Chapter 33- Friendsgiving.

Jazmine's POV

Cindy, Asia, and I are at the grocery store together picking up last minute things for thanksgiving. It's Tuesday after work and it's not as packed as I thought it would be. For the first time ever, this year, I'm hosting Thanksgiving dinner at my apartment, only for friends. I'd see my family for Christmas, it just seems more ideal to stay in Chicago this year. I might even make this a tradition, I don't know let's see how this time around goes.

The three of us had spread out looking for a few extra ingredients we needed. I had to get sweet potatoes for yams and pies. I collected a few in the small basket and saw Asia in the next aisle. Her and I were going to be the ones cooking this year, Asia can cook! Before her mother kicked her out she told us she taught her how to cook. I feel bad for Asia sometimes because she doesn't mess with her family but she always tells us we are her family and that's why she is making food for us this thanksgiving. And I'm glad because the girl can really throw down in the kitchen. Me on the other hand, my aunt and grandmother taught both my mom and I how to cook. I'm no pro chef but I know my way around a kitchen for sure. Now Cindy, well… she'd be in the kitchen for moral support. Not because she's white or can't season food right but she isn't into all that. She eats her salads and what not then calls it a day. She's still useful though.

I walk over to Asia, "Did you find the seasoning you were looking for?"

She nods her head, "Yeah, got it. Did you get what you needed?"

"Yup. We should go find Cindy."

"Right, because that girl is clueless when it comes to ingredients."

I laugh, "We only told her to get flour, there's no way she can get confused."

"I hope so." The two of us leave the store aisle to look for our friend.

"So who's on this guest list for thanksgiving anyways?" Asia asks.

"Hmm, well the usual. Caesar and Riley of course. Ming and Hiro. I didn't invite that many people, you know, just our close friends." I told her.

"No Logan?" She inquires.

"I invited him but he can't make it. He's going to visit his family in Delaware "

"Delaware?" Asia laughs shortly, "That's a little odd for a black guy to be living in Delaware. Did he invite you to go with him?"

I roll my eyes, "Yes he did but I turned the offer down."

"Why'd you do that?"

"Because meeting his family? That's moving way too fast and we're not even really together." I guess you can classify Logan and I as dating. He hasn't asked me to be his girlfriend and I'm completely fine with that. I rushed my relationships in the past and we see how that worked out...

"Mm I get that… I just thought it had something to do with a certain Big haired fella." Asia grins, suggesting something.

"Huey? No. We're just friends."

"Yeah right." Asia and I turn around to be met with Cindy. Who happens to be empty handed.

"Where's the flour, Cindy?" Asia questions her first.

"I didn't know which one to choose from."

"Sooo you didn't pick one at all?" I arch a brow.

"Nooo that's why I came to ask y'all which one." Asia and I both roll our eyes at our blonde friend. We all make our way to the baking aisle to get flour.

"Yo Asia you really believe Miss naïveté and Fro head can be just friends?" Cindy points to me while turning to Asia.

Asia shrugs, "I don't know. It's a slight chance that it's possible."

"I'm not naïve." I fold my arms.

"You are if you think you and your ex can only be friends."

"What's wrong with that? Exes don't have to hate each other."

"Look you can either hate your ex or next thing you know you'll be fucking your ex." Cindy explains it so vulgar.

"That's not true there has to be some in between."

"Nope there is none. You simply cannot only be friends. That's not how things work in real life sweetie." Cindy tells me.

"No way. Asia please tell her she sounds crazy." I look to her to be some type of voice of reason.

"I'm sorry Jaz but I have to side with Cindy. The idea does sound kind of weird." I shake my head, both of them were dragging it.

"If you don't stay away from your ex then old feelings will arise again and you will start to miss them, your relationship, allat. You will never truly be over them if you don't disconnect." Cindy states.

I scoff, "Well I think you sound ridiculous because I have totally disconnected myself from Huey and I's past relationship."

"Oh yeah?" She asks. I nod my head yes. Cindy and Asia share a look for a second.

"Let me see your phone really quickly." I look at Cindy weirdly but hand it to her. She scrolls and scrolls then pauses.

"Mhmm you're over him right. So what's this?" She shows a picture of Huey and I from a while ago.

"That's from my birthday. I looked good there. I didn't want to delete it." I defend.

"And this one?" It's a picture of us from Christmas.

"Um, that's a professional picture, couldn't get rid of that."

"What about these then?" Cindy swipes the screen of my camera roll to show multiple pictures of Huey and I.

"I have 2,000 photos. I don't have the time to go in and delete everything old." I downplay.

"Woahhh and this one?! This is gold!" Cindy shows one of us in the hotel bathtub.

I snatch my phone away from her in embarrassment, "Alright that's enough. I think you have made your point."

"You think so?" She asks sarcastically before she and Asia laugh.

"I just don't get what's wrong with keeping memories?"

"The problem is you think it's just memories when in all reality you're just holding on to your past relationship." Cindy shrugs and Asia agrees. You know what I'm sick of them. I was not holding onto Huey but they were slightly right. I shouldn't have photos of us while together. I go to my camera roll and select all the pictures of our relationship and delete them.

"Well look at this." I wiggle my phone in front of their faces obnoxiously, "All of them deleted. Still not convinced I'm over him?" The two of them look at me skeptical and shake their heads no.

"You know what? I'm going to invite him to Friendsgiving and you'll see how platonic and friendly our relationship is." I point at them seriously.

"Oh I'd love to see this." Asia comments.

"Yeah I'll show both of you."

After we leave the store and I'm home, I call Huey.

He picks up after a few rings, "Hello."

"Hey Huey. Are you busy?" I'm not really sure if he's at work right now.

"Nah you're good."

"So do you have anything planned for Thanksgiving?"

"Not really. I don't- "

"Great! Well I'm inviting you over for thanksgiving. It's for all of my friends."

"Um alright."

"And you can bring Danielle because the more the merrier, right." I'm going to show that I can be friends with Huey and his new girl.

"Uh ok. I'll see If she doesn't have something planned."

"Perfect!"

"Jazmine, you're being weird again."

"I'm sorry I'm just looking forward to you coming." I clear my throat, "Sorry I mean everyone, this is something new I'm trying out and I just hope it goes well."

"Don't worry I'm sure it will be fine… I got to go, I'll see you Thursday."

"See you, bye." I hung up the phone with him. This is good, Cindy had no idea what she's talking about.

Thanksgiving Day.

Asia and I were finally finished cooking all the main dishes, we cooked all day yesterday so the food would be all ready for dinner time. The only thing left baking was the pies and that was ok because dessert is last. You know how black people don't eat till late late and I want to be on time. This is the first year I'm hosting something at my house so I need to leave a good impression for all my guests. Anyways, Asia went home to change and Cindy too, so all that was left to do was figure out the outfit I'd be wearing.

I look around in my closet, I wasn't going to get too fancy. I put on a beige knit sweater, with beige boots to match and dark blue jeans. My hair is in a slick bun because I don't want it in my face while grubbing. Lastly, I put on light makeup, stud earrings, and coconut vanilla perfume. That's my go to scent. By the time I'm finished Cindy is here with Caesar.

"Hey guysss. Happy thanksgiving!" I greet both of them with a hug.

"Girl I saw you earlier." Cindy remarks but still hugs me back.

"Yo Jazzy! Happy Thanksgiving. Appreciate the invite. The food done?" Caesar questions quickly while walking to the table where the food is covered by tin foil.

"Yeah it's finished."

"Word." He tries to pull the foil back but I smack his hand.

"Wait for the other guests to get here." I snap at him. This isn't just some free for all.

"Damn girl! Yo hands heavy."

Cindy laughs, "That's what ya fat ass gets."

Caesar glares at Cindy, "So when is everyone coming anyway?" He asks us.

"Well they should be arriving anytime n-" The doorbell cuts my sentence off.

"Now." I walk to my front door and open it. It's Ming and Hiro.

"Ming and Hiro. Happy Thanksgiving!" I smile, gesturing for them to come in.

"Hey Jazmine. Happy thanksgiving." Hiro showcases a friendly smile. He's always been a really cool and chill guy in the short time I've known him.

"Happy Thanksgiving Jazmine! Thanks for inviting us." Ming envelops me into a tight hug. While Ming is full of energy, I like that about her though. I don't think I've ever seen her down.

"Yo Hiro!"

"My man Caesar!" The two men dap each other up. Before engaging in some conversation about some football game.

"Ok so we're only waiting on Asia, Riley and Huey." I tell everyone.

Ming whips her head around, "You invited Huey?"

"Yeah."

"Ah that's great you two got back together?" Hiro inquires.

"Um no." I blush slightly.

He raises an eyebrow, "Getting back together?"

I shake my head, "No we're just friends."

Him and Ming exchange looks of confusion while Cindy laughs, "Sounds crazy, right?"

The couple nods their heads, "Just a bit."

"What? Not you guys too." I smack my forehead miserably.

"No offense Jazmine but being friends with your ex is one of the dumbest things ever I heard." Hiro shrugs.

I frown at him, "Well offense taken."

"I tried to tell her." Cindy shakes her head.

"Yeah it never works out."

"Guys I invited him and his new girlfriend so see it won't be bad."

"Huey has a girlfriend?" Caesar looks at me puzzled.

"I'm pretty sure I told him to bring her and he said okay." I tell them all.

"Well why isn't he here yet?" Hiro asks.

"Cus he ain't coming, him or this imaginary girlfriend Jazmine speaks of." Cindy pokes fun making everyone laugh. Alright I had enough of being mocked. I could stand on my word and I don't need any of their unnecessary opinions either.

"You know what, I don't care what you guys think. I know it and he knows that we are just friends. That's all that matters. So how about you guys just take your seats then see for yourself." I lose my composure. The four of them look at me astonished but take a seat at the table. The doorbell rings, snapping me out of my anger. I take a deep breath, smoothing down my shirt right before opening the door.

"Mariah! I hope your 50/50 ass can cook." Riley does his obnoxious cackle as per usual.

I grit my teeth, "Hello Riley. Happy Thanksgiving."

"Boy why would you say that?" Asia smacks him in the head. "Hey girl, sorry about him."

"No worries." I don't blame Asia for Riley's behavior because he just can't help himself.

"Cmon boo that hurt, she know I just be fucking with her." Riley rubs his head.

"Just get in the house nigga." Asia drags her boyfriend by his color to sit down. I laugh at the pair.

"Having fun already ?" I turn around to be met with curious wine eyes.

"Huey!" I didn't even notice him walk up to my door. He scared me but I was also excited to see him. I needed to suppress these feelings for good. Seeing Danielle next to him helped with that.

I cleared my throat quickly, "Hey Huey and Danielle-" I paused when I saw a man standing next to her. I didn't notice him before, he was a Latino looking guy. Maybe Cuban?

"Hey Jazmine. Happy thanksgiving! Thank you for inviting me, I hope you don't mind but I brought my husband along with me." Husband?! Is she serious? Isn't she too young to be married? Well she does look a little older than Huey and I. I looked at her hand and there it was, a ring, prominent on her left ring finger. I don't know how I didn't notice it before because it's definitely not small. Oh my god I couldn't believe it. Danielle is married. It felt like a relief but I know it shouldn't. Especially at this moment because my friends would definitely not believe in my friendship with Huey now.

"No, no it's not a problem. Come in come in" The three walked in.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Jazmine." I shook his hand.

"I'm Emmanuel and Likewise. Thanks for having us, on short notice too." He spoke extremely politely. Well at least the complete stranger I was inviting into my house seemed pretty normal.

"No problem." I display a friendly smile. We all walk further into my house where everyone can see us. Of course being nosey they all whip their head to stare at the unfamiliar face.

"Yo who that?" Says none other than the rowdy Freeman brother.

"This is Danielle's husband, Emmanuel." I announce miserably.

"Ohhh" They state collectively shooting me funny looks.

"Well isn't this lovely." Cindy comments, a grin prevalent on her face. I subtly flip her off and she winks at me. 'Oooh she gets on my nerves sometimes.'

"Nice to meet everyone." Emmanuel states and everyone kind of mumbles it back. Him and Danielle take a seat next to Hiro and Ming. I sit opposite of Cindy and Huey sits next to me. 'Oh great, another way Cindy can tease me.'

I slump down in my chair a bit, this dinner was going to be interesting. My positive mood was already kind of flattened and we hadn't even eaten yet.

"So Jazmine what do you have planned for this friendly

Event that you organized just for friends." Cindy eyes Huey and I.

I shoot daggers in her direction, "Well I had planned that we first go around the table and take turns about what we're grateful for."

"Lame!" Riley shouts out followed by a smack.

"Yeah that does sound kind of corny."

Not really feeling like arguing with anyone, "Ok well I guess we can say grace then share out food."

"Aye! Now that's what I want to hear.." Caesar and Riley dap hands across the table. I rolled my eyes but The table was already made, food was on the table just covered, all we had to do is say grace.

"Let's join hands then everyone." Everyone joins hands. Huey reluctantly holds out his hands, I know he hates this but I mean at least he's trying. When his hand enraptured mine it made me feel warm inside. Ok let's get over it. It's not good for us to be touching for a long time.

"So does anyone want to take the lead on this or?"

"I'll do it." Asia volunteers. Good, she has a way louder voice than mine.

*Insert grace.*

"Amen." Everyone says simultaneously.

"I'm bout to fuck this shit up." Riley rubs his hands together like birdman as Asia makes his plate. Aww that's cute. While everybody is putting food onto their plate I realize Huey isn't well, only vegetables. That reminds me, he doesn't eat this stuff.

"Hey Huey, come with me." He follows me into the kitchen.

"Yes?" He asks once we're in there.

"I put a plate to the side for you with salad, fish and vegetables because I know you don't eat the other food." I grab it out of the microwave and hand it to him.

"Thank you but you didn't have to. I don't really celebrate thanksgiving." I'm certain I know the reason he doesn't enjoy thanksgiving, I don't need to hear his dark outlook on the holiday.

"Just eat it." I order.

"Ok,ok." Huey agrees.

"Great." I smile.

"I also wanted to say my bad for not telling you Emmanuel was coming along."

"It's all good. I mean a heads up would have been nice, but I'm not tripping." It's not a big deal to me because I'm a firm believer in the more the merrier.

"But, you could have told me she was married, you know."

"Well I tried but you never really gave me the chance." Huey rubs the backs of his neck. Never gave him the chance? Huh, maybe I never did. It was all just based on assumption.

"I guess I-" I'm cut off by my phone ringing, "Hold on one second." I step aside any and answer the call.

"Hello?" I don't recognize this number. I hope it's not one of those scammers.

"Hello, yes, is this Jazmine Dubois?" A young sounding man speaks on the other line.

"Yes this is her, who's speaking?"

"I'm Theodore Robinson, the assistant of Mrs. Stephanie Vaughn, the CEO of Vaughn law firm." My eyes widened. 'Omg! I didn't expect to hear back from them, especially today.'

Theodore continues, "Well as you know today is a holiday and I want to say I deeply apologize for calling today, it's highly unprofessional."

"No, no it's just fine. But may I ask what you are calling about?"

"Oh! Yes, sorry. I always talk a lot. My intentions for calling are to let you know you have retrieved the last internship spot at Vaughn law firm." I couldn't believe my ears! This was one of the most known law firms in Chicago. I'd be working beside some of the best lawyers in the state, forget just the city.

"Oh my god! You're kidding me, right ? No way!" I squeal excitedly.

"Excuse me?" When I hear his confusion over the phone my thrill halts. That was so embarrassing.

"Sorry about that, please continue." I try to contain my excitement.

"Hmm, yes, so the reason I called today is because my boss was extremely impressed with your interview that she wants you to start as soon as Monday."

"Monday?" I repeat. Wow that's pretty soon. I thought it would be a two weeks wait or something.

"Is that a problem?"

"No!" I chirp quickly. "Not at all. Monday is perfect." I had plenty of time to prepare for the first day with having the long weekend.

"Very well. Alright Happy Thanksgiving and remember don't be late. Mrs. Vaughn hates tardiness." This assistant of hers didn't play any games but I understand. It's probably hard to have a boss as successful as her on your back all the time. Actually now she is my boss so I have to get used to it.

"Thank you for calling me. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Bye." I said happily.

"See you Monday, bye." Theodore hung up. I let out a breath of satisfaction. This smile wasn't leaving my face anytime soon.

I walk back over to Huey, "You look excited. What was that about?"

"I just got an internship with Stephanie Vaughn!"

Huey arches a confused eyebrow, "Who's that?"

"From the Vaughn law firm, it's a black law firm run by a black woman!" I looked up to that woman so much. She's such an inspiring lady.

"Wow, that's great Jazmine. Congrats." He says sincerely.

"Thank you. Agh! I'm so happy!" Out of excitement I wrap my arms around Huey's neck, embracing him tightly. I know what you might think but I would have hugged anybody that was around.

"Ahem." I turn my head to see Cindy with her arms crossed, shooting a funny at the both of us. The position I was in right now looked very compromising. I won't lie. I let go of Huey and fronted like I was fixing his collar on his shirt.

"Just wanted to let you know someone is at the door for you." Cindy walked off smirking. I followed behind her looking confused.

When I look up and see who is in the doorway. I swear I almost lost color in my face, my feet are stuck to the ground. What the hell is Logan doing here? He's supposed to be in Delaware. No, no, no. This can't be happening. God why are you doing this to me? Now I have to find a way to deal with this very sticky situation.

"Hey Jay. Happy Thanksgiving." Oh he said something. Ok Jazmine say something back, come on just don't stand there like a dummy.

I try to put on a smile, "Logan, what are you doing here?! Happy Thanksgiving!" I awkwardly give him a hug.

"Well there was a mix up with my flight and I ended up staying here."

"Oh that's too bad." Curse that airplane service.

"Yeah… so want to invite me in?"

"Sorry, of course come in." Yeah come in, kick your shoes off, and just have a jolly ole time. However, I knew when he walked in the door all hell would break loose.

Logan followed behind me while I tried to avoid contact with everyone in the room.

"Jazmine, don't be rude, introduce us to your guest." Cindy's voice is filled with mischievousness.

I roll my eyes, "You already know him, Cindy."

"Oh shit! Is that Logan?" Caesar question.

"Yo! What up Ceez?" They bump fist because Caesar's hands are greasy from eating.

"You've met my girl before right?" Caesar gestures to Cindy.

"Yeah nice to see you again." Logan smiles at Cindy.

"Same… Did Jazmine introduce you to everybody?" I narrow my eyes. What is she doing?

"Um no I just got-"

"Oh that's crazy but I got you." Cindy starts to name everybody in the room, "Hmm and you know Huey right." If I could murder Cindy and get away with I swear I would. The girl has literally no chill.

Logan scrunches his face up, "Isn't that Jazmine's…"

"Ex." Huey finishes for him. He doesn't seem to be phased by Logan's sudden appearance but then again you never know with Huey. The atmosphere of the room was now very tense. Logan and Huey were having a subtle stare down, sizing the other up. It was like a movie.

"Oh shit! Niggas boutta thrown down!" Riley shouts, egging on whatever was going on.

Huey clicked his tongue, "I'm going to see myself out." He made his way to the door. 'He's leaving?' I didn't want to seem like I was running after him but I at least had to say something.

"Wait Huey." I stopped him in the hallway.

"Go back to your dinner Jazmine." He turned to walk away again.

"Will you just hold on a second?" I ask frantically.

Reluctantly he stays put, "I'm sorry I didn't know he was coming I swear."

"You don't need to apologize."

"Well I feel like I do… I just don't want you to be mad at me." I fiddle with my fingers. I feel like I screwed up once again.

"I'm not mad at you, I'm just not going to sit there and kumbaya with ole dude." Huey states bluntly.

I nod my head, "I understand."

"Now go enjoy yourself, I'll see you around later."

"See you." I smile as he walks away.

I walk back inside my apartment and find Logan. I pull him aside.

"Everything ok?" Logan questions.

"Look Logan I don't even know where to start by explaining-"

"It's alright Jazmine, seriously." He says understandingly.

"Because I swear there is nothing going on between him and me. We are just friends." I still feel the need to convince him.

"It's cool. Vanessa and I are on a friendly level too. There's no reason you can't do the same. Just as long as you're not hung up on the guy." Logan's eyes are genuine. I'm glad he's not upset or anything like I thought he would be. He's such a sweet guy.

I smile, "Thanks for being chill about it… do you want a plate?"

"Of course." The two of us sit at the table and eat.

Thanksgiving dinner was nice after all, I somewhat consider it a success. I wish Huey didn't leave… but maybe it was for the best. I got to spend time with Logan but something still feels off. I just don't get that great feeling vibe with him. Maybe I'm just overthinking. I know I can't compare him to Huey but I still find a way to. I just can't figure it out and I'm holding myself back. Am I the problem?


A/n: Heyyy! It's lowkey been a while. You guys enjoy this chapter? I have a quick question, How did y'all come across this story? Like where'd you find it at? I'm curious so let me know please.

Andd you know the rest, leave your thoughts, comments in the reviews. Thank you.

Peace!