Chapter 2

"Don't forget, tomorrow is the day, guys!" Luca was yelling on the room as he was closing his locker.

They all nodded. "I'm waiting you at 8 PM. And Chris, you remember what we talked about?"

"Yeah, don't worry about this. I take care of everything."

The others looked at them, puzzled. "You don't know much. Luca asked me to keep the silence. Good night, guys!" And she vanished in the corridor. She was tired and only dreamed about a hot bath tonight.

It was Wednesday evening. Aka the day of their secret Santa. They were both anxious and excited to exchange their gifts. They left after work to go home and change before gathering at Luca's house to open their packages. 8PM, people were right on time. Luca loved this. He welcomed them, wearing his most beautiful Xmas tee-shirt.

"Oh oh oh!"

"Luca your tee shirt is gorgeous."

"And I love it, put it every year, Street." Jim entered the house he knew so well since he left here for a while when time was hard on him.

"The rule is simple, you dropped your gift in the box at the entrance. You just had to write the name of the person on the wrapped box to know who the package is for. And after you did that, fresh beers are waiting for you in the kitchen."

"The Korean ones?" Street looked enthusiastic.

"Exactly, bro."

Street put the wrapped package in the box and vanished in the kitchen. Just behind Street, Tan imitated his friend and left Deac and Hondo at the entrance door. "Don't know about this beer but it sounds good!"

"Hey Hondo! Come on, bro." Luca hugged him, then Deac who was just behind. "Evening is just starting. I've got beers, pizza, chicken wings and chips for something like 500 people."

And he was not lying. The kitchen was full of food and beverage for a regiment. "You do know we're only 6, right? By the way, where's Chris? She should be here by now." Deac asked.

"She called me earlier. She needed to go to her Uncle Sarzo's to get some quesadillas he made for us." Street answered. "And I think I broke Luca's secret."

"It's ok, bro. Chris is not far away anyway."

"More food?" Tan was stroking his stomach.

"Darryl doesn't want to come, Hondo?"

"No Deac, he can't. He's spending the night with Leroy."

Deac didn't insist. He could see how Hondo was worried by this by the look he was giving to him.

"Anyone wants to eat some quesadillas?"

"Chris ! Right on time, sis. "As I say to the boys, drop your gift in the box and come with us in the kitchen, we're about to start eating."

She joined them and dropped the large plate full of the Mexican food prepared by her uncle. "Oh God, it seems so good." Tan was salivating over the dish.

"Be my guest. I don't bring something back to home. Uncle Sarzo gave me two other plates just for me."

"Anyone for a lil pinball game?"

"Don't tempt me, Street." Tan and Street went to the other room to play one of their favorite games. Chris stayed with Deac and Hondo talking about the latest Lakers results. Luca joined them after he got out of the fridge new plates all full of food.

"You thought we were starving?"

"Chris, stop making fun of me. My time in Germany taught me, it was important to always have extra food. "

They ate a lot. They laughed. They played. Tan was a killer at babyfoot. They talked and soon they lost track of time. "Hey guys, what about opening gifts? It's past midnight."