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Evelyn, their mom, can't help but crack an amused smile in response. "I think you've had one too many mimosas."
"I think you may be right," he concedes, humor dancing in his eyes as he playfully swirls an empty glass, having already indulged in at least four refills, a fact that's not lost on any of us.
Leia, ever the sharp observer, raises a playful accusation. "Were you drunk when you bought my gift?" She holds up a jersey bearing the name of the team Marcus plays for, clearly not her size.
"That's not your gift!" Marcus protests, swiftly reclaiming the jersey from her grip.
Leia, now crossing her arms over her chest, huffs in mock annoyance. "It had my name on it, you asshole."
"Mom!" Marcus exclaims, casting a pleading look her way.
With a nonchalant wave of her hand, Evelyn, still engrossed in her phone, offers her verdict. "Don't call your brother an asshole."
Marcus, too engrossed in exchanging dirty looks with Leia, fails to notice his mother's suppressed laughter. In a playful display of mock seriousness, Evelyn chimes in, "I'd say he's more of a dumbass. You know, with mixing up the presents and all. It feels fitting, in the best way."
Shaking his head in mock disbelief, Marcus attempts to gain sympathy from Elliott, his voice a low mumble, "Sometimes it really is your own mother."
Elliott seizes the moment, rising to his feet and hauling Marcus along with him, steering him toward the kitchen. He remarks, "I think we need refills after that, don't you?"
"This is why I love you, man. You. Get. Me."
Some days, it's astonishing to think they're friends, but on others, it just makes perfect sense. I suppose they're a bit like Leia and me.
With Evelyn departing the room to prepare for the day, Leia springs into action as soon as her mother's gone.
Leia dives beneath the lavishly decorated Christmas tree, emerging moments later with a gleeful smile and a gift in hand. She thrusts it into my hands and practically squeals in excitement, "Open it! It's for you and Lincoln," she adds, winking playfully.
I accept the gift with a raised eyebrow, bemused by her cryptic comment. "For Lincoln and me? What does that mean?" I inquire as I start to carefully peel away the wrapping paper.
Suddenly, Marcus, returning to the living room with Elliott in tow, bursts in with all the subtlety of a freight train. "Boo! Use some enthusiasm to tear into that stuff, Sutt!" he hollers as he plops down on the couch.
Ignoring his drunken outburst, I remain laser-focused on unwrapping the gift. As I expose the contents, my hands freeze.
What is it?
I tilt the object, trying to discern its purpose. That's when I spot the words etched on the packaging. "Couple's sex toy." I skim the text at the bottom, which boldly proclaims, "Step outside the bedroom with this remote-controlled vibrator."
Leia's choice of gift and the timing of its unveiling leave me flabbergasted. In what world does she think it's a brilliant idea to hand me a sex toy in front of our brothers? I can't help but wonder if she secretly wants me to die of embarrassment. It's like she's determined to give me a forceful nudge out of my comfort zone.
Elliott, the first to voice his shock, questions with a voice a couple of octaves higher than usual, "What the hell is that?"
Marcus, a bit slower to catch on, eventually comprehends the situation and bursts into hysterical laughter. "Lincoln Golden is going to use that vibrator on your sister," he exclaims, playfully slapping at Elliott's chest.
Elliott's eyes widen in astonishment. "You're having sex with him?"
I vehemently deny it, but Leia, ever the instigator, adds fuel to the fire, smirking as she teases, "Oh, she's doing lots of stuff with him!"
I rise from my spot and confront the boys with a firm tone, "You two need to mind your own business!" I pivot to address Leia, her thoughtfulness not lost on me. "Even though you are insane, thanks for the gift." I absentmindedly wave the object around for a moment before abruptly realizing what I'm doing, shoving it discreetly up the front of my shirt. There's no need for anyone to witness my Christmas morning surprise any longer.
Leia, unfazed by my embarrassment, proceeds to divulge the backstory of my unconventional gift. "Ronan helped me pick it out," she explains with a grin. "He's giving Lincoln a bottle of lube. So, you'll be all set when you use it." She playfully jabs at the box under my shirt.
My brother groans dramatically, muttering, "I need to bleach my ears," as he tips his glass back and finishes off his drink.
After this utterly embarrassing conversation, I'm beginning to think I might need a drink too. Marcus, clearly a bit tipsy, interjects, "Who's Roman?"
Leia rolls her eyes at her intoxicated brother. "His name is Ronan, and he's Lincoln's best friend," she huffs, her voice tinged with frustration. She pauses, her gaze flickering as she mulls it over. "And my friend."
Elliott straightens up, curiosity piqued. "You pick out sex toys with your male friends?" His words emerge with a mix of astonishment and incredulity.
