Taranis

Growing up with a druid mother, the holiday season had been a little different for me. I didn't really do Christmas. But when my teammate's girlfriend brings along a bubbly redhead who seems interested in my lonely self, maybe this year Christmas would be different.

Penny

With no better plans for the holidays, I joined my college roommate on a visit to see her hockey player boyfriend. I expected snow, hockey, and a lot of time leaving the two lovers alone. I didn't expect a connection with his broody teammate, but this year, maybe I was getting something more for Christmas.

This short story was previously available in the holiday anthologies Stockings Were Hung and Melting the Ice. It has been lightly edited since.