Ready to confirm that he has thanked his cousin, the wink is sufficient to halt the words before they are spoken. So instead, he uses the inhale for a different response, “No, but you still deserve credit for your contributions.”

Regarding attendance, he nods and looks about briefly, “Holidays are good for that.” The greater threat to this gathering may have been alternative party choices. Yet, here they are together.

“Maybe I can try hosting next year. If my aunts let me.”