He can see every bit of love, affection, and naughty willingness for more shining there, inthat one look. Celine sits on the counter, drinking her coffee and laughing with a few others. But Rene can't take it anymore. His ex- wife and kids left last night to get a head start on Christmas planning and he doesn't care who else knows. Not if it means Celine is upset. So he casually goes and stands beside her, filling a plate with food for her before passing it her way. Then he stands there with his own plate. When Celine gives him a look, he shrugs and mutters, "I've had enough of this distance stuff." Celine giggles and pats his hand. "Whatever you say, old man." He shakes his head. She'd yelled at him for calling himself that last night, but here she is making it a joke. A few others look over, but no one says a word. They just go back to their own conversations and their own lives. Until it's nearly time for Rene to leave. He can feel it the way sailors feel a tide. The last opportunity to leave before it's too late. But he can't pass up one more moment with Celine. They sit together in a secluded spot where the family can't see them. Celine points up to some mistletoe and Rene chuckles. "I can't deny Christmas law." "No, you can't." She kisses him quickly. When she gives him a smile, he sighs and nearly goes in for another before her face palesand she pushes some hair behind her ear, looking away. Rene looks over and sees Eddy and Mia. Eddy hands Mia a few bills. "I win." She giggles. "I knew it. I was sure of it before, then last night."
