Sanctuary

It’s Thanksgiving and we plan on having a huge dinner because I’ve never had one and I’d love to have my extended family with me. I’m cooking for ten people which Alex thinks is crazy for some reason; it’s not like I cook for a living or anything. I woke up at ten to an asleep Alex; I smiled went to the bathroom before heading out to the kitchen to prep and place the turkey in the oven. When I finally got it in there and set the timer, I heard footsteps.

“Happy Thanksgiving.” I greeted him.

“Happy Thanksgiving.” he said yawning.

I smiled. He looked adorable.

“I just put in the turkey.”

“Yum.”

“Is there breakfast?”

“I haven’t gotten there yet.”

“Can I make breakfast?”

“Are you even awake yet?” I asked, giving him a look.

“I’m awake enough to kiss you.” he said, walking over to kiss me.

“Smartass.”

He kissed me and I melted into him.

“So, can I?”

“Yes. I was planning on French toast unless you had any other ideas.”

“Sounds good to me.”

I walked into the living room and sat down while he got to work. It was such a relief because I knew what I had ahead of me today.

“Abby?” I heard.

“Yeah?”

“Breakfast is ready.”

I smiled and walked to the kitchen island.

“Smells delicious.” I said as he placed a plate in front of me.

“I hope so.”

“It will be.”

I took a bite and nodded.

“And I was right. Thank you for making breakfast. I was kinda not wanting to make breakfast seeing as today’s such a big day.”

“I still think you’re a little crazy for hosting such a huge dinner.”

“Alex, I cook for countless people almost every day. This isn’t anything new and plus, I know everyone I’m cooking for. They’re family.”

“You got a point.”

“Thank you.”

He shook his head.

“So, when are our guests coming?” he asked.

“One. I’ll have football on when they arrive.”

We were both smiling about that; we’re just two people who can’t get enough football. The only difference between our mutual love of the sport is who we root for. While he roots for the Ravens, I root for the Redskins which makes me thankful for them being in different conferences. If they see each other at all during the season, it’s only once. Today, I’m lucky that they’re playing the Cowboys today late in the afternoon.

“You excited about the Redskins game?”

“Of course. You excited about the Ravens game?”

“Of course.”

Hopefully, the day would be made better if both our teams would win.

“Come 4:30, I’m changing into my jersey.” I said.

His game came on at one.

“Can I still wear mine when we eat? I know the game will still be on.”

I bit my lip. I know he loves his team, but this is a holiday and two, I like to see him dressed up because I know how rare that is.

“I’d rather you change into nicer clothes.”

Oh, and three, it’s the Ravens.

“Really?” he groaned.

“Yes. Really. Maybe if you were a fan of the Redskins, it’d be different.”

I was trying not to laugh as I took another bite of my breakfast.

“You think you’re so funny.”

“The funniest.”

He finished his and put his plate in the sink. When I was done, I handed my plate to him.

“Please make sure the dishes are washed and put in the dishwasher. I want the sink to be empty before dinner.”

I didn’t take another look and walked into the living room. I sat down on the couch and pulled out the recliner. I had Alex clean and run the sweeper while I was at work yesterday and he seemed to do a great job.

“Anything else we need to do?” he said, sitting next to me.

“Just shower and get dressed, but that can wait.”

I leaned into him and placed my head on his shoulder.

“Next year, we’re going to Virginia and have Thanksgiving with my mom and hopefully, her fiancée. This will be the seventh one without her.”

I sighed and let a tear fall.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I made myself sad.”

“Anything I can do?”

“I think so.” I whispered into his ear.

I lifted my head and turned to look at him and smirked. He smirked right back, picked me up and we headed straight to the bedroom. A couple hours later, the stupid Ravens game was on and people were set to arrive. The first person that arrived was my bestie with a purse and a Redskins in tow. She’s the only other Redskins fan here; the boys, of course were Ravens fans, seeing as they grew up in Baltimore, and our friends weren’t even interested in football whatsoever.

“You brought your jersey!” I squealed.

“I had to bring it. Isn’t it awesome that they play today?”

“Totally, even in a house where there are four Ravens fans.” I said laughing.

She laughed as well.

“Are you letting Alex wear his ugly jersey at dinner?”

“I heard that!”

We laughed even harder.

“Until dinner. He asked if he could wear it, then. I told him I wanted him in nicer clothes and that I might’ve if he was a Redskins fan.”

“Poor Alex.” she said dramatically.

In came Jack without knocking on the door.

“Why poor Alex?” he said hugging me.

“I won’t let him wear his Ravens jersey at the dinner table.”

“Why not?”

“One, it’s a holiday and two, I want him in nice clothes.”

He shook his head.

“You’re mean.”

“Thank you. I try.”

He turned and noticed Miranda.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was so rude. It’s so good to see you.” he said hugging her.

She was overjoyed, but I knew she wouldn’t let that show.

“It’s good to see you, too.”

Seconds later, they went off in separate directions; Jack to the bathroom and Miranda to the living room. I moved away from the door and turned to Alex who was walking toward me.

“Alex, did you see the two of them hug?”

“No. Why?”

“Come with-”

That conversation would have to wait as I heard a knock on the door.

“I’ll talk to you about this later.” I said as he answered the door.

I sat beside Miranda who was on her phone.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“There’s something we need to talk about.”

“It’s about a certain guy that hugged you today.”

She bit her lip.

“What?”

“You like Jack.”

“No. I don’t.”

“Honey, I saw the look on your face when he hugged you. You were over the moon.”

She began to blush.

“You’re right.”

“Of course, I am. I know you better than anybody.”

“How the hell do I approach him?”

“First of all, how long have you been crushing on him?”

“For maybe a year?”

“Jeez...why haven’t you spoken to him about this?”

“Well, haven’t you told me that he hasn’t been much of a relationship guy?”

“Miranda, I know the guy. He’s like that because of a longtime relationship that ended terribly and he’s afraid of getting hurt again. He’s a broken-hearted guy.”

She made a face.

“You’re not lying?”

“This isn’t something I’d lie about. You deserve to have a guy who actually cares about you and he’s a damn good guy, immature like Alex, but a damn good one, nonetheless.”

“I’ll talk to him, but it’s gonna be hard. He could turn me down.”

“I highly doubt that. I actually think he likes you, too.”

“Could you talk to Alex and see what he thinks?”

“Absolutely.”

She hugged me again.

“You’re the best.”

I finally greeted the rest of our guests who were conversing in the kitchen and the living room before I got a hold of Alex and excused us to the dining room.

“What did you wanna talk to me about?”

Just say it.

“Does Jack have a crush on Miranda?”

“Why do you ask?”

“When he hugged her, she was over the moon. I actually just talked to her about this. So, does he?”

I took a breath and let it out before he answered me.

“He does. He told me this about a year ago.”

What?

“That’s about the same time with her. She won’t talk to him because he only has flings. You and I know him.”

“They’re ridiculous.”

“You can say that again. She wanted me to talk to you before she talks to him.”

“Now, they just need to talk. Who knows how long that’ll take. Hey, I’m gonna go watch the game.”

“You do that.” I said, shooing him.

I texted Miranda a thumbs up and she walked to where I was immediately.

“He likes me?” she whispered.

“He does.”

I could see the happiness radiating from her.

“Now, I gotta talk to him. Fuck. I know it’s not gonna be during the game.”

“Fuck no. Maybe halftime. That’ll give you ten minutes.”

“I like that plan. Make sure I do it. Ok?”

“I will.”

Us girls went into the kitchen while the boys watched the horrid game.

“Miranda’s gonna tell a certain guy how she feels about him today.”

“It’s about damn time.” Kendra said.

“It definitely is.” Brielle said.

“You all know?” she asked.

“We’re your friends. Of course we know.” I stated.

She shook her head and smiled.

“He likes her, too. I got the intel from Alex.”

They had questions obviously and they were answered.

“What are we gonna do during this game? It’s boring as hell.” Kendra asked.

“That’s a very good question.” I said.

We decided to hang out in the bedroom until halftime which is when Miranda will talk to Jack and I’ll begin cooking the sides and pie, of course.

“Have you and Alex started planning your wedding yet?” Miranda asked.

“Not yet.”

“Girl, you gotta get started. You’ve been engaged for six months now.”

“The man’s going on tour in June, shortly after the new album comes out, so we don’t have an idea of when to set a date. They also have to promote it beforehand.” I exasperated.

I was so fucking frustrated. I fell backward onto my bed and sighed.

“I just wanna be married to him. You know?”

“I’m sure you’ll guys find the perfect date.” Brielle said.

A knock on the door startled us.

“It’s halftime.” Alex said.

“Ok. Thanks, babe.”

We all got up and walked to the door.

“Time to start cooking.”

“And to talk to Jack.”

She took a breath and walked out and into the living room hoping to find him, but he wasn’t there; the look on her face was one of disappointment. She walked into the dining room, seeing him by himself on his phone, talking to his mom.

“He’s on his phone.” she said.

“I’m sure he’ll be off it soon. Help me out until then.”

“Ok.”

She was so impatient. I took a peek maybe five minutes later and saw him hang up his phone.

“Go.” I said nudging her while I continued to peel potatoes.

“Can I help?” Alex said, walking into the kitchen.

I shushed him.

“She’s about to talk to him.”

I bet her heart was about to beat out of her chest.

“Jack. Can I talk to you about something?”

“Of course. Is everything okay?”

He was so concerned. Alex and I were eavesdropping from inside the kitchen. We simply can’t help ourselves; these are our best friends after all.

“Yeah. Everything’s great. It’s something I should’ve said close to a year ago. I uh... really like you.”

There was a short pause before I heard anything else.

“I really like you, too.”

That pause had to be a kiss. It just had to be. I held in the squeal that I was holding in. When I heard them walking, I focused on cooking again as did Alex.

“Finally.” he said.

“Finally.” I echoed.

We continued a few more minutes until he saw what time it was.

“I gotta go. The game’s back on. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Miranda never came back and I got curious after ten minutes to see what was going on. I walked into the living room to see her sitting next to Jack; my heart melted. She saw me and smiled back at me. After all these losers over the years, she’s finally found a truly great guy. When it came time to set the table, Alex helped set the table for me while she walked into the kitchen.

“Hi Abby.”

“Hi Miranda.”

“He kissed me after I told him how I felt.”

I knew it!

“How was it?”

“Oh my God. It was amazing."

“I’m so happy for you. You two looked pretty cozy in there.”

She blushed.

“I couldn’t believe I was in there watching a Ravens game, though.”

I laughed.

“Relationships aren’t easy.”

She nodded.

“Can I do anything?”

“Nope. Alex and I got this. Just let everyone know dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

Off she went and I had him come back in.

“Is she happy?”

“He kissed her after she told him how she felt, so yeah.”

I was gushing and Alex was amused.

“You’re adorable.”

“Shut up.” I said pushing him.

He laughed.

“I’m a hopeless romantic. I can’t help it.”

He kissed my cheek.

“I know you can’t.”

By the time we put the last dish on the table, everyone was seated and ready to eat.

"Before I start cutting the turkey, I'd like to thank everyone for being here. I’ve never even had the opportunity to be part of a huge dinner and be able to spend this kind of time with such amazing people and that’s all I have to say.” I said, laughing.

I ended my short speech with a smile and began to slice turkey. Sometime when I was slicing, I got a cramp in my hand and had to hand the duties to Alex. Instead of him being at the head of the table, I was and he was to my left, Miranda to my right and Jack right next to her. After passing food around to fill plates, we decided to skip a prayer that my mom did when I grew up.

“You cooked all this by yourself?” Jack asked.

“Even the nearly thirty pound turkey.”

“It’s delicious. Everything’s delicious.”

“Thank you.”

I heard similar echoes across the table while we were eating. The feeling of being appreciated from so many people was indescribable and it was one of the best feelings I’ve had outside of my relationship with Alex; that’s on another level.

“Are you content?” he asked.

We were in the kitchen getting ready to pumpkin pie and topping it with cool-whip.

“I feel so content. I know that I’m appreciated, but hearing from all these people how great my cooking is in front of me is something else. Sure, people enjoy just about everything that is served to them at the restaurant, but I don’t get to hear it. I get to hear it from the people who mean the most to me and it’s indescribable.” I said beginning to tear up.

Alex pulled me into him and kissed my forehead.

“You, Abby Shaw, are the most amazing person on the face of his planet and everyone should know that.”

I melted into him.

“Speaking of you being so wonderful right now, we need to talk about this wedding. I’d like to be married before you going out on tour.”

I looked up at him.

“So do I. I like the sound of April. It’s two months before Last Young Renegade comes out. How about you?”

“I’ve always loved the idea of a spring wedding. Once we figure out a day, I’m gonna start planning. Ok?”

I stood up on my tippy toes to kiss him.

“I love you.” I said.

“I love you, too.”

That’s heard a knock and clearing of the throat. Jack.

“You okay, lovebirds?”

We both laughed.

“Yeah. We’re fine. Just having a very important conversation.”

“Would you mind some help?”

“Not at all. The faster we pass out pie, the faster Miranda and I can we watch the Redskins.”

He laughed as well.

“Ok.”

He helped us with serving dessert which everyone loved. I was thinking about cleaning up right then and there, but I really want to watch the game, so I said ‘fuck it’ and let it go. Miranda and I changed into our jerseys and came back to see the game on. It had been on for five minutes and we didn’t miss much. Our men looked at us and shook their heads; it was hilarious because they rooted for the Ravens while their significant others were Redskins fans.

“How do I look?”

“Is that a trick question?” Alex asked.

“You don’t have to answer that.”

He let out a deep sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness.”

I patted his chest then sat next to Miranda on the couch.

“How hilarious is it that we’re with Ravens fans and that we’re friends with Ravens fans?” she asked.

“Very hilarious. I’m just glad that they rarely see each other. Can you even imagine a scenario with them in the Super Bowl together?”

“I can’t. I hope it never happens.”

“Me too.”

The game was a bust. They lost by five points against the Cowboys, but at least Alex’s team won today; the day was almost perfect and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.

Notes