Trey hates Christmas with a passion. Despite the fact he needs to deal with it because he owns a costume shop, it is an anathema to him because he broke up with his lover on Christmas Day three years ago. Marty is a bartender at the local bar Trey goes to sometimes to unwind after a hectic day. He's more than a bit interested in Trey, but doesn't know how to let him know, especially since he'd never told Trey he's gay, too. When Trey tells Marty he's suddenly shorthanded, with a week to go until Christmas, Marty jumps on the chance to get to know him better by volunteering to assist at the shop. Can Marty help Trey overcome his Christmas phobia? More to the point, can Trey accept that Marty is interested in him not only as a friend, but on a more personal level?

The Seven Days of Christmas

Taking a chance, Marty gave him a quick hug. “I knowI will. Right now, though, how about we get out of the cold? I’m beginning to feel like an icicle.”


“Probably a good idea,” Trey agreed, getting up.


Marty joined him and they left the park. When they were heading back to where they’d parked, Marty asked, “Have you seen the new superhero movie that came out a couple of weeks ago?”


“No. If you want to know, I was saving it for my Christmas movie marathon,” Trey replied with a doleful shake of his head.


“Forget it. We’re going now. I’m sure we can find something else to do on Christmas day instead.” Marty pointed a finger at Trey. “Before you try to argue, don’t. It doesn’t have to be Christmassy, but it will be interesting.”


Marty grinned. “Got me, but we’ll figure something out.”5


“Where’s tall, blond, and handsome?” Carol asked when she and Trey were in the shop’s break room before opening, Monday morning.


Chapter 11