THANKSGIVING

Nico

Enzo will be bringing you to my place tomorrow for Thanksgiving.

I rolled my eyes. Seriously? He was demanding it like some kind of order instead of just asking me like a freaking normal person.

Me

Thanks for the non-invite, but I already have plans.

Nico

Yeah, with me.

Me

No, Nico. I have plans with Tabi and Tristan.

Nico

Cancel them and bring them to my place.

Me

I can’t. We’re going to another friend’s house.

Nico

Whose?

I bit my thumbnail as I thought about how to answer. He was going to lose it if I said Liam’s. I could lie, but Nico had this annoying knack for knowing where I was all the time. Bastard probably had a tracker on me.

Nico

Winter.

I could feel the tension in his message. I might as well tell him the truth because there was no way around it.

Me

Liam.

My phone rang almost immediately. Great.

I took a deep breath and answered. “Hello, Nico.”

“What the hell do you mean Liam? I fucking told you?—”

“I know what you told me,” I cut him off, irritation flaring. “I’m not a child, Nico. I can make my own damn decisions without you dictating my every move.”

He sighed heavily, and I could picture him rubbing his temples in frustration. “I’ll be with Tabi and Tristan, okay? Plus, Liam’s dad is going to be there. They don’t have any family, and neither do I.”

“Then invite them to my place, Winter. I want you to be with me and my family.”

His voice softened, sincerity dripping from his words, and it tugged at my heartstrings. I hated how much I wanted to give in, but I didn’t want to lose this time with my friends; plus, I had already agreed to spend the holiday with them.

“So, you’d be okay if Liam came along?”

He grunted, clearly displeased. “Yes. As long as he keeps his hands to himself.”

“He’s like a brother to me, Nico. And I’m like a sister to him. There are no romantic feelings involved.”

“Fine,” he relented. “Just tell your friends to be at my place by eleven.”

“Nico, I’m not going to your place.”

“Winter! Don’t test my fucking patience. You are coming to my house, and that’s final.”

I let out a sardonic laugh. “No, I am not. I’m spending it with my friends. How about this: I’ll spend the day with them…”

He started to protest, but I cut him off. “And I’ll spend the night with you.”

He muttered curses in Italian, and I couldn’t help but smile a little at his frustration. Finally, he said, “Fine. Enzo will pick you up at five.”

“Thank you,” I said, relief washing over me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, and the line went dead.

* * *

Enzo picked up Tabi and Tristan on the way to Liam’s dad’s house. Liam had a job run to complete in the morning, so he told us he would meet us there. It was the first holiday without my parents, and the weight of their absence was almost suffocating. That morning, I felt a deep ache in my chest as I thought about how much I missed them and the reality that they wouldn’t be around today. It was a painful reminder of what I’d lost, but I was grateful to the friends I had now and that I wouldn’t be alone.

The sky loomed overhead, a heavy shroud of gray, and a light drizzle began to fall, each droplet tapping against the windshield.

As we pulled up to the one-story brick home, it reminded me of our house back in Canada. The yard was meticulously trimmed, and the bushes by the flower beds were sculpted with care, a testament to the love poured into this place.

We climbed out of the car, the air cool and damp against my face, and began the trek to the front door. I glanced back at Enzo, who remained seated in the driver’s seat.

I walked back to the vehicle and tapped on the window of the passenger side. He lowered it.

“Are you going to stay in the car?” I asked, concern threading through my voice.

He nodded, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. “I’ll be right here, waiting for you when you’re ready to head out.”

“Enzo,” I said softly, “the thought of you being all alone while we’re eating doesn’t seem right.”

Just then, the front door swung open, and there stood Liam, his infectious grin making me smile.

He was dressed casually in jeans and a black hoodie. Moments later, a man, whom I presumed was his father, came up behind him. He gazed at me as if he already knew me.

“Winter,” Liam called, pulling my attention back to him. “What are you doing over there?” He jogged down the steps, high-fiving Tristan, who giggled in response. “What’s up, little man?”

Liam turned to face his dad. “Dad, this is Tabi and her boy Tristan. Guys, that’s my father, Dan.”

“Hello, Tristan,” Dan remarked, kneeling to Tristan’s level. “What are you thankful for today, young man?”

Tristan’s face scrunched in thought. “My Nintendo Switch!” he shouted.

“Of course that’s what he’s thankful for,” Tabi groaned. “That thing’s practically glued to your hands,” she teased.

Dan stood up and approached me. When he reached me, he took my hand and covered it with his. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Winter,” he said, his voice filled with tenderness.

I returned his smile. “Nice to meet you too, Dan.”

He clasped my hand for just a heartbeat longer than necessary, his eyes searching mine. There was something about Dan that felt oddly familiar, yet I couldn’t quite place it. It wasn’t uncomfortable; rather, it made me feel at peace.

For a moment, it seemed as though we were the only ones there, and our surroundings faded into the background. Then, a sudden gust of wind made me shiver, breaking our connection. Dan let go of my hand and took a step back. Clearing his throat, he gestured toward the door. “Please, come inside.”

Dan ushered Tabi and Tristan into the house while I stayed behind with Liam.

Liam turned back to me, a question lingering in his eyes. “What gives?”

I glanced back at Enzo, still sitting quietly in the driver’s seat. “He’s alone, and I don’t like it,” I explained.

“Always so soft,” he remarked with a smile. He walked over to the car and knocked on Enzo’s window. I strained to catch their conversation, but the words were muffled, lost in the distance.

Liam stepped back with a triumphant smile, his arm sliding around my shoulders once he reached me. “He’s going to join us.”

“Really?” Relief flooded through me at the thought of Enzo not being alone.

“Yeah. And you’re right. No one should be alone.” Liam moved closer and pressed his lips against my cheek. He jogged up the path to his house, leaving me with Enzo.

I wondered what he said to Enzo to make him change his mind?

Enzo strode alongside me, a playful grin lighting up his face. “I would’ve been fine out in the car.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have.” I bumped him lightly with my shoulder, a smile spreading across my lips. “And you’re welcome.”

Inside, the aroma of turkey and stuffing filled the air, making my mouth water. I had skipped breakfast to leave space for the turkey feast.

Enzo took my coat and handed it over to Liam, who hung it in the coat closet.

“Come on, dinner’s almost ready,” Liam remarked. He motioned for us to come along, guiding us through the house.

We took our places at the dining room table, with me next to Enzo, Tabi and Tristan sitting opposite me, and Liam and his father at the ends of the table.

“Mr. Liam’s dad, would you like some help?” Tabi offered.

“Dan,” he replied warmly. “Please, call me Dan. And no, I’ve got it. You’re our guests.”

Dan and Liam began setting out the main course and drinks.

“What do you think of this?” Liam asked, grinning as he gestured toward the spread. “We’re going to have leftovers for weeks.”

Dan chuckled as he carved the golden-brown turkey.

The table was overflowing with the usual Thanksgiving favorites—mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce. But there was also soup, fresh green salad, and limoncello tiramisu.

Once Dan had finished carving the turkey, he set the knife down and looked around the table. “Alright, everyone. Don’t be shy. Dig in,” he said.

“Everything looks amazing, Dan,” I said, picking up my fork and preparing to fix my plate.

“Yeah, I second that,” Tabi added, her mouth already full of mashed potatoes.

“Thank you,” Dan replied. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

While we were eating, Dan engaged us in conversation.

“So, Winter, Liam tells me you play the violin.”

I finished chewing my bite of turkey and responded. “Yes, I’ve been playing since I was a little girl.”

“That’s amazing.”

I smiled at his proud expression.

“I knew someone who played the violin, and she was magnificent.” His voice drifted into a melancholic whisper.

He didn’t elaborate further, and I felt tempted to ask about the woman who had captivated his heart so deeply. But the sorrowful look on his face held me back.

“And Tabi, what is that you do?” Dan asked her.

Tabi coughed and Tristan patted her back. She quickly took a drink of water and cleared her throat. “I, um, I’m a dancer.”

Dan’s eyes widened as if he was impressed. “Wow. What kind of dance? Contemporary? Ballet?”

“Ah, no sir. I’m an exotic dancer.”

A heavy silence enveloped the table, thick with unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. I held my breath, unsure of how Dan would respond. But his response took me by surprise.

He leaned in slightly, his voice gentle and sincere. “You have to do what you need to do to take care of your family. No judgment here, sweetheart. Just promise me you’ll keep yourself safe.”

His words melted away the tension in her shoulders, and with a slight, grateful nod, she responded, “I will, thank you.”

The rest of the dinner went well, and we all enjoyed each other’s company. I helped clear the table, once everything was put away, Enzo waited for me at the door with our coats in hand. Liam gave us each a hug as we prepared to head out. “I’m glad you guys could come.”

I smiled at him. “Me too.” I turned to Dan, who watched me from the archway. “Thank you for inviting us to your home.”

“I was happy to have all of you today. Happy Thanksgiving.” He came around and pulled me into a tight hug.

When I stepped back, I noticed unshed tears in his eyes. “Are you okay? I asked, putting on my coat.

He chuckled softly. “Yes. You just reminded me of someone,” he said.

“Really?” I replied. “I hope that’s a good thing.”

Dan hesitated, his expression darkening momentarily before he regained his composure. “Yes, it’s a very good thing. Just someone from a long time ago. Sometimes,” Dan continued, his eyes searching mine, “the past has a way of surfacing when you least expect it.”

I was unsure of how to respond to that, but a part of me experienced a deep sense of sorrow for him. He must have lost someone who meant a great deal to him. I gave him a small smile and walked out the door.

Wrapping my coat tightly around me, I stepped outside, and the crisp air nipped at my cheeks. After taking a few steps down the path, an instinct urged me to turn around.

With a heavy heart, I turned on my heel and headed toward the car. We piled into the car to drop Tabi and Tristan off at her place.

“Are you okay?” Tabi asked.

“Um, yeah. I’m just feeling full and tired,” I lied, not wanting to dwell on how Dan’s pain made me feel like I wanted to burrow beneath the covers for days on end.

“So, Nico’s place, huh?” Tabi teased, wiggling her eyebrows mischievously while Tristan was absorbed in his Switch.

“Yeah, but it’s not like I have much of a choice,” I scoffed.

“Of course you do,” she retorted, her tone light but her gaze sharp. “You just have to say no.”

My head whipped around to face her, incredulous. “You do realize it’s Nico, right?” I could feel Enzo’s quiet laughter in the front seat, and I shot him a glare, but he merely winked back.

“Even if I say no, he’ll still hunt me down. There’s no escaping him,” I muttered, letting my head fall back against the seat.

Tabi burst into laughter, an infectious sound that filled the car. “Yeah, it’s so horrible to have a hot-as-sin man wanting to be with you.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “What a tragedy!”

“Shut up,” I muttered.

She continued to tease me before we reached her place. I leaned over to kiss her cheek and ruffle Tristan’s hair before saying goodbye.

“Text me the details,” she said with a wink, but I quickly shut the door, trying to suppress a smile. Her laughter followed us as we pulled away.

Enzo drove in silence while my mind drifted back to memories of my parents, the ache of missing them settling in my chest like an unwelcome visitor.

Before I knew it, we had arrived, and the car door swung open to reveal Nico, his presence commanding and intense. He looked so sexy in a black shirt paired with a wine-colored blazer and matching trousers.

Without uttering a word, he reached for my hand, and I took it willingly, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin against mine.

As I stepped out of the car, our fingers intertwined naturally, and we walked up the steps of his home. When we reached the double doors, the butler stood poised, holding the door open for us.

“Good evening, Miss Winter,” he said, offering a slight bow.

“Hello,” I replied with a smile.

“Come on,” Nico said, taking my coat and handing it to the butler. We walked hand in hand toward the music room, the laughter and chatter growing louder.

As soon as we entered, Demon bounded toward me, and I could feel everyone’s eyes on us. Mya, her son, Matteo, Luca, Lo, Serafina, and Luca’s parents were all gathered, their focus shifting to me.

“Hi everyone,” I said with a wave.

“Winter!” Mya was wearing a beautiful romper with her hair pulled halfway up and a drink in hand. “So happy you’re here.” She pulled me in for a hug. “How was your holiday?”

“It was good. I had a great time.”

Just then, her son came running at me, his little arms outstretched. “Winter! Winter!”

I laughed, bending down to scoop him into my arms. “Hey there! How are you?” I asked, setting him down gently.

“Good. Wanna play with me?” He held up a set of Legos.

“Sure,” I said, and he took my hand, leading me deeper into the room. On our way, Serafina caught my attention, pulling me into a hug.

“Hi, Winter. I’m so happy you could make it.”

“Thank you,” I responded, inhaling the scent of lilac that lingered around her.

“Did you get enough to eat?”

“I did, thank you.”

“Would you like something to drink?” she asked me.

“No, I’m fine, really,” I assured her.

“Nana!” Aurelio tugged on Serafina’s pant suit. “Winter is going to play with me!”

“Okay,” she said with a laugh, looking down at him fondly. She turned to me, squeezing my arm gently. “I’ll see you later.”

I sat on the floor, building Legos with Aurelio, the soft music playing in the background blending with the low murmur of conversations around us.

Suddenly, a figure crouched beside me, and I glanced up to see Luca, dressed sharply in a charcoal dress shirt and black slacks. “What’s up, Winter?” He gave me a sideways glance, a whiskey glass in hand.

“Hey, Luca.” I gave him a smile and turned back to Tristan.

“You sure you don’t want a drink?”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” I replied, scanning the room. The chatter grew louder, and I caught a glimpse of Nico leaning against the doorframe, his gaze fixed on me.

“So, you guys normally have a big party for the holidays?” I asked Luca.

“Yeah. My aunt, Serafina, goes a little nuts. This is nothing.” He motioned around the room with his drink. “You should see what she does for Christmas. She decorates Nico’s place like it’s her own.” He chuckled, taking a sip of his whiskey.

“I think it’s sweet he lets her do it,” I said.

“He doesn’t really have a choice. No one tells Mama Serafina no,” he replied, and we shared a laugh.

We spent a few more minutes talking and playing alongside Aurelio when Matteo arrived and sat on the leather chaise behind him.

He tipped his chin at me in greeting, and I returned the gesture with a smile. “He likes you,” Matteo said, his deep voice breaking through the noise. “He normally doesn’t take to strangers, but he’s taken by you.” His eyes softened when he looked at Aurelio, and his words, surprisingly gentle, eased the tension in my chest.

“I like him too,” I said, tickling Aurelio’s tummy, making him erupt in laughter.

“He’s easy to love,” a woman said, her voice pulling my attention away from Aurelio.

I turned to see a tall woman, her height matching the man standing beside her. They carried themselves with an elegance that was almost regal, giving them an impressive presence that commanded respect.

“Winter, these are my parents, Emillia and Alessandro. Mom, Dad, this is Winter,” Luca introduced me.

“You mean Nico’s woman,” Matteo chimed in with a devious smirk.

I shot him a glare.

“It’s nice to meet you, Winter,” Luca’s mom said, her voice soft and welcoming. The kindness in her eyes reminded me of Nico’s mother.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” I replied.

“Likewise,” Alessandro acknowledged, his tone flat and unreadable. It felt like I was being scrutinized under a microscope.

“Don’t mind him,” Luca leaned in and whispered against my ear. “He’s harmless.”

Yeah, I wasn’t so sure about that. The man’s intense gaze felt like a laser penetrated deep into my soul. It felt like he could sense every buried truth and expose them.

I swiftly shifted my gaze, breaking the intense stare, and felt a sense of relief when I noticed a pair of vivid blue eyes meeting mine. The butterflies in my stomach were swirling around as if they were having a party.

Nico approached me, grinning at me the whole time, and extended his hand.

“Do you mind if I take Winter for a bit, Aurelio?” he asked.

“Sure,” he replied and returned to his Legos. “Just make sure you bring her back to me.”

We all chuckled.

I took hold of it, and he clasped it with his. Nico led me to the piano, and I noticed a black violin already set up, waiting for me. He gestured toward the stand as he sat on the piano bench.

“What are we playing?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“Whatever you want,” he replied with a smile.

I thought for a moment and then selected a piece by Yiruma. As I closed my eyes, the bow glided across the strings, my fingers moving instinctively. A few seconds later, the piano keys joined in, Nico following my lead seamlessly. We created the harmonious resonance of an orchestra as the distinct sounds from the two instruments blended together.

When the song ended, I opened my eyes to find Nico watching me, his blue gaze filled with admiration and something else—something that stirred a flutter in my chest. If I didn’t look away soon, I might drown in those blue pools.

I glanced around the room and saw everyone had gathered around us, captivated. Serafina even had tears trailing down her cheeks.

Nico’s warm hands found mine, and he drew me closer. “You’re beautiful when you play,” he whispered.

I smiled. “Thank you. So are you.”

He grinned, pulling me down to the bench beside him. “You ever play the piano?” he asked.

I shook my head. “No, but I’m thinking the notes aren’t too hard to follow.”

“Let’s try it,” he suggested, his enthusiasm infectious. He placed his hands on the keys and started playing a familiar tune from the movie Big.

I threw my head back and laughed. “’Chopsticks!’ Really?”

“Come on, play,” he encouraged me, and I couldn’t refuse.

When I stumbled over one of the notes, Matteo’s deep voice boomed, “Boo! You suck!”

Laughter erupted around us, but we continued playing. When we finished, Nico wrapped his palm around the back of my neck, pulling my forehead to his.

“Stay the night,” he said softly, his eyes searching mine.

“I planned on it, but I have my period, so no hanky-panky,” I teased, arching an eyebrow.

He chuckled, his shoulders shaking slightly. “That’s fine,” he replied. “Holding you might just be enough.”

“Are you sure that’s all you can handle?” I challenged playfully, leaning in a fraction closer.

“I think I can manage,” he said with a grin, his gaze softening as he brushed a stray hair behind my ear. “As long as I get to hold you.”

My breath caught, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Well then, let’s go.”