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“Normally, I would be. They’re spending the weekend with my brother-in-law’s family in Boston. My parents too.”

“You’re not joining them?”

“I was invited, but no.”

I’m tempted to push for more information, but I sense this is a sensitive topic. “Why don’t you come here?”

Brooklyn looks shocked.

“No pressure,” I say. “I promise I won’t make you help me with dinner.”

“That’s generous,” Brooklyn says.

“I get it if it feels weird. If it helps, Ali will be here.”

“I want to accept.”

“Okay? But?”

“I don’t want to impose, Carter.”

“How would you impose?”

“It’s a lot of work.”

“It’s just dinner. I’m cooking a twenty-two-pound turkey for seven people. My sister will bring at least two pies, and my mother will come with more appetizers than we need for a house of forty. Ali will buy enough booze to last until next Christmas. Trust me on this. Come.”

Brooklyn smiles. “Are you sure?”

“Listen, I know you’re technically working for me. I’d like to think we’re friends.”

“We are friends.”

“Then come. Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about?”

Brooklyn takes me by surprise when she kisses me on the cheek. “I’d love to.”

I clear my throat. “Good. It’s settled. I’ll leave you to visit with my computer for the afternoon.”

“Okay. Carter?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

***

I can’t stop laughing. Jeremy’s imitation of his father is spot-on. I realize the minute I see Brooklyn standing in the doorway that we must sound like a rowdy frat party. I apologize. “Sorry. Jeremy was just putting on an SNL worthy skit for me,” I explain.

“Don’t apologize. It sounded a lot more interesting in here.”

“Ah. My computer files lost their allure already, I take it?”

“Did they have allure?” Brooklyn quips.

“What? You don’t find editing software and sales trackers interesting?” I reply.

“Interesting—yes. Alluring—”