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

“Smartass,” Trey muttered. “Okay, we’d better hang up if I’m going to get to your place in time.”


“Turn left at the next corner,” Marty said.


“You’re sure?” Trey asked. “Are we taking a shortcut? It’s all homes.”


Marty smiled, while mentally crossing his fingers. “You noticed, huh. Trust me; I know where we’re going.”


It had been fifteen minutes since Trey had picked him up and they were at the southern edge of the city, an area of nice homes with a few small, well-kept malls and parks.


With a shrug, Trey made the turn and then drove two blocks until Marty said, “Pull into the driveway of the house with the white picket fence.”


“Hang on a minute. What’s going on here?” Trey asked, frowning hard at Marty.


Taking a deep breath, Marty replied, “We’re having Christmas dinner with my family. I knew if I told you ahead of time you’d back out.” He gripped Trey’s shoulder. “It’s going to be all right, I promise. They’ll love you and I hope you’ll like them.”


Chapter 17