Loving Cousin

"He's out doing something today. Let's go!"

Holly backed out of the driveway and headed toward the mall. "Doing what?"

"Some job, I guess, but he was very cryptic about the whole thing."

Steph opened her eyes wide. "Maybe he wants to buy a special Christmas gift for someone." It was clear who she thought that someone might be.

Holly sputtered out a laugh. "Easy girl, I wouldn't want you to get overheated."

"Oh stop, you're just jealous he picked me."

"You keep telling yourself that," said Holly, looking at me in the rear view mirror with a wink.

I sighed, letting their ordinary banter ground me to the real world. "It's nice to see you two getting along again."

Steph smiled at me over the seat back. "I couldn't bear to stay angry over Christmas. It just wouldn't be joyful."

"I think she called me because there are too many people visiting at her house," said Holly.

"That's true, but I really am sorry about what I said."

The parking lot was insane and it took forever to find a spot. Whe