“Here’s the pies!” Erin announced, imitating Vanessa’s hostess smile.
“Wine, please?” Luna got up and took a glass, pouring herself one and drinking it.
“You should be careful. Aren’t you on Percocet?” Elias asked.
“Nope. It’s a broken arm. This won’t be the first time or the last time I break something. I heard Carver’s still in the ICU.”
“Shock.” Aiden got up, took a bottle and two glasses to the end of the table. Everyone took a glass of wine or two except Erin.
Elias stood and said, “Why don’t we each share something we’re thankful for.”
No one spoke, though Aiden and Soto both refilled their glasses.
Vanessa unsubtly elbowed Kwon, who spoke first. “I am very thankful to have not climbed into gasoline.”
“Setting the bar low,” Kevin raised his glass, drank, and took Aiden’s away from him. “I am thankful it’s ten more months till my next Unbirthday.”
“Thankful for everyone’s health.” Drew picked something neutral which would have been a good choice had Soto not been clearly ill.
To Erin’s annoyance, not wanting to pass on that opportunity, Soto decided to address Luna. “I am thankful that this year my niece will be properly cared for. God willing, at this time next year, you two will be married, and I can rest easy before I die.”
“What, Tio?” Luna almost knocked over her glass.
“I’m dying and might not be at your wedding. I’d like to see Elias make an honest woman out of you.”
“This is excellent wine,” Vanessa said, pouring another glass for Kwon next to her. “Amazing.”
“You can’t play the dying card every time I do something you don’t like. Isn’t dating him enough?” Luna said.
“You’ve dated on and off for over a decade. Why not take the next step?” Soto said.
Aiden stole the wine bottle and took a swig directly out of it.
“It’s been a year. One year. You are asking me to commit for a lifetime to make you happy,” Luna said.
Erin hoped something—anything—would happen. A meteor could strike. A Vulcan spaceship could land on the roof. Hell, Cylons could launch a nuclear strike. It would end the meal early, and Soto could leave before he burned every bridge he had left.
“See, they’ve been together a year, and it’s too soon,” Drew said, turning to Theo.
“I asked you to move in. Not get married. That’s down the road a ways,” Theo said.
“Yes, because moving in together isn’t a step toward marriage? I live with Grandma because she needs me, and I like it alone,” Drew said. “You have seven siblings and talk about your team like it’s your family. She’s my family.”
“Then I could move in with you. Sell my house.”
“I am not a replacement goldfish for Leonard,” Drew said.
“That’s enough gratitude. How about pie?” Vanessa desperately started passing out plates with pumpkin and pecan pie on them.
“I believe in marriage, commitment, team, and family. They don’t have to be exclusive of each other,” Elias said earnestly, aimed at his angry girlfriend. “Your uncle and I have been talking and—”
“Please, no,” Luna murmured.
“No, no, keep going,” Aiden said and clicked his bottle on Erin’s water glass.
“Stop,” Luna said.
“I don’t see why,” Soto said. “Either you’re in or you’re out. Sounds like Jefferson’s guy is out. What about you?”
