Page 108 of Love Overdose: St. Louis

4:36 P.M.

Thanksgiving Day

By the time we reached Soulful, the restaurant had been closed to customers for more than an hour.

The front dining room was dark, but light spilled through the doorway leading to the private space in back. Music traveled down the hall with the smell of roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, and greens cooked with smoked meat.

Elijah walked beside Malik while I pushed his chair. He carried the sweet potato pies Amelia had sent and the container of banana pudding I had made that morning.

Laughter reached us before we entered the room.

“Don’t touch anything until I’m finished place setting the table!” Aunt Bernice moved between the table and kitchen, adding dishes and warning everyone. Though when she left, Ron stuck his fingers in the macaroni and cheese and slipped a few noodles into his mouth.

Behind the bar, Aunt Cherry stood pouring drinks, looking content and moving her shoulders to the music.

“Why doesn’t someone help Aunt Cherry with those drinks so she can sit, relax, and eat with everyone else?” I asked Elijah.

He chuckled. “That’s her bar, and she would whip anybody into shape if they came close to what she would say was stealing it from her. She eats at her bar and jumps in the conversation whenever she pleases.”

He winked, and I nodded. I was glad I asked before I made a fool of myself and offered to help.

“It’s the same thing with Aunt Bernice. Nobody better touch her kitchen.”

I nodded. “Will your mom be here today?”

He took a deep breath. “No. She’s having Thanksgiving with my stepfather’s family.”

I frowned. “How do you feel about that?”

“I wish she was here. But I understand. It’s what happens when the family is split.” He kissed my temple. “It’s no harm, no foul.”

Christian and Naomi were near the bar, and Xander sat beside another guy, who had taken the seat farthest from the noise.

Ron spotted us first.

“Heeeeey, family!”

He came around the table and hugged me before leaning toward Malik.

“Happy Thanksgiving, young man.”

Malik stared at him inquisitively. Ron held out his hand. Malik glanced at his hand, then at Elijah, then at me.

“It’s okay, baby,” I said.

Malik slapped his hand and smiled.

“Yeah!” Ron screeched. “That’s what I’m talking about! We’ll be discussing our favorite NFL highlight reels in no time.”

I shook my head, as did Elijah.

“I saved you a seat beside me.”

Elijah moved a dining chair to make room for Malik’s wheelchair. He checked the space around it, making sure Malik could turn without hitting the table or the wall. Naomi hugged me next.

“It’s good to see you, friend.”

“Not as good as it is to see you.”