(Untitled)

[aveb_feline]

A lot of Hispanic countries begin celebrating well before Christmas Day actually arrives. For this reason, the streets of Spanish Harlem are louder - and smell better - than usual this week, and the Marquez household is no exception.

Isabel Marquez is making coquito, homemade coconut eggnog, a traditional beverage in Puerto Rico

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[moreofaman]

"Honey, relax. Mama will love you." Angel's voice is patient and his hand does not leave Collins while they walk up the sidewalk to the kitchen door.

He knocks before opening it, as is customary in the family. "Mama?"

[aveb_feline]

"Angelito!"

Isabel looks up from beating the egg yolks, beaming.

"Back to see me again so soon, how lovely...and who is this handsome young man, hm?"

Collins is being Appraised.

[moreofaman]

"Si, I am back and I did promise to show you things I had made." He does have the skirt with him in a bag.

He smiles at Collins. "This is Collins. Tom Collins, Mama."

For his part, Collins smiles warmly at her. "I'm pleased to meet you, Mrs. Marquez."

[aveb_feline]

Isabel raises her eyebrows and smiles back. "I am pleased to meet you as well. A friend, Angelito?"