But that didn’t seem like enough.
I closed out of the telehealth tab and booted up a game, accidentally clicking Craft Cove from my Recent Games list.
“Shit,” I muttered. But at least I could log in for the special event.
You have a gift!
I snorted. Sure, building faulty robots and custom crafts that broke up relationships.
But while I did have special gifts from the game devs, I also had one from a friend.
Sal’s avatar waved at me. “Thought you could use this.”
It was a rudimentary, custom turkey plush. Tom. My friend.
I squealed, then covered my mouth. Why would he do this? Weren’t we no longer friends? Was this pity or…something better?
I lowered my shaking hands and set the plush on an altar in my virtual home. That mall elf had said something about how the way someone made you feel was the most important thing in the world. Well, there was only one person I knew who warmed his heart like this.
I researched his grandparents and the old store, then got to work. The next few days, I barely left my room except to eat leftover pizza and say hi to Kat and Victor, who exchanged puzzled glances every time I asked how she was, then trotted off to my laptop again. My eyes burned from screen exposure, but I was on limited time.
The next morning, Victor knocked at my door. He dressed up in a black vest with gold detailing and an aristocratic black, silky shirt underneath. His hair was coiffed, but askew. Very gentlemanlike. It was almost admirable how much he wanted to look good for his girlfriend.
He frowned at my sleep sweats. “Aren’t you coming?”
I furrowed my brow at him. “To where?” Had I promised to third-wheel on a date?
“The Silver’s,” he growled.
I closed my eyes and rubbed my aching forehead. “Right.”
“You forgot about Thanksgiving?” he scoffed.
I had forgotten we were fighting about it, to be honest. I sighed and leaned against my door. “I don’t think I should go.”
“Why? Because you overslept? Or is it because you don’t know them? You’d rather we stay separate from others forever?”
“No, but Kat is your person.” I held up my hand before he could puff up his chest too much. “Not to say that I don’t enjoy her friendship. I’m grateful for it. But this is a moment for you two to debut as a couple to her parents. I’m sure her sister is kind and lovely. But maybe I’m not the best in all social situations yet, and none of us need the added pressure of holiday expectations or censoring family members. However, I would love to have dinner with them on a non-holiday occasion.”
“You would?” His nostrils flared like he wasn’t sure he took my word for it.
“Yes. How about a few weeks from now? I figure we’ll be spending future holidays together, so I might as well get to know them.” I smiled and tweaked the metal square cross at the base of his neck to make it even.
His Adam’s apple bobbed, his downward gaze shielded by thick lashes. “Yes. I…would like that.”
Forever with his partner. Future holidays. Such a romantic.
I propped my fists on my hips. “Have fun. I’m sure you’ll charm them as a dapper gentleman.”
He smoothed his lapels. “I aim to please Kat, at least. The store is only open for another hour, and I want to buy flowers for her family.”
“That’s sweet.” How was he related to me? “Happy Thanksgiving,” I said.
“Happy Thanksgiving.” He blinked softly and bowed ever-so-slightly.
We eyed each other, calculating if a hug was appropriate, then he patted my head. “Don’t forget to shower,” he said.
“You stink more than me,” I said. Even if his stench was more cologne and sage than B.O and energy drinks. I nudged his arm as he smirked and strode off to his happily-ever-after.
