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“Oh yummm!” Mrs Whitaker makes the appropriate noises “I remember those days, but back then we ate more junk food than you kids do now So health conscious!”

She’s not wrong I would choose a bottle of water over a bottle of wine or soda any day of the week

“Alright, well, I just had a few questions for Ro—don’t want to be a party crasher” I can clearly see a spiral notebook set in front of her on the kitchen counter, and she’s holding a pencil in her right hand “You o home for the holiday What’s your favorite item on the menu?”

“Well…” I speak slowly, feelings still fresh inon vacation this year so I’ home But my favorite thi—”

“Not going home!” Roman’s mother’s voice has risen ten decibels “I insist you come here with Roman And what about his roo?”

Jack doesn’t ed feet and ha for the camera “I’m from the UK, ma’am, and Eliza lives three hours north of here, so ere planning on going to a restaurant for dinner”

Roorously I’lasses haven’t fallen off her nose “Absolutely not You are coe living room You can watch the Turkey Bowl after dinner or whatever that college football game is called”

Not only do we not have a gaaet the week off

“That would be brilliant!” Jack is nodding and clapping his hands “I love a home-cooked meal My mum doesn’t cook, and obviously we don’t have the holiday in Britain—this will be my first!”

“Your first Thanksgiving in America!” Mrs Whitaker could not lookto spend it here! I am honored” She scribbles on her paper “That settles it then—the four of you are co for the holiday”

And that is hoind up seated at the Whitaker family table, next to Ro a soft sweater vest in a deep burgundy color Gold necklace around my neck, tweed skirt beneath the table

Jack sits next to Ro up one entire side of the table

I adjust the napkin acrossand, and I’ve been working my tail off

To say the ride here ard is an understatement

Both Eliza and Jack claimed the back seat of Ro in the front seat with hier space

Dammit!