Page 371 of Black Reign

“You missed Thanksgiving.”

“I'm aware.”

Drew points the turkey leg at me.

“We invited you.”

“I declined.”

“That is not how friendship works.”

“It literally is.”

“No. Friendship is when I invite you and you show up.”

“That sounds more like kidnapping.”

Jade calls from somewhere behind him, “Don't joke about kidnapping around Blackwell.”

Fair.

Drew lowers the turkey leg.

“Right. Sorry.”

There is a brief, surprisingly sincere silence.

Then Jalen pops into frame with a dinner roll in his mouth.

“Did you find Miss London Bridge?”

And we're back.

I close my eyes.

“Can we retire that name?”

“No,” Drew says.

Kane points the carving knife at him. “Put the turkey down before you drop it.”

“I have excellent grip strength.”

Isa walks past.

“Put the turkey down.”

Drew immediately sets it on the counter.

I watch this with interest.

“Excellent grip strength.”

“Marriage requires compromise.”

“Fear,” Vale says.

“Respect.”