Episode 1219: All I Want For Christmas

“I’ll hold you to it,” Xavier said with a chuckle. “Really though, I’m glad to help. I’ll be glad to help even when I’m old. The invite means a lot.”

“It’s a family thing, of course you’re invited, always will be. As for new guests, did you extend that invite to Lucy like I suggested?”

“Yeah, she thought this sounded like a fun time, she just had some stuff to finish up at work, then she’ll be here.”

“Good, I’m glad you’re officially seeing her and not still… dwelling on other things.”

Tansy sat on the sofa, a giant tangle of lights across her lap and still more at her feet.

“Long time, no see.” Xavier took the seat next to her.

“Hi. School keeps me really busy and then there’s my job at Mr. Baird’s and volunteering. Sorry I haven’t had much time to check in. I should have, with everything…” She wondered if she should even bring it up but ultimately she figured that’s what friends were for. “It probably stings quite a lot, huh? The baby? Are you okay? I so should have asked sooner.”

“It’s okay, really,” he said. “I’ve mostly made my peace with it. Taking some baby steps of my own with dating. Lucy will be here soon.”

“She’s the best,” Tansy enthused. “I like her for you.”

“What about you, kiddo?” Xavier asked. “Seems like I should have made more of an effort to check in with you, too.” He reached for one of the tangles of lights. “I couldn’t help noticing when you reeled off everything keeping you busy, school and Mr. Baird’s and volunteering, two out of three had a grudging tone to them, am I wrong?”

Justine frowned as she set out the buffet assortment on the table. She pondered just how long it would take her mother-in-law and sister-in-law to critique the fact that she’d bought the platters and the few things she and Hero had homemade involved cereal and marshmallows or popcorn and caramel, not exactly complex creations. She wasn’t the biggest fan of this family gathering, disliking it even more in the year they were tasked with hosting it. Years in and she still felt out of her depth.

“Anything else need to be brought out from the kitchen? I’ve washed all the sap off and I’m at your service,” her husband said.

“There are a couple more trays of veggies,” Justine replied. “I didn’t cut them or make the dip myself, your mom-”

“Will hold her tongue about it or hear from me,” Quent said. “Oh, and before you go thinking this event holds nothing but misery for you, look over there, our girl is talking with Xavier, so maybe we’ll finally find out what’s going on with Tansy. That’s the best Christmas present we could ask for, right?”

Episode 1220: Ribbons and Bows