LAILAH #2
“Mock me all you want, but the nineties was an epic era, and I refuse to let it die,” Parker said, waving off Cami’s diss.
Then an idea hit me, and I knew how to get Parker out of the kitchen for us to get this all finished. “Parker.”
His gaze met mine with a questioning brow and a smirk. “Yes, Trouble?”
“If I promise to share my next fix of sugar cookies with you, will you leave the kitchen and not bother us until we call for you?” I asked, batting my lashes at him.
Parker paused, and I could see he was really thinking this over. I thought for sure he would go for it without hesitation.
“I will agree to that, if I’m the one to go with you into town to get them,” Parker countered.
“Wait, are you turning this into a date?” Cami asked, amazed.
Parker shrugged his shoulders and grinned wider. “Guess it’s up to you on how important it is that I leave the kitchen.”
Shaking my head, I wasn’t able to fight the smile that was plastered on my face. “Fine, I agree. Now go,” I said, pointing, enforcing my words.
Looking way too pleased with himself, Parker pushed off the counter and left the kitchen without further argument.
“Seriously, I think he was the devil in a past life. He is way too good at making deals,” Cami said, and I agreed with her.
“I would say that we’re almost done here, we just need to carve the turkey and get the table set up,” Sarah said, looking over the list once more.
“Cami and I can do that.” I looked down at my phone to check the time. “We are running right on schedule.”
Just as we were heading to the dining room, Micah and Brayden walked into the kitchen. We apparently didn’t need to worry, because they were arguing about something to do with Micah’s car.
“I am not getting it converted into burning oil from Chinese restaurants. It’s a sports car, let it be a beautiful blight on your environment,” Micah grumbled as he passed by.
“Think of all the fuel that car burns! What about getting it switched for ethanol then?” Brayden pressed, not being dissuaded, following Micah close on his heels up the stairs.
I laughed as I grabbed the tray of silverware while Cami got the plates.
During a previous break, I’d decorated the table from the stash of things Sarah kept for special occasions.
It was simple, but let's be real—it was more about the food than the fancy folded napkins.
Finished with the table, we headed back in to find Garrett carving the turkey for us, and the smell made my mouth water.
I stole a scrap and had to hold back a moan at how perfect it was.
“I’ll grab Beth, and she can get everyone else down here,” Cami said, bouncing excitedly.
Sarah came over to me and gave me a side hug as we looked over all the food ready to be taken out. “I’m not sure we made quite enough . . .”
“You’re right, a twenty-pound turkey, three kinds of potatoes, two kinds of stuffing, three different vegetable options, and three pies is not nearly enough for ten people,” I said, shaking my head.
“Don’t forget the cranberry sauce when we have both homemade and straight out of the can,” Sarah added.
“Who could possibly forget the cranberry sauce when our hostess was so adamant about it?” Cami said with a laugh.
The sound of the guys making their way into the dining room gave us our cue, and I hefted the large platter of turkey. I found the guys standing, staring at the table as if they weren’t sure what to make of it.
“Pick a seat, guys, and get ready to experience your first American Thanksgiving,” I said proudly, setting my platter in the middle of the table.
“Oh, hell yeah,” Parker said, sitting down and tucking his napkin into the collar of his shirt, grinning at me.
Following his lead, everyone took a seat while we brought out the rest of the food. I could see the guys’ eyes getting wider as we kept placing dish after dish on the table. Parker reached out to grab a roll, but Micah slapped his hand away. “Didn’t your mother teach you any manners?”
Parker scowled and flipped him off but sat back in his chair, crossing his arms and waiting for us to take our seats.
“If you don’t mind indulging me, it’s tradition to go around the table and say one thing we’re thankful for,” I said, looking around the table.
“I’ll go first. I’m thankful for coming to this school and meeting all of you.
I know that the past few weeks have been crazy, and I am truly grateful for you all sticking with me through it.
” Turning to Cami, I gave her an encouraging nod.
“I am thankful for my kick-ass best friend and for my girlfriend, Maggs, who couldn’t make it today.”
“I am thankful for my husband, health, and for all of you,” Sarah said, smiling at all of us.
“Right, my turn,” Garrett grumbled. “Guess I’m thankful for still being able to work and have a purpose at my age.”
“I feel like I have so many things to be thankful for—the wards are stronger than ever, we found Synergy, and my family is working together again,” Beth said, with a nod of her head.
“I am thankful for the student lab getting a grant for upgraded equipment that will make my work more efficient,” Hudson said.
“Um, dude, I don’t think that’s how this is supposed to work,” Parker whispered loudly next to him.
“Why not? It is something that I am extremely grateful for,” Hudson defended his answer.