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

Norrie must have taken compassion on him because she broke the silence by getting to her feet, saying, “I’d better check the turkey. It should be almost ready. Grace, Bill, I could use your help. There’s potatoes that have to be mashed, and we need gravy, and the veggies won’t get into the bowls by themselves.”


She bustled into the kitchen, closely followed by Bill and Grace. Rich grinned, saying, “I guess I escaped helping her,” only to have her call out, “Rich, I need a hand carving the turkey.” He laughed. “Or not,” and left the room.


“Is there something we should be doing, too?” Trey asked Marty.


Marty grinned. “Yes, being quiet so she doesn’t remember she didn’t recruit us, as well.”


“I wouldn’t mind helping. I like her. I like all your family. I’m glad you kidnapped me and brought me here.”


“I think you did the ‘bringing’ since you drove.”


“Don’t be pedantic,” Trey muttered.


Chapter 19