“Not sure how often you’ve gotten salmonella from eating ass, Harlan, but perhaps you should be more selective about where you put your tongue,” he argues. I let out an unbecoming noise at his insinuation.
“The last arse blessed with my mouth was yours, so not sure what you’re implying about yourself…” The barb is out of my mouth before I realize the implications of the words. His eyes are comically wide, causing a cackle to burst out of me.
“I…” he starts, but fails to contain his own laughter. “Let’s just get this thing in the oven, yeah?” I nod quickly, heat flooding my cheeks. I expect things to feel awkward after, but we breeze through the day with small talk and reminiscing. It’s such a healing experience, and as we set the table right before everyone is set to arrive, I find myself feeling lighter than I have in a very long time.
With everyone seated around the table and enough food to feed a small army, I take a moment to appreciate being surrounded by this group of people, all of whom have loved and supported me so fiercely. Dishes are being passed around while multiple conversations filter through the room. Julian stands, clearing his throat. Slowly, everyone quiets, watching him expectantly.
“Before we all eat, I thought we could start a new tradition, since we didn’t even have a Friendsgiving last year,” he says, perfectly serious. He looks at me before turning his gaze to Dare, and continues, “I know the last year hasn’t been easy for some of us, but we still have a lot to be thankful for. I think we should goaround the table and share one thing that we are each grateful for.” Scanning the faces of my friends, some look delighted (AJ), and others look absolutely horrified (Bennett).
“I’ll start,” AJ jumps in eagerly. “I’m thankful that I get to eat all of this delicious food in exchange for bringing some wine.” When he’s met with a chorus of booing, he relents. “Ok, fine. I’m also thankful that, in one way or another, the Scorpions brought us all together. I couldn’t do life without you all.”
“So sweet, Alaric,” Julian croons at his best friend’s side. “I’ll go next. I’m thankful that AJ is the very best best friend, and that he takes such good care of me, always.” He plants a kiss on AJ’s cheek before taking his seat. AJ blushes, offering Julian a soft smile. He leans over to whisper something for Jules’s ears only, making him smile in return.
Penny, Wes, and Bennett go next. When it’s my turn, I consider my words carefully. I take a deep breath and opt for vulnerability. “Last year was the hardest of my life. I made a choice that hurt someone that I loved deeply”—I look at Dare—“and that decision led me to a dark place. I wasn’t a good friend to anyone at this table, and I owe you all an apology.” Pausing for a moment, I meet Penny’s gaze. “Sitting here with you all makes me realize just how lucky I am. That even at my worst, you still loved me through it. I’m thankful to be back home.”
I’m met with words of support by everyone, but Dare sits quietly. Wes, who is sitting next to me, squeezes my knee. Once everyone settles, it’s Dare’s turn to speak. “When we started this tradition, after my first season with the Scorpions, it became as important to me as holidays with my family. Last year, I couldn’t imagine doing it without the person responsible for organizing it all. I’m thankful that Harlan is home where he belongs, with the people who love him.” My vision blurs, hot tears threatening to fall.
“Ok, that’s enough of the big feelings,” Penny declares. “Let’s eat!” The boys don’t have to be told twice, picking up their silverware and digging in. I smile at her from across the table, hoping she realizes how thankful I am for her. Not only for lightening the mood, but for being my rock through all of the hard days.
“Thank you,” I whisper to Dare. He takes my hand, stroking my palm with his thumb. He nods, gently squeezing my hand. The contact grounds me to the moment—to him—and I know with every fiber of my being that I will never hurt this man again, for as long as I live. The rest of the meal is full of laughter and an intense debate over mashed potatoes. I win—because of course I do—and Dare accepts defeat gracefully.
“Since Harlan and Darío cooked, you heathens all need to help clean,” Penny instructs as she clears the table of dishes. After she gives everyone a job, she ushers Dare and me out of the dining room. “Go relax. I’ll make sure this place is pristine before we leave.” I have no doubt this is true. The guys don’t fuck with Penelope.
“We make a good team,” I tell him when we step into the sitting room.
“You’re giving me far too much credit, Lan. This was all you,” he says on a yawn.
“Nope, we made this happen together, Dare. Thank you for letting me help.”
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, he pulls me into him so he can plant a kiss in my hair. I slide my arm around his waist and rest my head on his shoulder. “We would have been eating pizza without you. I’m so thankful for you, sweetness.” I lean against him quietly, while an argument between Penny and Jules carries into the living room. “Bets on who started it?” We both know it’s Penny.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. Curiosity has me reaching for it, since anyone that would text me is in the house. I see Oli’s name on the screen, and I realize that Dare probably saw it, too. I don’t attempt to hide the screen as I open the message, even though my heart is in my throat.
Oliver
Happy Thanksgiving a day late, Harlan. I hope you’ve been well. Tell Penelope I said hello. I hope you enjoyed all the turkey and mashed potatoes that you could manage.
Me
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you, Oli. I’m well, and I hope you are, too. I did, of course. Wouldn’t miss a chance to indulge on the best holiday of the year!
“It’s nothing with him,” I start to explain, but Dare stops me. I have no idea where things are going with him, but I don’t want him to assume that Oliver and I are anything. Rebuilding a foundation of trust with him is important to me, even if it’s only as friends.
“Hey, you don’t owe me an explanation, Harlan. I’m glad that you two are on good terms.” Good terms is subjective, I guess. I’ve not spoken to Oli, not since he left New York, after he flew here to end things. We still follow each other on social media, but that’s been the extent of our contact.
“I know I don’t, but it’s important to me that you know that,” I insist. His expression is unreadable as he considers me. The air around us is heavy with anticipation, but I can’t figure out what exactly we’re anticipating.
“I trust you, sweetness. If there’s something I should know, you’ll tell me,” he reassures me. He pulls me in for a hug.Burying my nose in his shoulder, I inhale deeply, finding the familiar scent of summer that belongs to him. Our bubble bursts when our friends descend on us, and I put some distance between our bodies, despite the desire to stay pressed against him. I’m beginning to lose hope of ever being around him and having my body not respond to his.
Getting back into host mode is easy, as I hug our friends and thank them for coming. Wes and Bennett are the first ones out the door, followed by Penelope. I make my way to the foyer to say goodbye to AJ and Julian before I leave, too. As much as I’m not ready to go, I need some space to gather my thoughts. Once Dare and I are alone, he releases a long breath.
“I’d say that was quite successful,” I observe. “I’m glad you decided to do this again.” I reach for my coat, yawning long and loud, as I slide my arms in. The thought of pajamas and my sofa is the only thing keeping me on my feet.
Dare opens his mouth to speak, but stops himself, shaking his head. “It was successful thanks to you. Are you ok to drive?” He doesn’t offer to let me stay like he did the other night, but the offer hovers over us, unspoken.
“I am,” I promise. “A cup of tea andLove Islandreruns are waiting for me.” He chuckles softly, pulling me against him for another hug. The feel of his beard against my temple almost has me rubbing against him like a cat, but I refrain. I can be civilized.I can.
He holds me for longer than I expect, but I’m not going to rush him. Rushing someone is rude, and I’m not rude. “Thank you again, sweetness. I’m so glad you’re home.” Being in his arms, those words hit me harder than they should. With a kiss to my cheek, he steps back.
