"I'm so over college applications!" His son says, leaning back in his chair. "Can't I just be you?" Celine laughs softly. "I almost wish I could have done the college thing. It sounds like a lot of fun. My friends are having a great time there." He grumbles to himself as Rene gives Celine a wink and a warm smile. Before Celine can say anything about heading out, her mother steps in. Celine shakes her head once, but that doesn't stop Therese. "Rene, you know that we have an annual family get together, and since you're basically family, you should come." Celine hides her groan and bites her bottom lip. Rene nods. "I'd love to be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world." His grin is so loving, so sure and warm that Celine melts a little. It'll be hard with her siblings there and her parents, and her mother definitely shouldn't have invited him, but she can'tdeny that she's a little happy he said yes without any hesitation. Then Therese turns to face his ex-wife and Celine's heart stutters to a near stop. No. She wouldn't. Sure Mom doesn't completely approve of Rene, but she wouldn't threaten their Christmas celebration by asking non-family to join, would she? That would just be a step too far."Please no." Celine says to herself, so low that no one else can hear. But she can read her mom's lips even if she doesn't actually hear the invitation. It's too horrible. Why would her own mother invite Rene's ex and his kids? It's not like she doesn't know what's going on between them or how nervous it makes Celine. "We'd love to." Ann-Rene replies.
