The holiday season has arrived, and I often include a Thanksgiving scene in my contemporary romance novels as most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Canada also has its own Thanksgiving, It’s celebrated on the second Monday in October.
Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays when I was growing up. My mother would get up a five o’clock in the morning to get the turkey in the oven. I always loved the smell of the turkey while it roasted. She also made her stuffing from scratch. (I confess. I use Stove Top.) My favorite part of the meal, however, was the mashed potatoes and gravy. It’s taken me some time, but I eventually learned how to make her gravy. Nowadays I don’t have as much family around anymore, so I roast a chicken instead, and it tastes so much better.
In this scene from Rivalry, Bill’s son, Connor, is hosting Thanksgiving. It’s Jenna‘s first time meeting Connor, and she wants very much to make a favorable impression. While Connor seems a bit reserved, Jenna hits it off with Connor’s girlfriend, Kelsey.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Marina Martindale
A Thanksgiving scene from Rivalry by Marina Martindale
. . .
“It looks like Connor isn’t the only one who invited guests over for Thanksgiving,” said Bill. They were driving around the parking lot in search of an empty space, but the lot was completely full. “Hopefully, I can find a space in the other visitor’s lot.”
He drove to the other side of the complex, finally finding an open spot behind another building. “Good thing you’re wearing flats. It’s going to be a bit of a walk from here to Connor’s apartment.”
“At least the weather’s good,” said Jenna. “Hiking on a snowy sidewalk wouldn’t have been fun.”
“No, it wouldn’t, and let’s hope it holds out for tomorrow and Saturday.” He handed her a bottle of chardonnay and grabbed a pair of grocery bags. They hurried past a big courtyard and two other buildings. Turning a corner, Bill approached a door on the ground floor and rang the bell. Connor greeted his dad with a smile, but he looked a little surprised when he saw Jenna. Bill quickly introduced her as a very dear friend. Kelsey greeted her with a warm hug, but Connor seemed more reserved, giving her a smile and a handshake.
“The turkey should be ready in another thirty minutes or so,” said Connor. “In the meantime, we have some snack mix on the coffee table, and we’ve got the game on. We also have plenty of beer and soda in the refrigerator, so please help yourselves.”
“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” asked Jenna.
“Positive. Thanks for the offer, but we’ve got it all figured out.”
Bill motioned to Jenna to take a seat on the sofa while he got their drinks. She gave him a concerned look as he sat down next to her. “You okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine,” he said, keeping his voice low, “but this is their first-time doing Thanksgiving.”
Connor spoke up from the kitchen. “We’ve got it covered, Dad. Kelsey happens to be a very good cook, and you taught me well.”
“I know. I’m just saying I’m here if you need anything.”
“What I need is for you to keep your eye on the game, and let me know what’s happening.”
Thirty minutes later Connor took the turkey from the oven and announced it was done.
“Good timing,” said Bill. “There’s eight and a half minutes left to go in the fourth quarter, and our team has the ball, which should get the turkey plenty of time to rest.”
Kelsey looked at Connor. “Go watch the game. I can take care of the mashed potatoes and gravy.”
“You’re sure?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m sure. You’re in my way, so scoot.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Connor grabbed a beer while Jenna hopped up from the sofa and offered him her seat.
“I’ll keep Kelsey company so you and your dad can hang out.”
Kelsey looked relieved when Jenna came in to join her. They chatted as they worked.
“I still need to find more winter clothes,” said Kelsey, “but I dread the thought of going to the mall on Black Friday.”
“Not to worry,” said Jenna. “I know of a few consignment stores which probably won’t be as busy, as long as you don’t mind buying slightly used.”
“Not at all. The job I was hoping for fell through, so I really need to watch my budget.”
“Sorry, to hear it. Been there myself.”
“So, I hear,” said Kelsey. “Hopefully, you’ll be back at work soon.”
“Me too, but for now I have plenty of free time, and since you’re still new in town, I’d be happy to take you if you’d like.”
Rivalry is available on Amazon, Barnesandnoble.com, and with other online book sellers.
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