It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

 "How's that bed working out?" Cedric grinned at his cousin, Crystal, as he was getting his tab paid up. Granted, he had a lot of change these days in his pockets. He mentioned the things you could find when you move.

He and Dory had found them a home just before winter set in. They were a growing family, and they would be ready for baby Launa to take her first steps. Of course, she was trying to crawl at the moment.

"What are you talking about?" Crystal snapped as if he shouldn't be talking about something so personal, like a bed.

Cedric came back with an open grin and a five-dollar bill for her to keep. "What's going on, Crissy?"

"Nothing." She was close-lipped. She wouldn't look him in the eye. Of course, Cedric stayed a while at the cashier counter with his fist lodged under his chin as if it might be a dare or just a stare-down.

"Can you quit looking at me like that?"

"Those memory foam mattresses are nice," Cedric said. "Guess you're staying warm and cozy these days."

She squinted in a huff.

"Look, I'm not gonna call your moma," Cedric chuckled. "I would never."

Crystal didn't say anything.

Cedric looked past her, then over to the grill. The young man's back was turned to him. Cedric instantly thought that was the one. He'd noticed how they talked to each other. It was hard to know who was mothering whom, but he knew. Even if he might be off, he did hope Crystal did find someone to settle down with. She always liked to say she would go solo, but he didn't want her to be unhappy.

He hoped she was happy. Cedric pointed to a chunk of brownie for two. He knew Dory would eat the whole thing.

"Look, you be kind to ever it is, I want you to be happy. It's just you got to stop fighting it, Chrissy."

She pursed her lips and gave him a slight nod. 

"Let's have some Christmas together," Cedric said. It might not be on Christmas Day, but at least before the New Year.