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“Mom, what’s up?”

“Have you changed your mind yet?”

Jim sighed. “No, Mother. Has Sam and his family arrived?”

“Yes, they have. You really should be coming too, Jim. Having the whole family together would be such a nice treat for everyone.”

“Except me.”

“James.”

“Look, you have Sam and Aurelan and their kids. And Tim. Or Tom.”

His mother sighed heavily. “It’s Todd. And you really should come. He’s a nice man.”

Jim started to get annoyed and he held onto his patience. How many times did he have to say no?

“Now isn’t a good time. I’m working.”

“At that bar?”

“Yes. Nick’s. Or right now Saint Nick’s. He’s changed it for the holidays.”

She snorted. “Isn’t that a little corny?”

“It’s a lot corny,” Jim agreed. “But it is what it is. And it’s working. We’re doing a great business.”

“There’s a rumor that you’re wearing inappropriate uniforms.” She sniffed.

He laughed. “Don’t believe everything you hear.” He glanced down at himself and winced. No reason for his mom to know. “Anyway, I’ll come there during spring break.”

“Spring break isn’t a fun.”

“Maybe not but it’s a lot warmer there in the spring. We can eat deviled eggs or something.”

“You really are determined to ruin Christmas, aren’t you?”

He rolled his eyes even though she couldn’t see him. “Bah humbug.”

“Fine. I’m not giving up, though. I’m going to call you again,” she insisted.

“All right, but I really need to get back to work. Bye, Mom.” He disconnected before she could say anything else.

Jim turned around and saw Spock slumped over the bar and looking vaguely ill, his martini glass empty. He hurried over.

“Spock, are you okay?”

“I do not feel so well.”

Jim bit his lip. “We need to get you home. What happened to Uhura?”

“She departed.”

“Great. Damn. Hang on. I need to find someone to cover my shift.”

Jim hurried away to contact another employee and after securing their agreement, Jim went back to Spock.

“Okay, they’re coming in. I should be able to take you home in about ten minutes. You think you can make it?”

Spock nodded, his head now resting on the bar.

“Okay. Hang in there, Spock. I’ll get you out of here soon.”