“But it was something traumatic you went through.”
He nods. “Yeah. But I’m safe and healthy.”
“You can still be traumatized, though.”
He shakes his head. “As long as my brother is alive, that is all I care about. Urgh. Sorry, I’ve just met you and dumped my trauma on your back. I’m sorry.”
“Seems like you needed to get that off your chest.” I chuckle.
“Seems like it,” he says with a frown as he throws back his beer. “You’re easy to talk to, Derrick, was it?”
“It’s my good looks, it disarms people,” I joke, which makes him laugh.
“You could be a model, but I haven’t seen you around so what is it you do?” he says, complimenting me.
“I’m a struggling stylist and co-own a boutique with Sienna.”
He looks me up and down. “You do look very stylish.”
I then look him up and down. “As are you.”
Parker smiles. “I know a lot of people in the fashion industry. I could introduce you to them.”
“You would?”
“Of course. Let’s swap numbers. I’m catching up with some friends while in LA. They are models, actors, and some work in the fashion industry here in the city, so they are probably good people to know.”
“I appreciate it so much,” I tell him as we swap numbers. “Any of your friends swing my way?”
“Plenty. You want me to play cupid?” Parker smiles.
“I’m not looking for love, just dick.”
Parker chokes on his beer before bursting out laughing. “My friends are going to love you.”
“Happy Thanksgiving, Derrick,” Chance says, nodding in my direction as he glares at Parker who is standing beside me.
“Same to you,” I say, holding my beer up to him as silence falls between us.
“Oh, hi, I’m Parker, Finn’s brother,” he says, introducing himself and breaking the awkward silence. Chance smiles and shakes his hand, and thankfully, before it gets too awkward again, Johnny calls Chance over to him and he goes.
“Well, that wasn’t half awkward. I’m guessing there is something going on there between the two of you,” Parker asks.
“Yeah,” I say as I sip my beer.
“Something that no one knows about?” Parker pushes.
“Yep. You can’t say anything.” I turn to him.
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he adds. “Come on, let’s grab a seat, it looks like the food is almost ready.”
Vanessa stands and clears her throat. “Thought I would start the tradition off first today with what I am thankful for.”
“Angel, I know you’re thankful for me,” Christian pipes up.
She pegs a bread roll at him, making everyone laugh before continuing with what she is thankful for, “I’m thankful that my best friend has found true love and happiness. And she’s just down the road from me again instead of a twenty-hour flight away.”
I’m disappointed that she isn’t thankful for me because let’s be serious, everyone should be thankful that I am in their life.
