It's that time of year

 

"I don't like my brother-in-law James at all," Jade said last minute on their ride to her sister's.

"Well, James is a nice name," Ari just said as if he was going to be very nice.

"Jewel is just crazy about him," she sighed as she looked out the window. "I don't get his humor. He likes to tease. He thinks he's funny, but he's really not." She was straight-lipped as if this was the worst idea ever, but here they were with presents and fudge.

"It'll only be for a little while," Ari smiled back as if she needed to be in fun mode if they were going to get through this.

She sighed. Finally they arrived. Ari took to the black lab in livingroom waiting for attention. James was nowhere in sight.

"What's going on?" Jade looked at her sister wide-eyed.

"I think he's come down with something," she said.

"Covid?"

"Maybe," but she had plenty of chips and dips. Jade made a face of disgust.

"Why didn't you call me?" Jade scowled as if her sister really put them in a tough spot. 

"Because I wanted to meet Arizona," her sister looked at her as if it was the only Christmas present she wanted this year. "Why are you hiding your boyfriend from me?"

"Are you out of your mind?" Nic was on Tristan's case as soon as his date arrived. 

"What?" Tristan looked as if he was on autopilot. But the girl with pink hair, named Magz was right there like some kind of call girl in her holiday outfit under her black coat. 

Nic tried to look away. Soon enough Mona showed up and so did Mario and Rico with of course Bren and Liv, too.

Tristan stayed in his stoic mode but smiled only at Magz. It was as if they were in their own little world. Not once did he say hello to the guests. Especially, not his sister. He acted as if they were all strangers. 

Nic winced wishing they would go and join Weezer and Nonnie down at Pan and Rox's for pizza. But Magz practically set on Tristan's lap while they played a game of Janga at the coffee table. 

Once everyone was having their share of party food, fondue and popcorn, Tristan came over and gave Liv a Christmas card. "I think we'll go look at the Christmas lights or something." He then said, holding Magz's hand and leading the way. He looked back at everyone with a forced smile, a wave, and a "Merry Christmas."

"What was that all about?" Rico wanted to know as soon as they left. "Who is she?"

"I dunno." Nic shrugged. Maybe it was for the best. He knew Tristan was trying to blend in, but he didn't think it would be with somebody like Magz. 

"Don't worry about him," Mona chimed in. "He knows things."

Nic gave her a look wondering what that was supposed to mean. Suddenly, he felt as if he obviously didn't know enough...in the bedroom. He cleared his throat.

Mario announced then that he and Bren were getting married. Of course, they broke out the wine for that. Soon enough, they were opening presents.

Liv finally got around to opening the Christmas card from Tristan. She stared at the words he wrote. There was a movie theater gift card inside, just enough for two tickets. 

"What did it say?" Rico wanted to see it. 

"Not much," she shrugged. "Just have a fun Christmas."