“You gonna put that drink order in sometime? Like, ever?” said one of the patrons at the table. Christmas tended to bring out the worst in people, Josh observed.

“Yes! Sorry! I will. Right now.” She smiled again at Josh.

“How’s Duffy?” he asked, a little shocked that he remembered the dog’s name, then internally winced. The dog had to be dead by now.

“He’s great! Thank you for asking! The vet gave him these supplements and some steroids. He’s like a new dog. Seriously. It’s like he’s thirteen again.”

How old was that dog? “Good. Oh, and your brother?” He’d had that condition where his joints popped out. Ehlers-Danlos, that was it.

“Oh, my gosh, you’re so sweet to remember. He’s good! Thank you.”

“Well. Happy holidays.”

“You too! Happy New Year!”

“Were you talking to a woman?” Radley asked when they were finally out on the sidewalk.

“Yes. We go to the same vet.”

“Well, good for you, Joshua,” Radley said. “Hey, it’s snowing! Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

Lauren had loved the snow. She used to stare out the windows in the darkened apartment and watch, sipping cocoa.

Her memory was everywhere.

“I’ll see you on Christmas Eve, okay?” he said. “I’ll text you my mom’s address.”

“Thanks, brother,” Radley said. He held up his wrist. “I’m never taking this off.”

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, Radley arrived at Stephanie’s promptly at five thirty, wearing an appropriately dapper suit for someone who worked in a men’s clothing store. His arms were loaded with packages.

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Stephanie cried, taking off her apron. She was wearing her Free Mom Hugs T-shirt with a rainbow heart, in case anyone missed the fact that she was very accepting, and hugged Radley tight. “I’m so glad you’re here! Thank you for being my son’s friend! I know he’s a burden.” She sent Josh a smug look that clearly said, I delight in embarrassing you in front of your friends.

“Wow, Mom,” Josh said, but he smiled. It was all so normal.

“I’ve been dying to meet you, Ms. Park. Josh says you’re the world’s greatest mom. Is this true?”

“It is! Oh, Josh, thank you, honey. Also, Radley, you have to call me Steph. Or Mom, if you like, honey. Joshua says your family lives far away? So sad at Christmastime.”

“Well, unlike yourself, they’re homophobic assholes, so not that sad.” His eyes met Josh’s, and Josh gave him a chin jerk, acknowledging that he understood the white lie. It was sad. “But Joshua has officially adopted me as his brother, so I guess you totally are my mom.”