“What do you mean, ‘don’t’?” I narrow my eyes.
“Don’t force yourself to keep a smile on your face. They practically invited themselves over here—you don’t owe them anything today. Quite frankly, they’re lucky you didn’t tell them to screw off,” he grumbles. “I’ve got you, love. Just squeeze my hand if things get too overwhelming, okay?”
His gray eyes match the sky outside. I nod and take another deep breath. Suddenly, I hear a knock at the door. I don’t even waste my time peering into the peephole, knowing exactly who is waiting on the other side. I open the door and greet them.
“Hey guys,” I say. “Come on in.”
My mom's blue eyes look me up and down, then she strolls in casually while my dad follows behind her, his brown eyes wide upon taking in my living space. He isn’t on his phone yet—that itself is a miracle. My dad and I haven’t ever been close by any means, but he at least throws me a friendly smile occasionally. As they walk in, Jasper reaches my side, stroking my hand. Truman pokes his head out of my bedroom, looks at my parents, then decides to scurry back into the comfort of his bed. I wish I could join him.
“Mom, Dad, this is Jasper.” I gesture toward him. “Jasper, these are my parents.” He shakes their hands and smiles at each of them politely. My mom flashes an obligatory smile his way,visibly impressed with his appearance. Appearance has always been a priority for her. My dad squares him up from behind her.
“Iris, you didn’t tell us you had a boyfriend.” She gapes.
“Well, I didn’t mention that because he’s not my boyfriend,” I admit awkwardly, earning an eyebrow raise from Jasper. My parents nod knowingly as if it is obvious I’d never have a boyfriend like him. Deep down, I might agree with them.
“Ah, yes, that makes more sense,” she says, sighing. “Jasper, it’s a pleasure to meet you. So glad Iris has afriendlike you in town.”
“Actually, your daughter is holding back.” He nudges me. “I’m sure she was just waiting to tell you until she was ready, but I can’t help it. Wearetogether.”
For the second time within two minutes, my mom’s jaw drops, but this time, mine does too. I’m unsure whether to laugh or cry at the shock in her expression. Similarly, my dad raises both of his eyebrows at us in surprise.
“I see,” she says pointedly, glancing over at my dining table. “Well, is that where we’re eating?”
“The table with all the food and plates? Yes, Mom, that is where we’re eating,” I answer, unable to hide my disdain for the question. “Did you bring the turkey? I saved a spot right in the middle for it.”
My dad nods, setting the large dish on the rectangular table, front and center. My mom ignores me, instead turning her attention to Jasper. “So, what brings you to this town, Jasper?”
“I actually grew up here.” He sits at the table, prompting me to sit next to him. My mom and dad sit across from us. “I recently moved back to take over my old man’s business.”
“Ah, how impressive,” she remarks, pouring herself a glass of white wine.
“Owning a business is the way to go,” my dad chimes in as he slices the turkey. “I always told my kids that, but they didn’tlisten. Maybe there’s still hope for Iris, after all; she can learn a thing or two from you.”
I pour myself a gracious glass of wine and sip. “Make sure not to get carried away this time, dear,” my mom mumbles while taking a bite of her potatoes.
“Note taken.” I raise my glass to her as an idea comes to mind. "Hey, why don’t we go around the table and share what we’re thankful for?”
My parents glance at each other in confusion. “Iris, we haven’t done that in years.”
“Well, in my defense, we haven’t eaten Thanksgiving together in years either, so…” I say. Jasper rests his hand on my thigh and grips it once, giving me the encouragement I need to continue. “Let’s do it. Here, I’ll start.”
I clear my throat. I’m unsure what’s come over me, but it feels good. “I’m thankful for the Cove.”
My parents burst into laughter. “Of all things, that’s what you’re most thankful for this year?”
“Absolutely,” I pipe back. “The Cove brought me to Soi, Truman, and Jasper. So, yeah, I’m thankful for this tiny town you can’t seem to stomach.”
Her eyes bore into mine impatiently before flickering away to gaze at Jasper. “Jasper, what are you thankful for?”
“Trivia Tuesdays,” he says firmly, with flat-lined lips.
“Trivia Tuesdays?” my mom asks, as my dad predictably types out a message on his phone.
“Yep,” he affirms, not caring to elaborate. Now I let out a chuckle, knowing well why he’s thankful for Trivia Tuesdays. He smirks at me, taking a bite of his meal.
“What are you guys thankful for? We’ve both taken a turn, now it’s yours,” I say, looking at my parents.
“I’m thankful for another good year of work,” my dad proudly declares, to which my mom sighs. "Business is booming this year."
