---

It was that time of the year. Thanksgiving.

Like every other year previously, there was a gathering held between a group of friends. This year they appeared to be one short, as Chuy was in Chicago celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. So understandably, he was missing out on this years potluck dinner. Everyone took turns hosting the celebratory dinner. This year, Christian had offered to do so. He might have been fairly new to the group, but being a trained chef and owner of a restaurant chain; he was no stranger to hosting events; let alone cooking for them.

Delicious scents had filled the apartment complex and the hallways, for most of the day. Christian had started preparing everything early. Spending most of the day in the kitchen. Whilst he was focusing on cooking the main meal; he knew that everyone would be bringing something with them. Given that they had a big gathering, lots of food and drinks was always part of their celebrations. The main meal consisted of roast potatoes, all different kind of vegetables, turkey and even a roast chicken for those that didn't like Turkey. Then came the home-made gravy for the meats and Christian's home-made apple sauce. It was an old family recipe, that he had adapted from his mother over the years. He didn't make the apple sauce often. Mainly on occasions like this and during the Christmas Holidays. Christian even did an eggplant dish, if anyone was vegetarian. With the meat slow-cooking in the oven; he could hear the satisfying sizzling and crackling coming from within. Wanting the meat to be tender.

Few hours later...

The last of the preparations were going underway for tonight's dinner. As Christian was setting up the table; he double counted the plates and culinary to make sure that he had enough. But it didn't seem like his table would be big enough to hold everything; once the food would be out for everyone to grab what they wanted. With that thought in mind, he headed across the hall. Knocking at his cousin's apartment door. Christian hummed to himself as he waited for Jasmine or her room-mate Isabella to open the door.

As soon as he had knocked; he heard the familiar barks behind the door. Mainly coming from Jasmine's excited Retriever Puppy Thor. The young pup was always a bouncing ball of energy.

Jasmine had smelled the delicious food cooking for most of the day. It was enough to make her mouth water. No doubt it'd be as delicious as it smelled. Knowing her cousin was a talented chef, everyone no doubt would be in for a treat. Whilst she herself wasn't big on cooking. There were a few things that she could make. Most of the things she was bringing tonight for the pot-luck were sweet things. Jasmine spent some time baking for the evening; making her famous chocolate chip cookies. Having cooked big batches; there was enough cookies for everyone. They were all cooling off on the racks in the kitchen counter. In the fridge; there was also a raspberry trifle that was still setting. Having made the trifle last night, so the jelly and custard could be set by the time the thanksgiving dinner was due.

She had just finished getting ready, when she heard her dog barking excitedly. The young female was wearing a dark blue dress, with silver like pattern on it. Along with shoes to match. "Coming." She yelled out, knowing someone was most likely by the door. Heading out of the bathroom, as she finished fixing her hair into stylish curls. Jasmine patted Thor on the head, rubbing behind his ears whilst he was near enough jumping at the wooden door. Opening the door, she smiled seeing her cousin. "If it isn't the chef himself, how can I be off help?" Teasing him with a light smile.

Christian chuckled, as the door opened. It was the usual tease his cousin uttered. Catching Thor as the pup leaped at him, to say hello. "I was wondering, if I could borrow your table? I am not sure mine's big enough to hold everything." Especially, if everyone else was bringing booze, snacks, desserts and other dishes themselves. He wanted to be prepared.

With a nod, Jasmine walked over to the semi big table that she and Isabella had in their open kitchen. "Sure, I don't mind. I don't think Isa would mind either." She started to remove things off of the table, so it could be clear. Looking over her shoulder, she then yelled out to her room-mate. "Bell, could you help me and my cousin move our table? He's borrowing it for tonight's pot-luck dinner." The table being heavy, it needed at least 3 people to handle it. Instead of grabbing another one of the guys that lived in their building; two girls helping her cousin would have to do when moving the table. She was sure that between the 3 of them, they could handle it.

---

Isabella had never been a great cook, so she had gone out the night before and purchased some supplies to make some drinks. She was a surprisingly good Bartender, mostly because she had been a bartender at one point but she generally avoided telling people that. Not because she was ashamed of it, but instead because it was a part of her life she generally refused to acknowledge, most of her friends knew by now not to ask so she didn’t have a problem showing off her skills for them.

Since she didn’t have much to do in terms of prep for today she had spent most of the day wrestling with Haller to get him to take a bath. Not that the dog being squeaky clean was really needed since it’s not like it was Jasmine and herself hosting but still, it seemed like a good idea when she initially thought of it. Plus bathing the dog would wash out the smells coming from across the hall that were absolutely driving her mad.

So when the chef of the evening knocked on the door Isabella had just finished drying off the animal with the blow dryer she got for him, the only part of the bathing process the dog actually liked, but her clothes were soaked. It was a good thing she hadn’t decided to put on her nice clothes before undertaking this task.

“Uh, give me two seconds to put on dry clothes.” She called as she ran from the bathroom to her room. Haller bolted out of the bathroom as well, tail wagging aggressively as he made his way over to wherever Thor was. Which was likely near Christian. After a minute or so she exited her room in a plain t-shirt and some jeans. “Alright let’s do this.” She flexed when she would call her muscles and moved to help with the table, eyeing her roommate knowing she was likely about to say something about Isabella’s attire. “Don’t worry, I am changing before this whole thing actually starts.” She teased knowing Jasmine would explode if her own roommate showed up to dinner looking nothing short of stunning.

---

What to even expect from a potluck? A pot of luck. Strange English word. Ember heard the satisfying click of the container she was closing, filled with the good stuff. She had been wrecking her brain for a couple of days trying to decide on what to bring, what even was appropriate. "Bring food." Christian had told her, while the two of them were at the gym last week. Ember had nodded in agreement, and an exciting feeling crept up her spine. She appreciated her next door neighbour and gym bud for inviting her. This would be her first event or party, or however, you would like to call a gathering like this, since living alone. Well, not alone, with Sadie.

Aside from that, her first Thanksgiving.

Ember looked down at her handiwork. In a now closed container was her homemade tompouchen. It couldn't get more Dutch than that. It was sweet yellow pastry cream wedged between two layers of puff pastry, the rectangle shape iconic as well. Usually sold with pink frosting on top, Ember had made it orange to represent her country. She smiled to herself and hoped people would like it. The dish was notoriously delicious, and a challenge to eat without having pastry cream all over your face.

Another container held cubed-up Gouda cheese. Actually from Gouda. Hard to come by, in America.

Her stomach growled loudly, Ember looked up at the clock. It was almost time. Christian had been cooking literally all day, and Ember and Sadie had the pleasure to live right next to him and his roommate. The apartment was filled with smells all day, and Ember had been trying to not eat too much, a hint she was given to prepare for Thanksgiving.

Now there was only one thing left to do. What to wear? What do people wear to Thanksgiving? A potluck? Ember had gone the embarrassing route to actually google that sentence, but it didn't bring her much luck, except for 'pants that your food baby can grow in'. And she wasn't sure if she had anything flattering like that. In any case, her fashion was different from people from here, but she also found some sort of hybrid between her Dutch fashion and LA fashion. Jeans were a staple, as were printed blouses. Usually sneakers. Casual with a bit of.. flair.

Ember left the containers as is for a moment as she trailed back to her bedroom. Her bedroom calmed her, it was the first room she was able to make totally hers again, nothing like Jack's apartment where she couldn't do shit, change anything or make it a home for herself. She barely got a drawer to put her things in. Here, in her room, she had a cosy queen-sized bed, fairy lights adorning the wall behind it. And old thrived dresser she painted mintgreen across from it. Behind it, Ember had painted a massive yellow sun. It made her happy, waking up to that. The drawers were a bit wonky, but it was spacious and Ember didn't have a buttload of clothes anyways. Not like her roommate, who seemed to not own a single pair of pants, but a massive assortment of skirts and heels.

Chuckling to herself, Ember opened a drawer. It was strange, living with her roommate. They were opposites in so many ways, but in a sense, Sadie did manage to pull out the parts in Ember that she had hidden or didn't know were there. The more outward parts, the exact parts Jack had destroyed by keeping her in his apartment. At first, Ember was terrified. Sadie was a force to be reckoned with, and Ember's very soul had been cracked by what she went through.

Still, Sadie healed her a little bit. And Christian too. One of Ember's goals to lose her fear of LA was to go to the gym, but in a way, it terrified her too much. She was fine going to the gym before, but after everything that happened... Then, when Christian had caught her awkwardly standing outside the gym looking in, she recognised him as her neighbour. He invited her in, and they had been regularly working out together ever since. Ember even went alone now too.

She took a deep breath of air before closing the drawer again. She had come a long way, since Jack, since the isolation, scared of everything out there. She could handle a fucking putlock. The young Dutch woman looked down at herself. But not in this outfit.

With a small groan, already feeling Sadie's reaction in her bones (Sadie had often offered a style up, Ember had always declined), Ember knocked on Sadie's bedroom door and opened it, leaning against the doorframe and locking eyes with her roommate. "Fine. I concede. Could you please help me pick an outfit for tonight?"

Another year, another holiday without seeing her parents. It didn't particularly bug Sadie, but it did hurt when she found out they were vacationing in exotic places while she was stuck in the states. How she longed to be on the beaches of Bali or in a resort with a fabulous view of the mountains. She was very well off, mind you, but her credit cards were strictly to fund her various shopping sprees. Any extra cash on the side went directly to her little fun secret habits on the side. How she longed for the day when her acting job took off. Then she'd get everything she ever wanted and more.

This year was just like the last couple. The only difference being where the festivities were now taking place. Sadie was incredibly happy with the decision for it to be held at the local chef's house. Not only was his food absolutely divine, but he was also delectable to look at as well. Thoughts of that nature had to be hidden, however. Nothing good could come with sleeping with your neighbors. She really didn't feel like moving if the man became too attached to her.

The one main difference this go around was the fact that she had a roommate to share the experience with. Sadie had known Ember for a short amount of time compared to the others, but she had easily and quickly become her best friend. The two women had quickly become inseparable ever since moving in together. Despite being complete opposites, including Ember having a fashion sense that made Sadie cringe on the daily, the two had become like sisters. Sadie didn't know how she ever lived without the woman in her life.

As she stared at her reflection in her floor length mirror, Sadie smoothed out her dress and twirled a bit to see her strappy heels. Once she finally approved of her outfit, she walked over to her four-poster queen sized bed and grabbed her black clutch from near her pillows. Making her way to her personal bathroom, she opened up her medicine cabinet and grabbed a black vial. Sadie took off the cap. Attached to the bottom of the lid was a little spoon. Bringing it up to her nose, she quickly inhaled the white powder. Recapping it, she brushed off any excess and replaced the vial in it's place.

She was about to walk out the door when it suddenly opened to reveal her roommate. At the woman's question, Sadie's face immediately lit up. "The day has finally arrived, huh?" With a small clapping of her hands, she nodded. "I have just the thing for you. Here." The woman disappeared into her walk in closet, only to reappear a few moments later with a black jumpsuit. She bounced on her heels as she beamed. "It will look absolutely stunning on you."

To say that Daniel was nervous was an understatement. True, he knows these people are his friends and everything, but this will be his first Thanksgiving with them, and he does not want to leave a bad impression. So while he was nervous, Daniel was still prepared. For he does have some skill with cooking, something he got from his mother. It is a recipe from back home in Chicago, and it is nothing crazy or complex. Just a simple dish, chicken sauteed in garlic, oregano, olive oil, and wine, then baked until the skin is crisp. He would normally add wedge potatoes to it, but he accidentally burnt the ones he brought, so peas will do.

"At least the chicken turned out fine.", he said to himself, relieved as he was packing his dish in a plastic container. Daniel was careful with it despite him being in the clear right now since he can not mess this up, and it should still be warm when he arrives at Christian's place. It is only a walk away, after all. One of the perks of being in the same apartment complex as his friends. No traffic to go through, and it will not take an hour more or less to visit.

So once Daniel was done packing his dish, he started to feel more relaxed and less nervous. His dish was ready to go, and as he looked at the clock, he saw that it was almost time. Everything worked out, he thought as he was getting ready to leave but, then, felt like he forgot something. He did a mental checklist in his head. Food, check, packed food, check, iPhone, check, clothes, check... and that was when Daniel looked down at his casual attire. "My clothes! I almost forgot about my suit." He exclaimed as he rushed to his closet and quickly found his suit.

It did not take long for him to switch out clothes, and now he was ready. It felt kinda weird to be wearing a suit again. It has been a good while since he had to wear one. Still, at least it is not his old suit. That one brings memories, bad memories. But either way, it is time for some good memories of a life he wants to live. Now he just has to make some last minutes adjustments, he does want to look his best after all.

---

With the help of his cousin and her room-mate Isabella, it didn't take long for the trio to move the extra table into the Apartment across the hall. The tricky bit was trying not to trip up over both of the dogs, that were seemingly dancing beneath their feet; rubbing against their legs in excitement. Christian had to admit, he found it a little amusement how Isa knew Jasmine so well; that she would have commented on her outfit. In his mind; if the girl was comfortable she could wear what she wanted. Outfits weren't a big deal to him for this thing. After all; they were home amongst friends. No judgements, right? But he knew how fashion conscious his cousin was. So he tried not to argue; or Jasmine would have made him change an outfit too.

"Thanks for the help, much appreciated ladies." He spoke with a warm smile as soon as the table was on the floor in his apartment; positioned perfectly next to his own.

As they finished moving the table; Jasmine had to admit. Being so close to all the food was making her hungry. But she couldn't help but look amused when she saw her puppy Thor flop on his favorite cushion on the couch in her cousin's apartment. "Well, looks like someone's already made themselves comfortable." She laughed. Knowing full well that her cousin didn't mind her pup being in his apartment. Christian looked after Thor enough, when she wasn't home; provided he was free himself of course. "No worries, glad to help." As she patted his shoulder; she secretly eyed the dips and sauces he had already sitting on the counter. He made her favourite; Apple Sauce.

Christian chuckled, as he shook his head at his cousin. "No need to drool on my shoulder. You'll be eating soon." His arm wrapped around her shoulder; giving her a teasing squeeze.

"Not my fault, you been making me and Isa drool all day from across the hall." Jasmine said honestly, with a light shrug. "We'll see you soon. I got to make sure she picks something nice for this evening." With that, Jasmine steered Isabella back towards their flat; so she could help her with her outfit if she needed her help of course.



It took Christian a few minutes to finish setting up the two tables in his Apartment. The main table was filled with the main course and different sauces; whilst the second table was mostly for placing the food that his friends were bringing. With enough plates and cutlery set around the entire table. Christian was bit of a perfectionist; so everything had to be neat. Glasses included. Clapping his hands with satisfaction; he smiled to himself proud of how the table looked. And soon enough, everyone was arriving. Of course his cousin Jasmine was the first one to arrive; it shouldn't have surprised him that Jasmine would be over first with Isabella and Isa's dog. Not wanting the furballs to be left out; they were always welcome for events. Christian had to admit, that he was impressed with Jasmine's sweet desserts she had made; especially the trifle. Given that she wasn't much of a cook. He let the trifle sit in his fridge; so it could remain cold and sturdy. Not wanting it to become gloopy since his apartment was warm from all the cooking.

Christian always had a 'enter when you want' sort of thing going on; Anyone of his friends were free to let themselves in when they wanted to. That hadn't really changed for tonight. Christian of course greeting everyone that arrived with bright smiles and hugs. It seems like everyone had brought lot of food for tonight; but then again; they were a big group. Lots of food was needed.

Not wanting to start the main meal without everyone present; Christian and the present group that had already gathered waited till Lil and Rhys arrived. Hearing a familiar knock on the door, he called out "It's open you guys, come on in." His hands were busy with carving the turkey and chicken for everyone.

Jasmine was glad to see everyone gathering for Thanksgiving, and of course curious to see what everyone brought. Some of the things she hadn't seen before let alone eating. So she was curious to try something new. "I'll get the door for them, not sure if they know about your door policy." Heading towards Christian's front door; she opened it to see Lil and Rhys outside. "Hey guys, nice to see you could make it. Love your dress Lil." Greeting them with a warm smile. The orange dress on Lil indeed stood out to the fashion junkie; and Jasmine thought it suited the dark haired female. She stepped inside to let them in. "Need some help?" She asked seeing how much Rhys was carrying. Not wanting him to drop anything by accident.

After he finished carving the meats; he finally turned around to greet the last of his guests. Deciding to make a little speech, since everyone was present. "So I have a few little words to say." He lightly chuckled. "I'd like to thank everyone for trusting me to host tonight, I know I probably made a bunch of you starving with my cooking for most of the day. So I truly hope that you enjoy all that's on the table tonight, including what everyone brought. So I won't ramble much longer; don't need Jasmine clawing my eyes out for making her starve all day. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, here's to another year of being in each other's company and getting through whatever life has thrown at us." With a cheers, he sat down at the head of the table, getting himself comfortable so they could all eat together. Of course the comment about his cousin earned a bit of a playful glare, but also a laugh from his cousin. She knew he was teasing her.

---

Ember had rolled her eyes at Sadie, but a smile played on her face. She knew Sadie would gloat about Ember asking for help, finally, but her excitement was endearing to Ember, and she stood awaiting the outfit Sadie would pick. Ember mentally challenged herself right there and then, in Sadie's doorway, that whatever Sadie picked, she would wear. She needed to get out of her comfort zone, needed to challenge herself more. She just found herself praying to God it wasn't a skirt she'd constantly have to pull down to feel comfortable in. And while Ember wasn't a prude nor ashamed of her body, she didn't want to wear too revealing clothes.

She looked as her already beautifully dressed friend disappeared into the walk-in closet. She didn't know many people at the party, but she knew Christian, her gym buddy that made her feel safe and kept men from ogling her too much. She'd seen Jasmine before, and she knew Rhys. Somewhat. In a weird way.

She hadn't expected to almost run someone over on her bike one day, but Ember was utterly lost, slightly panicked, and then she almost ran over Rhys on his skateboard. She hadn't expected to find the author of one of her favourite books in front of her bike as she hit the brakes, her wheels stretching to a stop and almost launching herself off the bike, but she recognised him right away. Apologised profusely at him. When she admitted she was lost, and her phone had died, she told him her address without thinking. Rhys had smiled at her then, admitting he lived in the same building. They went back together, him on his skateboard, her on his bike.

They had spent a couple of times together navigating LA like that. And Ember appreciated it more than she'd let Rhys know. She was excited to see him, felt safe to see Christian, and felt absolutely scared to meet the rest. At the very least, Ember was happy to be entering the party with Sadie at her side.

When Sadie came back out of the closet, a garment in hand, Ember pushed herself off the doorway post and stood straight, eager to see what Sadie had chosen for her. She looked so happy and excited, Ember couldn't possibly say no to anything even if it was fucking terrible. "It will look absolutely stunning on you." And it wasn't terrible, at all. The Dutch woman chuckled, grateful that Sadie had chosen something with pants, and not a skirt. It actually looked.. really nice. "I- wow. Okay." Ember took the jumpsuit from Sadie before embracing her in a one-armed hug. "Thank you Sadie. I'll go try it on. We have to leave soon."

Racing back to her bedroom, Ember put on the jumpsuit. It hugged her body just right and flattered her shoulders. The decollete was a bit more than Ember was used to, but even she had to admit it perfectly showed off her assets without being obtuse about it. Since the jumpsuit was black, Ember decided to go for a colourful orange pumps. A pair she had bought, but never worn. Fuck it, now's the time.

Ember spend a little more time fixing her hair and make-up, wearing a lovely nude colour on her lips, before leaving her bedroom again. She grabbed the containers of food she had left in their kitchen and called out to Sade. "Sades! I'm ready to leave."

---

Seeing her friend's reaction to the jumpsuit positively thrilled the young woman. Hugging her back, she bounced on her heels and beamed as she watched the woman walk off. Sadie went back to her bathroom and spritzed herself with her favorite perfume. She didn't necessarily need to impress the friends that would be at this dinner; they were all family at this point. However, there would be a couple pieces of eye candy. Not that she wanted to date anyone. Her career was at the forefront of her mind. But she was a young, attractive woman. And women of her stature had needs that just couldn't be met with anything store bought. Maybe she could get a decent lay for the after party.

Hearing Ember calling out her name, she let out a breath as she looked at her reflection in her bathroom mirror. She spruced up her curls a bit before adding a light gloss to her lips. Winking at herself, she headed back out to her bedroom. She wasn't the cooking type, but was definitely the party type, so she grabbed a few bottles of heavy liquor from the top of her dresser. Thanksgiving was about to be lit. Sadie walked out of her room and held the bottles up for Ember to see, a smirk on her face. "Any bets on who's going to get absolutely smashed first?"

The young woman let out a light laugh before looping an arm through her roommate's. "Don't be so nervous. I love you, so they'll love you too by default. Don't worry so much." Giving her a quick peck on the cheek, she led her to the meeting place. Sadie gave a few taps on the door before letting herself in. She immediately beamed at seeing her party buddy, Angel. "Hey, girl, hey. I've brought reinforcements." Setting the bottles down on the counter, she quickly grabbed herself a cup and made herself a double shot of liquor. Sadie sipped from the cup before turning to face the others in the room. "Guys, this is my girl Ember. Embs, you know Christain and Rhys. That's Jasmine and Isabelle and Angel."

Taking another sip of her drink, she raised a brow at them. "Looks like Daniel is running late, per usual. He'll show up sooner or later." She moved to the table and took her seat. "This looks amazing. Knew we made the right choice by having the chef do the heavy lifting."

---

It didn’t take Isa long to change into the outfit she had picked out for the dinner. She almost second guessed the white turtleneck as an option but decided that she was an adult and perfectly capable of not spilling anything on it. Not to mention she had some encouragement from Jasmine when she voiced her concerns. Shortly after she was done changing she and Jas headed across the hall. She was silently glad she had decided to give Haller a bath seeing as the dog seemed to enjoy letting himself into Christian’s apartment whenever possible but especially when they were having holiday events.

She walked in and placed her drink and juice options with the other drink options and got herself a cup, nothing fancy just some Amaretto and Coke. She knew she would likely baby this drink for quite a while.

Slowly the others started to file in and she greeted them as they entered and made their rounds to say hello to everyone, though she herself remained to the outside of the group as more and more people filed in. They had a decent sized friend group and though she knew most of them well, crowds still made her nervous but as long as they didn’t migrate to surround her she would be fine.

When Christian finished his little speech Isa raised her glass to him and took a seat toward the end of the table. Still not wanting to be crowded, plus this way her elbow wouldn’t bump with anyone else’s while they were trying to eat, being left handed had a habit of becoming inconvenient in times of gatherings where food was involved but she adapted and overcame. She couldn’t help but giggle at her own thoughts quietly, she was after all her own personal comedian.

---

Ember had laughed at Sadie and her liquor bottles. She wasn't surprised. While Ember wasn't a drinker, she'd definitely appreciate something stronger tonight to keep her nerves in check. After taking in a deep breath, Ember ensured her hair was sitting well, and received a peck on the cheek from Sadie. "Love you too, Sades." She couldn't express how much she appreciated her friend right now, but she had a feeling Sadie knew in any case. What would she do without her?

Ember followed in after the hyperactive blonde and found herself looking around Christian's apartment. She smiled softly to herself. It was exactly how she imagined it would be. While he was her newly acquired gym buddy, she had never found her way into his apartment before.

"Guys, this is my girl Ember. Embs, you know Christain and Rhys. That's Jasmine and Isabelle and Angel."

The nervous woman swallowed as she let her eyes glide over the people in the room, landing on Rhys first. She flashed him a smile, feeling comfortable that she had another person to talk to whom she knew. She'd defiantly talk to him a bit. Then, she left her eyes go over to Jasmine and Isablle. She'd seen Jasmine before, Christian talked about her, but she had never really interacted with her. Still, she looked like they would be able to get along great. Isabelle was her roommate, that's how much she knew from Sades and Christian. With a small wave from her free hand, Ember spoke. "Hey guys, thank you for inviting me." She said to the group that had gathered.

Turning, she let her eyes fall on the last woman in the room. She was confused for a moment, she hadn't heard of an 'Angel' before, but then she remembered Rhys talking about her. Right, Rhy's roommate. Lili.. something? She looked a bit intimidating, but Ember also flashed her a smile. Remembering the items in her hand, she walked forward to the kitchen and placed the containers there. Looking at Chris, she said "Brought some small things." Everything else that was standing there was much more elaborate, and Ember eyed the good food, and what seemed like guacamole with chips. Her food suddenly seemed very underrated. So this was an American Thanksgiving potluck, huh? Hey eyes went over Sadei's numerous bottles, and the other food. She spotted the soju, and smiled. She did drink that.

The Dutch woman's stomach made a loud noise, but thankfully, Christian was starting the meal. A soft chuckle left her when Christian mentioned his cooking smells. It had been torture, but looking in front of her, Ember could see that it was worth it. She took place next to Sadie, before raising her glass at Christian's speech.

Deciding to be bold, she spoke over the table to Christian. "This looks amazing, all of it. Thank you for doing the most of it, Chris. And I cannot wait to try the rest, too." She ended with looking at the people around the table.