You can throw a party full of everyone you know

 

Stevie felt bad that his mom was going to so much trouble for Thanksgiving. He did his best to take over when she would let him. Of course, J did whatever he wanted. He washed dishes along the way to keep the cleanup from getting out of hand.

Of course, the guests arrived right on time. There was Carrie and the Tobes (aka Liam) with a ton of sweets. That's when Carrie told him she didn't have time to make sweet potato pie for Holly.

"Don't worry about it," Stevie told her. At this rate, the pumpkin pie would probably fool her if they just told her it was sweet potato instead...because when she got there her eyes were only on this new fellow of hers she kept calling Geo.

Stevie did his best to go with it. He did look a little lost. Of course, he pulled her aside and told her not to exhaust him before the night was over. Naturally, she looked at him as if he didn't know what he was talking about.

She paraded around with her wine. Geo said he didn't drink. Stevie looked at J and shook his head. Maybe this was best, but he was certain Geo was about to see her true colors.

She did her best to get giddy with Carrie but she would have none of it. She wasn't drinking either. Stevie made a face of disgust. Why did she have to be the worst guest of all?

Finally, his mom's friend showed up. He brought a platter of fruit. Just what they needed. They sat down and started to eat. It was nice to have everyone at his house. Of course, it felt like it was his and J's house. Really, he was thankful they were all here. In spite of so many uncertainties in the world, he felt safe here.

But of course, he thought too soon. His father showed up. Demanding where was his Thanksgiving dinner. He'd been drinking and looked to be in a pout with a powerful sort. They all moved out of the way and he sat down as if he still owned the place.

His mother brought him a plate of food. They all watched him as if the food critic had arrived. He ate until the plate was clean. He wanted pie so Carrie brought him a plate of all the different pies from pumpkin to cherry cheesecake.

He ate as if he hadn't eaten in ages. Of course, he never said a word to anyone. He finished off the wine got up and went to the couch in the livingroom and went straight to sleep.

Stevie winced. His dad was such a bear. Farts and all. Everyone practically grimaced. Stevie bit a grin when the snoring was more of a purr.

"Well, thanks for coming," Stevie loaded down plates for everyone to take with them. He wanted everyone out of here before his dad woke up from his Thanksgiving slumber.