Chapter 8

Unlocking the back door, Martin stepped inside and faced Colin, who had remained silent on the walk home.

“Colin, I’m sorry, so sorry. I just wanted to spend the holiday with someone; I didn’t want to be alone. I’m sorry that you had to find out about me that way, I’m sorry if you think that I’ve deceivedyou or used you. I just didn’t want to be alone again at Christmas.” Martin was openly weeping as he took off his coat. “God knows why I came out to Bob all those years ago. It’s not as if someone with a face like mine could ever have the chance of finding a man.” Martin hung up his coat. “Look, you might as well go home now. I’m sorry for ruining your Christmas.”

* * * *

Colin was horrified and very angry. How could, how dare anyone, least of all someone Martin was related to, come out with such hatred! Martin was the sweetest, kindest, most honest, gentle and loving person Colin had ever had the good fortune to encounter.