Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice, Chapter 4 (The Art of Compromise)

Brandon was still digesting his brunch—and the smoking vs. frying turkey debate—when he met up with Adalynn and Damarae that afternoon. They’d promised each other a full Sunday of activities, but with Damarae involved, that usually meant something involving at least minor injuries.

Damarae grinned as Brandon and Adalynn approached him outside their usual coffee spot. “Alright, losers, I hope you’re ready to get wrecked. I’ve been scoping out this new paintball arena, and let me tell you, it’s got some real potential for mayhem.”

Adalynn raised an eyebrow, exchanging a knowing look with Brandon. “You realize that last time we played paintball, you were the one who left with bruises,” she pointed out.

“That was a tactical error on my part,” Damarae admitted, waving it off like it was ancient history. “I’ve leveled up since then.”

Brandon chuckled, leaning back against the wall. “Well, we were actually thinking about something a little less… high-octane. Like, say, the new art exhibit downtown?”

Damarae’s face fell, his enthusiasm dampened immediately. “Art? Really? So you’re telling me I’m supposed to spend my Sunday staring at a bunch of paintings? What, you guys turning into art critics now?”

“Not just paintings,” Adalynn countered, crossing her arms. “It’s an interactive exhibit. They’ve got virtual installations, sculptures, and even some live performances. A little culture won’t kill you, Damarae.”

Brandon nodded in support. “Besides, it’s just opened up. Everyone’s talking about it. And I hear they have free snacks.”

“Fine, fine,” Damarae sighed, shaking his head with exaggerated disappointment. “I’ll go. But only if you agree to hit up that VR arena with me after. I need to blow off some steam.”

Brandon and Adalynn shared a look, silently coming to an agreement. “Alright, deal,” Brandon said. “Exhibit first, then VR. You can shoot all the zombies you want.”

“Sweet,” Damarae said, perking up immediately. “But you two owe me big time.”

As they walked to the exhibit, Brandon glanced at his friends, feeling grateful for their easygoing company. Thanksgiving was just around the corner, and as usual, it seemed his family was determined to make it into a circus. Adalynn and Damarae were a welcome relief from the chaotic stew of family dynamics.

“So… speaking of the holidays,” Brandon began, testing the waters. “You guys have any big plans for Thanksgiving?”

Damarae shrugged. “Nah. Was thinking of heading back to see my family, but I’m broke, man. Flights are insane right now, and I’m not about to sell a kidney just for turkey and gravy.”

Brandon chuckled. “Fair enough. And you, Adalynn?”

“Oh, my family went up to our cabin for the week,” she said, rolling her eyes slightly. “They’ve got this idea that freezing in the woods is ‘rustic charm,’ but I decided to skip it this year. I’d rather avoid frostbite, thank you very much.”

Brandon laughed. “Can’t say I blame you there. I’ve got my own mess with Thanksgiving this year. Garth and Laura want me over, but I just had brunch with my mom and Roberto, and they’re expecting me too. I’m caught in the middle—again.”

Damarae clapped him on the back with exaggerated sympathy. “Dude, that’s rough. Blended family Thanksgiving sounds like the plot of a horror movie.”

“Right?” Brandon replied, shaking his head. “I’m honestly considering flipping a coin at this point.”

Adalynn looked thoughtful. “Well, sounds like you’re overdue for a little holiday disruption. Why not break tradition and do something unexpected this year?”

“Like what?” Brandon asked, intrigued.

“Like invite us,” Damarae piped up, waggling his eyebrows. “Think about it—me and Adalynn coming along to stir up the pot. Guaranteed chaos, guaranteed laughs.”

Brandon chuckled, though the idea wasn’t half-bad. Maybe having his friends along would be a nice way to buffer against the inevitable family madness. “Alright, I’ll think about it,” he said, trying to hide a grin.

“Good,” Damarae said, clearly satisfied. “Now let’s go be artsy-fartsy and look at some weird sculptures. And when I get that VR headset on later, just remember: no mercy.”

“Deal,” Brandon replied, as they walked on, feeling a flicker of excitement for the first time about the upcoming holiday.