as she cozied up with him. Here they were making another toast. Yes, it was a great time for Thanksgiving.