said Alex. “I’m still not used to this.” She and Ava were standing side by side at the kitchen counter, peeling a huge mound of potatoes. Alex was wearing one of the many Christmas outfits she’d put together, but had tied on one of Coach’s aprons to keep her clothes clean. Tommy had put on a playlist of jazzy Christmas carols, and Alex danced a little to “Jingle Bell Rock” as she peeled her potato. “In some ways it’s weird that it’s so warm outside,” agreed Ava, “but in other ways it’s super awesome. I played full-court basketball for two hours outside today.” She dropped a peeled potato into the bowl between them and picked up the next potato. “Although I will admit that it was odd to buy our Christmas tree from a guy wearing shorts and a T-shirt.” She surveyed her sister’s outfit, black leggings and a red sparkly tunic. “I see you went with snappy festive this evening,” she said. “Yes!” said Alex, happy that her sister remembered. “Although Coach’s orange apron isn’t exactly part of the look.”
