Chapter 2

“I know, love. Why you have me.”

“You said love.”

Ray looked up at him. “Did I?” He put down the paper and crossed the short distance between them. He took hold of Cliff by the shoulders and kissed him passionately with plenty of tongue. “Now what do you say, silly?”

“For once I’m speechless.”

“I’m shocked. Let’s have more of that. New Year’s resolutions are just around the corner.”

“Asshole.”

“Bitch.”

* * * *

Ethan Allen University—December 5

A wave of warm air and a flurry of recorded Christmas carols greeted him as Leland pushed open the door to the university coffee shop, The Creamery. He shoved his gloves into his coat pocket and hung it on the wooden rack by the door.

Shelley glanced up when she saw him. She waved him over to their usual window table.

“Sorry. I’m late,” he said.

“Looks like we’ll have a white Christmas.” She hid a warm smile behind a large mug of steaming coffee.

“Not funny. Play another tune. When have we not?”