“First, I want to thank all of you for coming to our first ever Friendsgiving. I’m super grateful to call of you my friends, and I hope this is the first of many holidays we get to spend together.”

“Thanks for having us, and compliments to the cook! You did your thing, Bran!” Tomika said, raising her wine glass.

Everyone at the table echoed Tomika’s sentiment and raised their glasses to Brandi, who smiled and got a little teary-eyed as we all took a drink.

“Also,” she continued. “This Friendsgiving is a going-away party for our dearest friend, Tomás. He’s heading to Costa Rica tomorrow morning, and…” she paused and bit her lip. “And I know you’re Jay’s best friend, but in the year or so that we’ve been dating, you’ve sorta become my best friend, too.”

“Bran—”

“No, stay there. I’m fine. I promise! I just want you to know that we love you, and we will miss your meticulous ability to plan and manage every project, to always see the bright side of the worst situations, and help me keep this one in line.” She hooked her thumb at Jared, who rolled his eyes. “We love you, Tomás.” Brandi came around the table, and I stood so that she could give me one of her hearty hugs.

“Aw, look at you,” Jared said, coming to join the two of us. “Both of y’all have always been huge saps. Just soft as marshmallows,” Jared said, then pulled me into a hug that ended with both of us crying a few thug tears.

“A’ight, that’s enough of that shit,” I said, shoving him away to get a hold of myself.

“Agreed. And enough of this wine,” Jared agreed. “Let’s open that bottle of Marrow Bone Creek mom sent.”

The bottle was opened. More food was served, and I polished off two slices of sweet potato pie that tasted like they were made using Minerva’s recipe. The whiskey and reminiscing didn’t help my mood, though. By the time we had to say our goodbyes, we were all emotional. Jared was barely holding it together. I wasn’t doing a great job of it, either. Brandi was inconsolable.

“Remember to wear long sleeves and pants whenever you’re outside. Dengue fever is still a thing down there. Also, make sure you send me your address when you’re settled so I can send you bug repellant,” she ordered between sobs.

“Bran, I’m sure they have places to buy repellant there—”

“Assume nothing, Tomás! Promise me, you’ll send me your address.”

“Okay, I promise,” I said, giving her one last squeeze. She let me go, and I turned to face Jared.