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“You look pensive,” Iris said, worrying her lower lip with her teeth.
“My grandmother invited me to spend Christmas at her place in Albuquerque,” he answered, and it wasn’t a lie, though itwasan evasion.
“Are you going?”
Is it my imagination or does she look sad?
“Not sure yet. We don’t always spend the holidays together.When I was in college, she went on a holiday cruise two years in a row, and after that, I started visiting friends.”
Or I stayed home by myself while assuring Gamma I had my own plans.But he didn’t tell Iris that.
“What about Thanksgiving?” she asked.
“I’ll be here. We should get everyone involved. I bet Sally knows how to cook a turkey. Even if she can’t be here, she can teach us.”
Iris smiled. “That sounds fun. I’ll ask who’s going to be around.”
“Does Mira have family in the area?” he asked.
He knew Rowan did, but they weren’t likely to head back for Thanksgiving. To his knowledge, they hadn’t contacted their relatives since moving out. Their family was looking for them, and they’d sent a number of messages demanding that Rowan return home at once. Thankfully Rowan was safe here. Henry Dale had said he didn’t have anyone, so he’d be around. Sally was the big question mark, as she was the most social of butterflies and would likely have invitations from friendsandfamily.
Iris seemed to be considering. “Honestly, I don’t think she ever told me. I know her ex-girlfriend is here.”
“Anyway, let’s ask them about it tomorrow.”
“We can plan the menu together! And then on the big day, we’ll eat until we’re sleepy. Sports or movies?” she asked quickly.
“Movies.” A beat later, he understood what she was asking. “But I think Henry Dale will want to watch sports, so we should take turns voting on the entertainment.”
“Ooh, or we could play games.”
“Cards, board, or video?” he asked.
“Let me think about it.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Night, Eli. See you tomorrow.”
After she dashed up the stairs, Eli touched his cheek, not realizing that he was smiling until Rowan cleared their throat. “You two are adorable. I ship it.”
“You overheard?”
“Uh,youdecided to be cute right outside my room. The walls aren’t soundproof.”
“Then what do you think about Thanksgiving?”
Rowan gave Eli a speaking look. “It’s a terrible holiday for reasons that I think I don’t need to articulate.”
“Absolutely true. But are you on board for lots of delicious food?”
“I love turkey. I love gravy. I love gravy on turkey. And don’t get me started on the stuffing. Mounds of mashed potatoes? Green beans, yams. Pumpkin pie? It’s allsogood.” Rowan seemed to retreat into their mind for a bit, savoring some private fantasy feast.
“This is the most excited I’ve ever seen you,” Eli teased.
“Gravy,” said Rowan.
“You should come with us to Bev’s,” he suggested.
“What’s that?”
“Only Henry Dale’s favorite eatery. Iris ordered the biscuits and gravy plate when we were there, and she gave me a bite. So good. If you like gravy, you have to try it.”
