Thanksgiving Break couldn't come fast enough. The kids could barely pay attention in school. The adults didn't want to be at work. Everyone was focused on his or her holiday plans. Finally, it was Wednesday evening.
Fritz and his family had an evening flight to Florida. Bobby and Sharon were on the same flight. Rusty was spending Thanksgiving with Kyle's family. Eliza and David were having dinner. Flynn and Andrea were spending the holiday with two of his kids. His other daughter was going to meet her boyfriend's family. Provenza got roped into having dinner with his daughter, his grandkids and Liz. Sanchez was with his family as was Tao. Buzz was spending the holiday with his mother. She made a special batch of pumpkin brownies for the occasion.
Thursday Morning
They arrived in Florida at about 6AM. They were exhausted, well except for Marcus who slept like a baby. Fritz and Bobby rented a car together and the party of five went to the hotel. Brenda promptly climbed into bed and slept.
Fritz sent a text message to Clay, so he would know that they landed. Bobby texted Frank to ask when he and Jimmy would arrive.
Jimmy and Frank were in Georgia, just about to get into Florida. They had about four hours before they would get to Jr's town.
The Loft
Eliza had a turkey brining. David was making the sides: stuffing, cornbread, fresh cranberry sauce and a avocado salad. Jackie, Tommy and Rachel were coming over later. Rachel was bringing dessert and Tommy and Rachel were bringing the alcohol.
Flynn's house
No one wanted a tofurky. Instead, they were going to make eggplant parmesan, poached eggs, a mushroom risotto, and apple pie and ice cream for dessert. They also had fresh cider and hot chocolate.
Flynn's kids came over. They brought a salad and rolls. Andrea put on some music, Ray Charles for the occasion. They sat down and began talking. Flynn brought out drinks. Of course his kids continued whatever bickering match they were having on the way over there.
Flynn wouldn't have it any other way. Andrea wanted to spike her drink. She was used to bickering. Her household did it all the time growing up. Her mother got through it by drinking. Andrea didn't take that route, though sometimes she wanted to.
Pope's House
He was alone. His ex had the kids, and he had no date for the occasion. Apparently, even cheap broads have families. He walked around and saw that an animal shelter was open until 2PM. He went by and saw a bunch of cats and dogs. One stuck out to him, a two year old Irish settler named Molly. Apparently, Pope can never turn down a redhead. He brought her home. He had literally no dog stuff and had to go to Petco. He got there just before it closed and grabbed some food, a collar and leash, a water dish and a dog bed.
He loaded up the car, and they went home.
Jackie's Apartment
She was making Sangria to bring to Thanksgiving. She poured peach liqueur, blackberry brandy, rum, orange slices and berries into a pitcher. She let the fruit absorb the liquor. She chilled the red wine. She was going to mix them at the dinner, so it didn't spill.
Tommy bought an array of craft beers.
The pool
Marcus and Sharon went for a swim. It was nice to spend some time in the water. It got Sharon's muscles working and the water was nice and soothing. Marcus thought this was much better than being in class.
Bobby took a nap. As much as he loved Sharon in a bathing suit, he couldn't keep his eyes open. Fritz and Brenda made use of their time alone in the hotel room.
They moved quickly, unsure of how long Marcus would spend in the pool. Their clothes were off and they were kissing and groping each other. Brenda was biting on Fritz's thigh. He muttered and groaned as she began to suck on him. He got hard quickly and pulled her off. He wanted to pound her. She readily gt on her hands and knees and he took her from behind. His hands found her curvaceous hips, and he began to thrust.
She moaned and yelled as he had his way with her. It had been a busy week, and they were both eager to fuck. Her hand slipped between her legs, and she began to rub her clit furiously. It wasn't long before she was having an orgasm. Her hand slipped away from her, and Fritz started gnawing on her neck. He pulled her on top, and she began to ride him, grinding her clit against his pelvic bone. She started cumming again.
He thrusted a few more times and then he was spent. They collapsed next to each other, limbs entangled.
"We should shower," she finally said. He scooped her into his arms, and they got to it. The shower was slow and easy. They lathered each other in soap suds, and he washed her hair. They left the shower kissing. They dried off and got dressed. Brenda pulled the sheets off the bed and left them in the corner.
Sharon and Marcus returned from their swim. Bobby woke up and joined Sharon in the shower. They kissed excitedly. Marcus took a shower and washed his hair.
They all went to brunch. Marcus got the stuffed French Toast. Brenda got pancakes, eggs Benedict and hash browns for Fritz, Sharon got a vegetable omelet and Bobby got the breakfast burger topped with an poached egg and crispy bacon. They ate and chatted about the upcoming day. Brenda was going to call and see if they needed anything before they arrived. Frank called, they were in town, but they needed to get to the hotel first. They were going to shower and take a quick nap. They planned to get to the house around 2:00. They brought with them wine and some bourbon for Dad. They also brought some weed, but that was a secret.
After brunch, Bobby and Brenda went to the store. Bobby wanted to buy beer and when Brenda called Dad, he said they could use some more eggs, and if they could bring rolls, that would be great. The Mrs. was stressed. She had three kids running around, a grouchy husband with a bunch of demands. Clay Sr. was trying to keep the peace. Brenda said she would help cook when she got there. Clay didn't' believe she could cook, but he agreed to relay the message.
Bobby bought a case of bud. Brenda went for a bottle of tequila. She knew this was going to be quite an affair. She bought eggs and she was going to get the frozen rolls, but Bobby said they could make them from scratch. They bought butter, active dry yeast, and some rosemary. Bobby also grabbed some salad stuff. They used a lot of butter in the Johnson household, and he knew Sharon would like something lighter to put on her plate. They got back to the hotel and called Jimmy. They picked up flowers for the house and the family was off.
It took about 20 minutes to get to the house. Brenda rang the doorbell. Her niece answered it. "Hi Aunt Brenda. Hi Uncle Fritz. You must be Marcus. Come in, but don't touch the model air planes. Trey will have a fit." They stepped inside. The others followed them in, sneaking in to surprise Dad. Brenda put down the food in the kitchen and said hello to Susan. "I hope we got everything."
"Thank you so much. Saved me a trip."
"Not a problem. Just tell me what I can do to help." Bobby came into the kitchen. He put the beer in the fridge. He and his sister started making a rosemary butter to use in the bread. Sharon helped Susan make side dishes. Marcus went to play with the kids. Trey was very possessive of his toys. Katie liked to read, and Hank loved having someone to play with.
Clay had been doing yard work. Fritz went outside to help him. "I don't know why Jr. can't take 30 minutes and deal with his own yard."
Jimmy and Frank got to decorating. They pulled out table clothes, set the flowers in a vase, arranged the dining room.
Clay came inside. "Hey Dad," Bobby casually said as he went to the kitchen.
"Bobby! You came!" Clay was ecstatic and pulled his son into a bear hug.
"How come Bobby gets all of the attention?" Jimmy teased.
"Jimmy! You all came to see your old man. Why didn't you say you were coming?"
"We told Brenda, didn't she tell you?"
Clay was so happy to have his whole family there. He looked at the time. "Crud. I need to pick up Charlene from the airport."
Jimmy said he'd drive. They went to the airport.
Los Angeles
The Loft
The turkey was roasting. Eliza had coated it in salt, pepper, some paprika, a little cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of chipotle powder. She stuffed the inside with apples and onion. When the turkey was done, she was going to take out the apples and onion, mix it in with some chorizo and stuff it into piquillo peppers. The guests arrived. Jackie finished the sangria and put it in the fridge. Rachel had made an apple spice cake and ice cream using her ice cream maker. David set the table and poured drinks. "This smells amazing," Jackie said. She smelled the stuffing and the cranberry sauce. David was working on the cornbread.
Tommy drank his beer and turned on the football game.
The Flynns
Dinner was delicious. Flynn's son turned his eggplant parmesan and poached egg into a sandwich. It was great. Andrea loved the risotto. Why hadn't she gotten an Italian lover earlier?
The kids told their dad about their jobs and friends. They cleared the table, and Andrea warmed the pie in the oven before she served it. It was delicious, nice and spicy, with the cardamom and the coriander to give it something extra. The ice cream was nice and smooth.
"This is great," the son said, mouth full of food.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," his sister told him as she elbowed him.
They went back and forth. Flynn shook his head. Andrea rubbed his leg under the table. He grinned.
Kyle's House
Kyle's little brother and sister were running amok. His mother was pulling a turkey out of the oven. The father was drunk, watching football, muttering something about the Packers. Kyle and Rusty were sharing a joint in the attic. The uncle came up. "Save some for me." He took a while to get to where they were. He was kind of slow and kind of chubby. He had a huge beard and a leather jacket. He was a biker and got to the house on his Harley.
The Airport
Charlie arrived with a little suitcase and her backpack. She walked out to see her grandfather.
"Hi Grandpa!"
"Charlene," he gave her a big hug. She sighed, but he was old. He would probably never remember to call her Charlie. She was surprised to see Uncle Jimmy in the car. "Where's lover-boy?"
"Frank's at the house." Charlie could be such an ass.
They got to the house. Everything came together nicely. The candied yams were done. There was a green bean casserole and stuffing. Bobby and Brenda made the rolls and a salad.
Charlie put her stuff upstairs and washed her hands. She got a big hug from Hank. "You must be Marcus. I apologize for whatever my family puts you through this weekend."
"It will be fun," Marcus said.
"Oh childhood innocence," Charlie laughed. She snuck a beer out of the fridge and drank it in the garage.
Sharon heard a noise and peaked out there. "Charlie, why are you in the garage?"
"Can't you see I'm hiding?"
"Are you old enough to be drinking that?"
"Sure I am."
Sharon was skeptical. "Then why are you in the garage."
"Because I don't want to be there when the bickering begins."
"No ones arguing."
"Not yet. Every family holiday is the same. Jr. gets arrogant and starts picking on everyone. Someone says something back. He gets all offended. Everyone gets into a row with somebody. Grandpa tries to keep the peace but he gives up and starts drinking his bourbon. I have had enough arguing these past few weeks. I am going to drink my beer in peace."
"I can't attest to your past family holidays, but I don't plan on bickering with anyone."
"Just brace yourself." Charlie finished her beer and headed inside.
Sharon went back to cooking.
She and Brenda managed to clean the kitchen before dinner. Sharon did more of the cleaning, Brenda did more of the drinking, but she made Sharon a tequila sunrise.
"This is strong," Sharon commented.
"You'll thank me later."
Dinner was ready. They were about to sit down and say grace. "Wash your hands," Brenda told the children. Marcus went but the other kids looked at her blankly. Who was she to tell them to wash their hands. "I don't repeat myself," she said, answering their glares.
They all said grace. The kids got their own table. The ten adults sat at their own table. Marcus thought the turkey was a little bland. He added some stuffing and gravy to it, much better. He had never had green bean casserole before. It was a little odd but the crunchiness was good. He asked the others how they liked Florida.
"It's okay. The weather's nice." Katie was not much for conversation.
"I think it's awesome," said Hank.
"You think everything's awesome," muttered Trey.
"At least he's happy about something," said Katie.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Your emo phase is getting old. No one understands you. You're all alone. Everything sucks. It's really quite dull." Katie spent all of her time reading in her room, mostly so she could avoid her brother. She should play with Hank more, but he's so young.
"Katherine Johnson, that is no way to talk to your brother." Susan was not having this.
"Come on Mom. He's been a drag for like a whole year now."
Brenda shook her head. Clay went through a similar phase. He might have never left it. "Runs in the family," Brenda whispered to her husband.
Susan didn't know what to do with them. She tried to talk to Jr. about it but he was always too busy.
Sharon tried to lighten the mood. "I heard the history museum was doing a special show for Thanksgiving on Saturday. Maybe it would be fun to check it out."
"Museums are boring," said Trey.
And so are you. It would be a great fit. Katie said this in her head as she mashed her food. She hated turkey, but if she didn't eat it, Mom would feel bad.
"I like museums," said Hank.
"We could take Hank with us," Bobby offered, "and anyone else who would like to go."
"There's also a pool at the hotel if anyone wants to swim this weekend," Brenda added.
Jr. started talking about his work, boring everyone. He brought in more revenue than any other senior associate, again. He talked about his travel and the stuff people said. He relayed jokes that were bad then and were worse now.
"Jimmy," Brenda started. "How was your drive?"
"It was great," Jimmy answered. "Quebec was lovely. We drove through upstate New York and took photos at Niagara falls. We visited Boston, Philly, and Richmond, and Charleston."
"That sounds nice," Sharon added.
"Too bad we didn't have time to go to New Orleans," Frank lamented. "It's a wonderful city."
"For drunks and whores," Jr. muttered.
"There's much more to New Orleans," Sharon countered. "The music, the parks, the art squares, the food, and the history."
"Also the Saints," Bobby added.
"Don't mind Clay. He just doesn't like fun." Brenda shook her head. Only Clay could hate all of New Orleans.
"I do too."
"When's the last time you did anything remotely fun?" Brenda asked.
Clay didn't have a great answer to that question. "I think my work is fun."
Everyone went silent.
Susan changed the subject. "Would anyone like something to drink?"
"More bourbon please," said Clay Sr. "Some coffee," said Clay Jr.
Brenda went with her and made two tequila sunrises. One for her and one for Charlie.
Susan poured the bourbon and sighed.
"It must be hard."
"What?"
"Working and having three kids, not to mention Clay and his moods, and my father's here too. When do you get a break."
"I don't," she lamented.
"You can't be everything to everyone," Brenda told her. "You are a wife, a mother, a daughter in law, a sister in law, but most importantly, you're your own person. You need to take some time and do something for you."
Susan offered a weak smile. It sounded great when Brenda said it. Making it happen was another story.
Charlie was surprised to be getting juice. She drank it, special juice. Aunt Brenda was the best. The kids were gabbing about Thor 2. Hank loved the special affects. Katie thought the character development was a little lacking. Marcus hadn't seen it yet. Trey checked out of the conversation. He was just staring into space.
Brenda and Bobby drank quickly. They needed quite a liquor shield to survive an evening with their elder brother.
"Charlie's going to be spending the semester at UCLA." Bobby loved opportunities to brag about her.
"Georgetown too tough. Don't feel bad. Brenda almost didn't make it." Jr. could be quite a bitch. Brenda was seething, but instead of speaking, she drank.
"I was invited to study and work in a lab for the semester. I will go back to Georgetown next fall."
"Charlie's great at biology," Bobby added.
"It doesn't run in the family," Brenda commented. Everyone giggled at that.
"Your mother must be proud," Jr. added, ribbing that she wasn't here.
"I didn't tell her," Charlie responded. "She's too busy trying to dig her claws into a sugar daddy."
"Charlene, that's no way to talk about your mother." Clay Sr. tried to keep some order.
"Why do you think she agreed to no alimony? She's trying to get this divorce done asap, so she can attach herself to some music producer. I asked her if she wanted me to visit over the winter break. She said they were going to Europe, and she was complaining that the presidential suites were all booked."
"Bless his soul," Bobby muttered. "He's going to be broke."
Sharon took his hand. She was glad that Bobby was free to be hers.
"Don't feel bad, Dad. Half of marriages fail anyway."
"Charlene."
"They do and honestly, I think you're better off. Sharon actually has a job."
"Charlene."
Sharon laughed. She was snarky but pretty funny.
"Are you divorced too?" Jr. asked her.
"No. I have been separated for 22 years."
"You're still married?" How did Bobby not know that.
"He was very Catholic. I told him to get out, and he left, but we never got divorced." Maybe Sharon should have told him. She doesn't think about him anymore. She kind of forgot.
"Is there such a thing as a common law divorce?" Clay Sr. asked. "22 years. That's an awfully long time.
"I don't think so," Sharon responded.
"Someone had a worse marriage than Brenda?" Clay Jr. couldn't believe it.
Brenda kicked him under the table.
"Ow!" he yelled dramatically.
"Brenda Leigh."
"I did nothing." She leered at him. If he snitched ….
Los Angeles
The Loft
Dinner was awesome. The turkey was well seasoned, tasty, and nice and juicy. The stuffed peppers were delectable. The stuffing was delicious. The cornbread was sweet and a little spicy. Tommy was stuffing his face. "I love this," he mumbled between bites. Everyone was enjoying the food. The sangria put everyone in a jovial mood, and they were telling jokes and ribbing each other. Gabriel felt at home.
"I wish the Chief were here," Jackie lamented. "Could you imagine her after drinking this sangria?"
Everyone laughed. She was the missing link.
The Flynn house. The kids argued over what channel to watch on the tv. Flynn pulled Andrea into his arms. and they danced.
She turned to him and gave him a kiss. "Yuck!" his kids yelled.
Pope's House
He and Molly ate dinner and watched tv. He made a steak, and he gave her the scraps. They watched a bit of the parade and then lounged about the house. It was nice for Molly to finally have a home, and she had an owner who could use some affection. He rubbed her belly. She was very happy.
Florida
After dinner, the Marcus and Hank went to play football outside. Susan went to clear the table, but Fritz and Bobby said they'd take care of it. Brenda went to warm the apple in the oven. She, however, really wanted the pumpkin pie.
Sharon went to put on some tea. Katie was going to go read. Charlie talked to her for a minute.
"You want to go outside for a walk."
"Why?" Katie asked her.
"Do you really want to stay in the house?"
The two were off. They went to a nearby playground and were on the swings.
"You're lucky," Katie said.
"Why?"
"You're an only child. Hank is a sweetie, don't get me wrong, but Trey is really insufferable."
"Being an only child isn't all its cracked up to be. Your parents focus on you all the time. They fight over you. They both put all of their hope in you. Going to college was the best thing I ever did."
"I have a long time before that happens."
"Why don't you try a sport or a club? Hang out with people your own age and escape the drama. It sounds like Trey really needs something to do."
"He plays soccer, but over the past year, he's been really moody, snarky, bossy, nasty. He used to be mean in a funny way. He's not funny anymore."
"Does he take after his father?"
Katie nodded.
"Maybe he just needs more time with his dad. He's probably hoping if he lashes out, then Dad will notice."
"Dad will never notice anyone who is not giving him what he wants. I wish Trey would just accept that."
"You don't think about your father that way, do you?"
"What father. He's just a sperm donor who pays the bills."
Charlie was sad to hear this.
Bobby went to toss around the ball with Marcus and Hank. They started to wrestle. It was fun to be in the fresh air, running around like a kid.
Trey went up to his room. Brenda thought someone should talk to him, but she didn't know what to say. Jimmy and Frank asked him if he wanted to go out with them tomorrow. He declined. They went back downstairs, unsure of what to do.
Jr. was checking his e-mail. He was sending out reminders as to what he wanted at work come Monday morning. No one else was checking their e-mail, so he was probably going to be disappointed.
Dessert was ready. The kids all came down to eat.
The adults slowly wondered in. Brenda grabbed a big slice of pumpkin pie and some whipped cream. Sharon went for a smaller slice of the apple pie. After dessert, the kids wandered off.
Fritz drank coffee and watched the game with Clay Sr..
After dinner, Jr. and Susan had another fight. She thought that Trey should see a counselor or something. Jr. thought it would look bad. "The Johnson family does not need mental help," he shouted. Brenda did not agree with him. Clay went to his study.
Charlie had a chat with Brenda. She told her what Katie said. "I don't know what to do."
Brenda said she would talk to Susan. "You did the right thing," Brenda assured her.
"Then why do I feel lousy."
"Because we all feel lousy. It doesn't take a biologist to see this family has issues."
Charlie laughed at that. She grabbed a beer and joined her father.
Bobby was chatting with Jimmy and Frank They told him more about Montreal.
"Do they have good grass there?"
They were confused by the question, but then they understood. They offered to let him try some. He was on his way off when Charlie came out. "Don't leave me here," she begged.
"We need grown up time."
"Like I don't."
"Charlie, I …."
"Take me with you or I'm getting Sharon." She was helping Hank solve a puzzle.
"You wouldn't."
"Watch me."
Bobby shook his head. The quartet left the building. They found an abandoned lot and shared a joint. Frank didn't smoke. He was the designated driver. Jimmy kept fabreeze in the car.
Brenda had a chat with Susan.
"Your kids are old enough for a chore wheel. We had one growing up."
"That sounds like it would help, but so many of the chores are Clay's. He wants me to go to the dry cleaners three days a week. He doesn't buy any clothes that can go in the wash. I don't know how he changes clothes so much. He always wants me to make something different for him for breakfast and dinner. I must make who knows how many meals a day."
"That's crazy," Brenda told her. "Make one breakfast. Make one dinner. If people don't like it, there's cereal, sandwiches, etc. You can't be everything for everyone," Brenda repeated. "Go to the dry cleaners once a week. Your kids can handle doing dishes, picking up their own rooms, the older ones should be able to do laundry, also, Trey needs to see someone. His behavior is not normal."
"Clay refuses. He says it's for lesser people."
"Don't ask him, get a referral from your pediatrician. You still have time, but once Trey's 18, he'll be out of your hands."
Susan shook her head. She never knew how life got so hard.
She sat down with Brenda and they made a schedule.
The trash went out on Tuesday's and Fridays, which meant on Monday night and Thursday night, Trey needed to take it out.
Clothes went to the dry cleaners on Wednesday, which meant Susan would go.
Trey and Katie were to do their laundry over the weekend, so they had clean clothes for school and to take turns cleaning their bathroom every other week, so each of them would have to clean it once a month.
Hank's jobs would be to set the table, help sweep the floors and go grocery shopping with mom. He liked that anyway. Trey would vacuum on Thursdays and Katie would mop.
Clay Sr. already did the yard work and his own laundry. He also cleaned his own bathroom.
This left Susan with the cooking, the master bathroom, and some laundry, much more manageable.
Susan left her husband to do his own chores. If he wanted to go to the dry cleaners more, he could, and he could do his own laundry. He was a grown man, and Susan was sick of picking up after him.
She sighed in relief.
"This will be a lot easier," Brenda assured her. She joined her husband and father in front of the tv. Where was her brother and Charlie? Maybe they ran away, couldn't blame them.
Eventually, they came back to the house. Frank drove Jimmy back to the hotel. Bobby found Sharon. "Ready to head back?"
They had done most of the puzzle. "We can finish it tomorrow," Hank said. He was glad to have someone to play with him. Sharon smiled, and she left.
Marcus was in Katie's room, writing a letter to his grandfather. He had called him earlier, but he wanted to send him a letter as well.
They all squeezed into the rental car and went back to the hotel. Charlie shared a room with Bobby and Sharon. They drifted to sleep.
Friday
Bobby was awake. Sharon woke up to see him looking out the window.
"What is it?"
"How come you never told me you were married?"
"Honestly, I forgot."
"You forgot you were married?"
"I haven't spoken to him in over 5 years, and I haven't lived with him for over twenty. He came around sporadically, while our kids were growing up and then he disappeared. I don't think about him at all."
"Do you think you'll ever divorce him?"
"I hadn't tried. I had no reason to, before. You want me to divorce him."
"I don't see how else we could ever get married."
She looked at him. He just dropped the M word. She leaned into him. "You want to get married?"
"Of course. I love you." He hadn't said that before.
"I love you, too."
Charlie looked out the corner of her eye to see the love birds. She groaned loudly and went back to bed.
They laughed and embraced each other.
The Johnson House
Susan made one breakfast. She made scrambled eggs and bacon and toast. Clay wanted an omelet. Trey wanted pancakes. She told them scrambled eggs and bacon or they could eat cereal or they could cook their own breakfast. They were both stunned. Who was she and what happened to Susan? Katie ate whatever was in front of her. She never bothered to voice an opinion. Hank loved bacon and eggs, and Clay Sr. ate.
"What time is Aunt Brenda coming?" Hank was always happy to see her. She always had candy.
"I think they're eating breakfast at the hotel and then coming over."
"Breakfast. Why couldn't they eat with us?" Clay Sr. always wanted the family together.
"She didn't want to be any trouble," Susan said. "They'll be here for lunch."
"Brenda's always trouble," said her brother.
"Hush your mouth," his father told him.