“Mother,” he said, voice serious even though there was still a wide-ass smile on his face. “I know your husband already relayed my position. You’re not going to change my mind.”

He listened to whatever his mother was saying on the other end while Cosima sipped her hot chocolate. The whiskey warmed her, but it didn’t hold a candle to the way her body seemed to melt for Tristan.

Calm down, girl. You’ve known him for all of ten seconds.

“It just so happens I will not be spending Christmas alone,” she heard Tristan say. The comment immediately brought her attention back to him, and she stared at him in confusion. “I’m going to be spending that day convincing my friend Die Hard is the ultimate Christmas movie.”

She could tell by the increase in volume and pitch coming from his phone, even though she couldn’t quite make out what was being said, that his mother wasn’t falling for it.

“I’m being honest,” he said, eyes meeting Cosima’s. She could see the mischief sparkling there as he continued, “She’s right here with me. Wanna speak to her?”

“Absolutely not,” Cosima mouthed, but he was already thrusting the phone in her direction.

“Tristan, stop toying with me,” his mother was saying when Cosima put the phone to her ear.

“He isn't, actually,” she said, stunning the woman into silence. “We were just having an argument about whether it was more Christmassy than Home Alone. I’m afraid you’ve raised an odd one, Mrs. Jackson.”

“How did he put you up to this?” his mother asked, the skepticism still clear in her voice.

“He didn't,” Cosima lied. “I promise.”

She crossed her index and middle fingers the same way she used to do as a child when she lied.

“That’s good to know.”

There was so much relief, warmth, and genuine happiness in her voice at the thought her son wasn’t spending Christmas alone despite not knowing who the hell Cosima was that she couldn’t help the guilt that settled in her stomach at the thought of deceiving her. Tristan had told her that he was his parents’ surprise baby and that his mother had the hugest soft spot for him. It was plain to hear in her voice when she said, “I'm happy to hear he found something to do with himself, even if it’s watching that God-awful movie. I was sure he’d spend the entire day moping about Nia, although he made the right decision. I’ll have an easier Christmas now I know he won’t be alone. I won’t even ask any questions about you two until after New Year’s. Just be sure to tell TJ I’m looking forward to the Christmas photos. Don’t let him get away without making you his special cheesecake.”