“No. The last couple of years, DOI was in Asia or Europe in November. This is the first year we’re in the States.”
They slipped on their jackets and slid their rubber skate guards over the sharpened blades.
“I just have one favor to request of you,” Gemma started. “If I’m asked to try some pumpkin pie, would you mind if it magically appeared on your plate?”
Charlie’s body shook with laughter. “You can always say no, that you don’t want any.”
“I’d hate to be rude. I have a hard time saying no to Suzy.”
“Nan wouldn’t be offended. She’d just offer you an extra serving of cherry or peach cobbler. They’re just as good. We always get them from this place called the Lucky Dog Diner. They make the best pies around.”
* * *
Gemma looked at all the warming dishes sitting on the sideboard. There were fluffy potatoes, marshmallow-topped candied yams, soft veggies, cornbread, jellied cranberries, stuffing, and a massive twenty-five-pound turkey. She scooped a small amount of everything onto her plate.
“I can see why you told me to wear stretchy trousers.” She laughed.
Frankie was focused on lathering her potatoes, turkey, and stuffing with gravy. “Uh-huh. Suzy outdoes herself every year.”
Leaving the serving line, Gemma sat down in the middle of the table that had been set for nine. The men—Mr. T, Tim, Charlie, Leslie’s boyfriend, and their uncle Jack—lingered in the kitchen chatting over drinks as they waited for the space to clear up.
“Stop, Frankie, I can’t take credit for everything. Your father and Charlie did a magnificent job with the turkey, potatoes, and dessert.”
“Charlie did all the cooking. Dad only peeled the potatoes,” Frankie whispered as she sat beside Gemma.
They shared a giggle.
“Gem, what do you think of Thanksgiving so far?” Leslie asked.
She gestured to her plate. “I’m excited to try everything! Turkey is such a welcome change from the foods we eat for Christmas at home. Mum usually makes a roast or a ham.”
Leslie took a seat across from Gemma. “Roast sounds good. Maybe that’s what we should make for Christmas this year, Nan.”
“What do you normally have?” Gemma asked.
“The same spread as Thanksgiving. All this.”
She nodded.
“What are your plans for Christmas, Gem? I meant to ask you earlier. Are you going home?” Frankie poured herself a glass of sparkling apple cider.
“That’s the plan. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my mum and dad. I’m well overdue.” Frankie gestured to her glass. “I’ll take a half glass. Thanks.”
“Is Tim going with you?”
Her cheeks burned. “Yes.”
Excited chatter broke out between Leslie and Frankie.
Locking eyes with Gemma, Suzy cleared her throat. “Rich, Charlie, Tim, Ron, Jack—we’re waiting on you.”
Sheepishly, the lads entered the room, carrying on excitedly about fishing.
Tim walked around the table and took the empty seat next to Gemma.
“Are you sure your parents don’t mind you missing dinner with them tonight?” she whispered.
“No, they understand. We had lunch as our big meal. They’re more excited to meet you in person tomorrow!”
