Ghost Of You (Michael Berzatto X Black!OC X Eventual Richie Jerimovich)

5. Thanks

2005-Chicago, Illinois

"Michael!" Donna called from the bustling kitchen. "Go set the table!"

"I got it, Ma!" He grabbed the plates and walked over to Carmy who was drawing in the living room. "Mom wants you to set the table."

"She just called for you."

"No she didn't." He smirked before taking the paper from his hands and replacing it with the stack of plates.

"Fine." The blonde boy groaned and headed towards the dining room.

Mikey walked up the stairs and found Angie staring at herself in the bathroom mirror. He grinned and grabbed her hand.

"Hi." He kissed her softly.

"I just got my lipstick right, babe." She pulled away and fixed it.

"You look great. What's the problem?"

"I'm meeting your family."

"You've met my family a million times before."

"It's different. We're together now. I want them to approve of me."

"Who gives a fuck if they approve of you?" He slung his arm around her neck. "I approve of you."

"Okay, it sounds weird when you say it."

"You know what I mean." He rolled his eyes. "But seriously, relax. It's just another Thanksgiving."

"Yeah. You're right."

"Always am."

"Now that's a stretch."

🤍

People started flooding in one by one. All familiar faces that Angie had become aquatinted with over the years.

"Hi, Angie."

"Hey, Uncle Jimmy." She smiled, walking over to the man.

He hugged her and kissed her cheek. "How are ya, kid?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Eh, you know how it is. Everyone's driving me crazy."

"Well, you made it."

"I did. You look good. How old are you now?"

"Twenty."

"Man, time sure flies by."

"Not too much, Unc." Mikey came up behind her and slid his arm around her waist.

"Woah. What is this?" He pointed between the two of them.

"We're together." Angie explained. "Four months."

"Fuck me." He chuckled. "I never would've guessed. Nevertheless, I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, Uncle J."

"Alright, I'm gonna go talk to your Ma." He patted Mikey on the shoulder before heading to the kitchen.

"I need a drink." Angie sighed.

"Heard." He kissed her cheek. "I'll be back."

Angie walked into the living room and sat on the couch. Not long after, Richie joined her.