Angels On Top

Toowoomba Boys 1
Release Date: December 2011
Publisher: MLRPress

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Blurb

All Marlowe wants to do is find his place in the world with someone to love. Someone who sees just who he is.

Thrown out of home for not conforming to his family wishes, Angelo heads to the one place he knows he will be welcome with open arms.

With a little help from their family and friends can Angelo and Marlowe figure out just who is stalking Marlowe before Christmas morning? Can Marlowe win the heart of the boy next door? Can Angelo figure out that even straight boys sometimes fall in love with their best friends?

Excerpt

  Marlowe had always hated his name. What normal parents, in their right minds, would name their son Marlowe. For crying out loud, it's a girl's name! Then again he could never claim that his parents were normal. With names like Skye and Astra, he didn't have a hope in hell when it came to the name department. He couldn't even go by his middle name which was just as bad as his first name... Marlowe Shelby Weldon; didn't his parents ever think of the teasing he was going to get as he got older? Obviously not, because here he was on his twenty-first birthday, standing in front of a cake with all three names on display for everyone to see.

  "I think it's cute," Hunter said as he wrapped his arm around his cousin's waist from behind and leant his chin on his shoulder in sympathy, or support, he wasn't quite sure which yet.

  "Cute?" Marlowe whispered hoarsely. "It has never been cute."

  "We all got unusual names, cousin."

  "At least your name belongs to a man. You have never had to put up with what I have gone through. None of you have. What the hell were they thinking when they named me?"

  "That you were beautiful. Besides, Marlowe is a family name."

  "Of our great Grandmother." Marlowe rolled his eyes then smiled; as much as he bitched about his name he did truly have two of the coolest parents to ever grace the earth. They never even batted an eye when he came out to them last year and announced at Aunt Cyn's wedding that he was gay and that his mother should just stop trying to set him up with the bridesmaids. Of course it had and hadn't worked, as his parents had spent the rest of the party introducing him to all the single men; whether they were gay or straight. Aunt Cyn had commented that it had to have been one of the weirdest weddings that Australia had ever witnessed; she had found it hilarious that he had spent the whole night trying to dodge his own parents.

  "Come on, cheer up. I am supposed to introduce you to Gene, my neighbour. Uncle Skye has decided that you need to meet new people and since Gene and his nephew are the only ones here that you don't know, I have to introduce you."

  "Is he even gay?" Marlowe asked softly as he let Hunter drag him through the crowd.

  "Nope."

  "So why are you introducing me then, and does he even know that I am gay?"

  Hunter grinned. "I promised Gene that if he met you, I would introduce him to Dextra; he thinks Dex is kinda hot."

  A giggle burst free from Marlowe. "Hot headed, more like."

  "Yup, I may have forgotten to mention that part."

  "Not nice, cousin, that is so not nice. I thought this guy was your friend."

  Hunter's grin broadened. "Now what kind of friend would I be if I tried to put him off meeting the woman of his dreams?"

  "Oh my," Marlowe's hand fluttered to his throat as they came to a halt in front of a gruff looking man, "you have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen." And they were. They were a very pale lavender colour. Marlowe blushed profusely when Hunter and Gene burst out laughing.

  "You're right Hunter, he really is a cutie." Gene smiled and it reached all the way to his eyes, which made Marlowe melt like heated butter.

  Marlowe cleared his throat. "I hear you want to meet Dex." They all looked to where Dextra was standing talking to a tall, very terrified looking young man. "Who is that?"

  Marlowe felt like he couldn't breathe. The guy was absolutely gorgeous. He wished the guy would turn his way so that he could see what colour his eyes were. Marlowe was an eye man; he loved beautiful eyes.

  "That's just Angelo, my nephew," Gene said apologetically. "He turned up on my doorstep just as I was leaving to come here. I couldn't leave him at home." Gene shook his head. "His parents threw him out of home because he wouldn't date the girl they had chosen for him. Who in this day and age does that kind of thing to an eighteen-year-old boy?"

  "Is he gay?" Marlowe didn't know what compelled him to ask, but once it was out he couldn't take it back.

  "Truthfully, I don't know. We haven't really had a chance to talk yet."

  "Maybe we should rescue him before Dex tries to eat him." Hunter chuckled as Angelo began slowly backing away from Dex. "He looks like he is ready to tuck tail and run."

  Gene chuckled as he stood up. "What kind of uncle would I be if I didn't try to help the guy out?"

  "And you actually want to meet Dex?" Marlowe asked in mock amazement.

  Gene chuckled again. "Life would be boring without a sense of adventure."

  Hunter grinned as he headed over to his sister. "Sis, leave the new kid alone. I have someone much sturdier for you to play with."

  Dex turned and growled at her brother, but stopped dead when she spotted Gene standing beside him. Grinning she turned back to Angelo. "See Angel, now you don't have to introduce me; Hunter has done it for you."

  Hunter leaned over and stage whispered conspiratorially to Marlowe, "Pssst, cuz? Gene will distract her; you grab the kid and run."

  Marlowe laughed as he grabbed Angelo by the wrist and dragged him off through the crowd. They stopped just by the bar. Marlowe couldn't stop staring at him; he had the same beautiful purple eyes as his uncle.

  "Thanks for that," Angelo said as they ordered a drink. "My uncle drags me here to some chick's birthday and I get mobbed by a crazy woman." Angelo gestured around them. "Do you even know which chick is the birthday girl?"

  Marlowe blushed. "That chick would be me." He held out his hand. "Marlowe Shelby Weldon at your service," he ended with a grin. He had to bite the inside of his cheek from laughing out loud when he saw the deep flush of embarrassment creep up Angelo's neck.

  "Oh man, I am soooo sorry."

  "What for? You didn't name me." Marlowe grinned.

  "I just read the name on the cake and just assumed," Angelo said.                                                                                                             

  Marlowe shrugged. "Most people assume that I am either a girl, or I am gay; they would only be wrong half the time."

  "You're gay!" Angelo blurted out.

  Marlowe felt the sting of disappointment as he watched Angelo move a bit further away. "It's not a disease you know. You can't catch being gay from me. As Lady Gaga would say, 'Baby, I was born this way'."

  "I didn't mean..." Angelo went to reach for his arm but Marlowe stepped away.

  "Whatever! You have a nice time now, bye-bye." Marlowe walked away without looking back. This was his birthday and he didn't need the downer.

 

ABOUT ME

NJ needs to write like she needs to breathe. It’s an addiction she never intends to find a cure for. When you don’t find NJ arguing with Vlad, her muse, or writing about the wonderful men in her stories, you’ll find her reading work by other authors she greatly admires. NJ lives on five acres situated in the SE of Qld, Australia with her family who all encourage her writing career (even if she does occasionally call them by her character’s names), and her variety of pets. NJ thinks anyone who takes the time to read her stuff is totally awesome, and wants to thank you all.

FIND ME HERE

My Blog (where you hear about everything) ~ WordPress (mainly book related) ~ Goodreads ~ Face Book ~ Facebook Author Page ~ Twitter ~ Linked in ~ Google+ ~ tsū

PUBLISHER PAGES

Fireborn Publishing ~ MLRPress ~ Pride Publishing

My Guest ~ Brina Brady

For Me

Rent Me Series

Release Date: November 28

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BLURB

The entire Dubrovsky family heads to snowy Russia for a family Christmas. Brennen fears Dmitri’s homophobic father’s rejection. Dmitri believes all will be forgiven, but steps into a mess upon arriving with his husband. Instead of greeting Dmitri and Brennen with hugs and kisses, they are left alone on the porch with Dmitri’s angry father. Can they stay if it means abiding by his archaic rules?

This is a story of love, forgiveness, and miracles during the holiday season. Dmitri and Brennen overcome issues which have been troubling their relationship, each growing and learning how to best be what the other needs. There are many surprises during the holiday season for all of them.

Other books in the series are here

ABOUT BRINA

I am from Huntington Beach, Ca. I taught various subjects at a Continuation High School in Los Angeles, California for 27 years. I obtained a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in history, Secondary Social Science Credential and a Master's Degree in Secondary Reading and Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach. I also enrolled in some creative writing classes at UCLA. I am currently taking classes from Romance Writers of America. I belong to the Rainbow Romance Writers.

FIND BRINA HERE

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

My Guest ~ Haley walsh

A Very Merry Foxemas

Released: November 2015

Publisher: Foxe Press

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It will be available in print, too, any day now

BLURB

Skyler Foxe and his friends take a break from solving crimes in this fluffy holiday treat. Four humorous and hot short stories make up this delectable holiday fare that is sure to warm hearts and sheets this cold winter season.

Skyler Foxe Fictional Interview

Q: Thanks for talking with us today, Skyler. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A: Well, my name is Skyler Foxe, I’m twenty-five, I’ve lived all my life in Redlands California, and I’m just finishing up my first year of teaching high school. And it’s been a very challenging year. I don’t know how much to say…

Q: We know about the troubles at the school. And your own, well, coming out…

A: Okay. Right. So that was a load of awesome sauce…not! Actually, it all started when I found my principal’s son at a gay dance club. He was dead. And…well…at that point I didn’t know my principal Wesley Sherman all that well, but it was his son! And I know how my mom would have felt, and I was there when my friend Sidney—she’s a detective with the Redlands Police department—I was there when she had to tell him. That was just awful! And ever since I felt compelled to investigate crimes.

Q: And what happened? Did you solve it?

A: Oh yeah! I had help from my friends…

Q: This is the SFC I’ve heard so much about. Now what exactly does that stand for?

A: Oh. It’s just…a really bad joke that got out of hand. We don’t really have to talk about that, do we?

Q: It’s just that we’ll be using the term frequently in our talk and I wanted to make sure the readers understood.

A: *squirms uncomfortably* Well…it…it stands for the, uh…the… “Skyler Fuck Club.” It’s a not very funny joke that one of my friends Jamie coined—

Q: Is he an SFC member?

A: Yes. I mean…Okay. It means that these guys were once hook-ups and then became friends. Just friends.

Q: And how many is that?

A: Three. No, four now. But that’s it. There’s Jamie Ewing, Philip Price, Rodolfo Gamboa de Guerrero, and Dave Caruthers. I mean that’s the only people we are calling SFC because there’s a lot more, but…uh…can we move on?

Q: Yes. So, the SFC help you solve crimes?

A: I ask them to help sometimes. They are really great at coming when I call. And they’ve gotten me out of scrapes, too. I sort of call them my Scooby Gang.

Q: But let me get this straight. You’re an English Lit teacher, right? At a high school? James Polk High.

A: Yes! It’s the same school I attended, as a matter of fact. Go Polk Panthers! But, uh. I seem to get into all kinds of trouble. Murder and such. I don’t mean to! I really don’t. But they involve people I care about and, well. I’m just not satisfied with what’s called investigating around here. …Don’t tell my friend Sidney I said that. She’s the police detective. Sidney Feldman. We’ve known each other since we were nine and she’s been my best bud all through my childhood and adulthood. She definitely doesn’t like that I investigate but…tough! I do a decent job. I’ve always figured it out even though…well, even though I got into dire straits because of it.

Q: You mean your life was threatened?

A: A couple of times. No, wait. Every time, I guess. Strange what you forget.

Q: Let’s move on. I understand you were in the closet prior to this year. 

A: Only to my work colleagues. And my mother. I just didn’t parade it at work but it turns out people knew anyway. And when I was kind of forced out then my mom found out. That was…fun. I know she had to know sometime but it’s not nice to be outed when you didn’t plan it.

Q: How did you deal with it?

A: Well, my friends were there for me. I broke up with my boyfriend for a while because it was his fault, but we got back together and it’s fine now.

Q: And then there’s something about a GSA? What’s that?

A: Now that is the Gay-Straight Alliance at school. It’s for kids who are gay or just gay friendly. Allies. And the gay kids do need allies at school. Not just for protection, but to show the other kids that there’s nothing wrong with being LGBT. I sort of started it. Well, I was in the closet at the time so I didn’t become a sponsor till later. But I’m totally involved now. Mostly because I wish we had had something like that when I was in school, and because of some particular teens in my sophomore class who…well. I don’t know if a teacher is supposed to play favorites but I really connect to those fifteen-year-olds. And there are two boys in my class who…let’s just say they really needed the GSA. And they have excellent friends from that class who support them. I’m really proud of all my kids.

Q: Are there many gay kids there?

A: Oh yeah. You’d be surprised. In every school. No matter where you live, the administration can’t stop you if you want to start a GSA at your school. If you follow all the rules of the school when it comes to starting a club—getting an adult advisor on board like a teacher, coach, or librarian, perhaps forming and submitting a constitution with your application and other rules (check your school manual), then the administration has to allow it. Forming a GSA club is protected under the Federal Equal Access Act. Under California law, AB 537, your school is legally responsible for protecting you from harassment and discrimination. If you’re looking for all the facts and information and resources for starting a GSA at your school, start at GSAnetwork.org. 

Q: Thanks for that. I also understand that you have a relationship with the football coach. Tell us about that.

A: Yeah. Well. It’s not something I was looking for. I was perfectly happy with my current lifestyle. That is, I wasn’t really interested in a boyfriend, settling for one man. I enjoyed hooking up…oh. Wait. Can we edit that part out? I don’t want to come off as a slut or anything.

Q: It’s not really something we do.

A: Oh. Well…shoot. Okay. You know what? I’m not ashamed of it. No one should be! That’s just the way some people are and that's the way I was. Until Keith. Keith Fletcher. He also teaches biology. I know. Get all the jokes out of your system. But it kind of happened while investigating the strange goings on at the school. And we just…meshed. He’s a real sweet guy and I really like being his boyfriend. 

Q: Is it strange dating someone you work with?

A: I don’t really work with him. He’s a football coach and biology teacher. That doesn’t really relate to what I teach. But I know what you mean. It’s nice when we can get together for lunch. I thought at one time it might be too much of a good thing but I like seeing him during the day. I know how sappy that makes me sound, but so be it!

Q: What’s he like?

A: Keith is tall. A foot taller than me, at least, and really good-looking. Broad-shouldered. Kind of built like a linebacker but maybe a bit more svelte. He’s ten years older than me but that doesn’t seem to matter. He’s got black hair and light blue eyes, like a husky’s. And he’s got that permanent beard stubble look which in my opinion is very sexy. He looks pretty much like an underwear model. It embarrasses him when I say that but it’s the truth. My friend Jamie calls him “Hunk-on-a-Stick.” But he’s not all looks. He’s extremely intelligent and patient, and very athletic. He almost went pro out of college but he hurt his knee, so he went for a biology PhD instead. Pretty dreamy, huh? Smarts and good looks? Yeah, I consider myself pretty lucky.

Q: He sounds wonderful. I’m jealous. Do you think you’ll get involved in more murder investigations?

A: Gosh, I don’t think so. I mean, how many people can I know that will be murdered? Kind of looks suspicious right? Jessica Fletcher did it! Ahem. But in all seriousness, I really have no intention of doing anything like that. I just want to teach school, mentor my kids, and repeat till retirement.

Q: So if something suspicious came along, you wouldn’t investigate?

A: Why? What have you heard? I mean…I don’t know. I guess I might. Never say never and all that. Rudyard Kipling said, “Borrow trouble for yourself, if that's your nature, but don't lend it to your neighbours.” I wouldn’t wish trouble on anyone, but if it happens, I’d like to think that I’d be there to help.

ABOUT HALEY

Haley Walsh writes the Skyler Foxe Mysteries, a thrilling, humorous, and romantic LGBT romp with men, music, and murder. The books are in print, digital, and now audio! Skyler is in his first year as a high school English teacher in his hometown of Redlands California. It’s tough enough in high school, but try being a young, gay high school teacher in a redneck county in southern California. Of course, Skyler Foxe thought teaching English Lit was murder. Wait till he falls into the real thing. Try the latest book, a holiday novella called A VERY MERRY FOXEMAS.

With a long history in the arts in Los Angeles, Haley Walsh spent a good part of her early years involved in the theatre and as a freelance graphic designer. Later, she turned a long-time hobby of writing novels into a career and lives a double life as a medieval mystery author under another name Jeri Westerson while living the other half as Haley Walsh, writing about her gay amateur sleuth, high school English teacher Skyler Foxe. Skyler Foxe Mysteries

FIND HALEY HERE

Skyler Foxe Mysteries

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My Guest ~ Diana DeRicci

Hibernate With Me

Release Date: December

Publisher: MLRPress

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Blurb

After an earthquake that rocked Alaska brought them together, Rhody and Brendan are still going strong months later. With Christmas right around the corner, at least one of them has plans to make what they have permanent. There really isn't a single reason why it can't — well, except for Brendan's little secret...

Nothing says Merry Christmas like bears, wolves, and mistletoe.

Excerpt

  He slung his travel bag over a shoulder, dropped his suitcase by his knee, and closed the SUV door. Standing at the front door, he pushed the doorbell that would blink the house lights and let Brendan know he had company.

  A moment later, the door popped open and Rhody smiled when their eyes met. It was matched by an equally broad smile in greeting from Brendan. The door was held wider and Rhody entered, to let his bag slide from his shoulder to the floor.

  The next several minutes were filled with deep, heartfelt kisses, making up for the time spent apart. It sucked that Brendan was in Anchorage and Rhody lived in Spokane. It was taking some logistical planning on their parts, but they were making this work.

  Rhody was slow to release Brendan’s lips after a long, thorough welcome kiss. Damn. He’d needed that. He nibbled playfully at lips, tugging on Brendan’s beard between his teeth. Brendan growled in answer. A shiver danced down Rhody’s spine at the sound. He knew how precious all of Brendan’s sounds were since he couldn’t hear himself or any part of the world surrounding him.

  Reluctantly, he inched away from the body heat. “Missed you,” he said, using his hands to sign his thoughts at the same time. Taking the sign language courses was really paying off. His skills were better and he felt more confident in his ability.

  He knew Brendan appreciated it when his eyes softened, simply gazing into Rhody’s. “So much,” he agreed.

  Rhody smiled. He loved seeing that look on Brendan’s face.

  “Let’s get you comfortable.” Brendan unzipped Rhody’s jacket.

  He shrugged it loose so Brendan could hang it up in the front closet with the other heavy outer wear.

  Palming his carry on again, he followed Brendan’s lead to the bedroom, tugging the suitcase behind him. Brendan walked ahead and opened two large empty drawers. “These are yours.” Then he faced Rhody.

  Rhody’s feet slowed to a stop. “You made space for me?”

  He was shocked at the gesture and forgot to sign his words.

  “It’s not that big of a deal. You’re going to be here for a little while.” He rocked broad shoulders in unconcern.

  Rhody saw right through it. Brendan may not think it’s a ‘big deal’, but it meant a lot to Rhody. When he’d been there last time, during the summer, there had been different circumstances to that visit. They’d both been trying to build something out of an unexpected attraction. Given that they were stranded in the wilderness for several days, it was a perfect opportunity for affection to flourish.

This visit, Brendan was making it pretty clear where he wanted Rhody.

About Diana

Diana DeRicci is the sexy, flirty pen name of Diana Castilleja. Having been published since 2006 with paranormal romance, she has traveled through several genres but will always be a romance author at heart. DeRicci’s writing takes you into a saucier spectrum of sensuality and sexual adventure, where a happily-ever-after is still the key to any story. Diana lives in Central Texas with her husband, one son and a feisty little Chihuahua named Rascal. You can catch the latest news on all of Diana DeRicci’s writing and books on her website. 

Find Diana Here

www.dianadericci.com

CA Szarek ~ Cole In Her Stocking

Cole In Her Stocking

Release Date: November 4th
Publisher: Totally Bound

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Blurb

It’s Christmas in Antioch, Texas.

Detective Cole Lucas and his wife, fellow detective Andi are taking it easy for the holiday—time off from the police department.

Andi’s plans for Christmas are shattered when her family cancels. They’re not coming home to Texas. She’s crushed, sure Christmas will be ruined. But Cole is fine with an intimate affair—just them for the holiday, forging new traditions.

Can Cole show Andi she can rely on him and prove he’s all she needs for Christmas?

A Message From CA

Christmas is almost here.

This has me freaking out, honestly.

I can’t believe November is gone. Thanksgiving is next week.

I’d scream out loud—for real—if I could avoid the funny looks.

I haven’t started shopping yet. Not that that’s horribly unusual, but I’m at least thinking about it by this time, usually. I don’t have any ideas of what to do, buy, etc. None of my family has submitted lists just yet, which I guess means they’re as unthinking about Christmas as much as I am.

Is that good, or bad?

I’m not sure…just yet.

Now I find myself wondering where the heck 2015 went. For me it’s been a rough one, honestly. As far as writing, didn’t repeat my awesome 2014, I really struggled. I hope to get back to it, really get back to it in 2016.

I can’t believe the year has gone by so fast, almost without noticing, I guess.

Time is something that we can’t ever get back, so we need to use it, well, consciously. That’s hard to do with how hectic life gets.

The fast pace way things are now—led by technology, in many ways—is what we’ve grown used to as a society. We rush and rush, no matter the circumstances, and time gets away from us.

I think it’s natural for the most part. But it definitely leads to that “What the heck happened?” dazed, baffled feeling that hits a lot of us as the holidays approach.

It can make your head spin.

It does mine, anyway.

As this time of year approaches, it reminds me of what really matters.

Family.

Christmas is (as it should be) a time to connect, and reconnect with the people that mean the most to us. They don’t have to be blood family, and I think in a lot of cases these days, they aren’t. Family comes in all shapes and sizes and there’s nothing wrong with that. I know they sort of force me to sit and take a breath from all the rushing I always do.

So, at this of year, I hope you take a moment (or a day) to spend time with those you care about!

Merry Christmas (because it will be here sooner than I’d like to admit).

To Celebrate Christmas, I’m sharing a FREE story that goes with my CROSSING FORCES, romantic suspense series. It’s called COLE IN HER STOCKING and it goes with the first book, COLLISION FORCE. It’s about Andi and Cole, the hero and heroine and their first Christmas together (it’s after the book in the timeline)

You can download it in whatever format you need from my publisher, Totally Bound Publishing, website.

CROSSING FORCES Series Blurb

Small Town Texas doesn’t always mean small time crime.

Welcome to Antioch, population fifty thousand.

With a police department full of detectives and officers who are good at what they do, throw in the occasional FBI agent, and the bad guy doesn’t have a shot, no matter how big the crime.

About CA

Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it's a good story, she'll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!

She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!

She's originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

She works with kids when she's not writing.

They work together and fight together. Relationships will be forged and changed along the twists and turns.

When fate intervenes, love and happiness can be found in unlikely places.

Find CA Here

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter (@caszarek) 

Instagram (@caszarek) ~ Goodreads

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My Guest ~ Saxon Hawke

Candy Canes & Coffee Beans

Release Date: December 18

Publisher: MLRPress

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Blurb

Will Christmas' biggest fan get his own taste of holiday magic?

Asher Rye lives for happiness—for himself, and the rest of the world. By day, he spreads joy one cup of coffee at a time as a barista. At Christmas, he's Dasher the elf, spreading the magic of the holiday season to every child and adult who visits Santa.

When a sad little boy visits Santa's castle with his stuffed goat and uncle in tow, Asher is determined to show him that Santa never forgets. In his quest to show the boy and his uncle the magic of Christmas, he never expects to be sprinkled with holiday magic himself.

Will Christmas' biggest fan get a Christmas miracle of his own?

Excerpt

  “Oh. My. God.”

  “Told ya,” I said smugly. Lulu never believes me. She maintains that I tend to be a just a wee bit dramatic in my descriptions. Witch. It’s a good thing she’s my best friend.

  “It really is...” her head nodded as she attempted to finish her sentence.

  “A giant candy cane breast pump,” I finished for her. She really should have believed me.

  We stood in the middle of Upper Canada Mall, staring up at the newest addition to Santa Claus’ holiday castle. Someone had designed it. Someone had approved it. And someone had thought the giant clear plastic sphere filled to the brim with striped candy canes, and topped with an equally giant funnel, would pass as a magical treat contraption. Instead, much to my amusement, it resembled a giant festive breast pump. You would think that if I, a twenty-two year old gay man, could see that, someone else just might have made the connection. Sadly they hadn’t. Now I get to spend my evenings next to this yuletide abomination thinking of a body part that has held absolutely no interest to me since I was weened. And I weened early.

  “Well?” I asked in an expectant tone and with a raised eyebrow.

  “Well what?” Lulu answered, her pierced lip fighting not to curve upwards. My purple haired, inked and pierced best friend hated to be wrong. However, this time I had her. She’d refused to believe in the existence of the monstrosity right in front of us. Ha! I loved to be right.

  “I presented you with the holiday boob pump, and I think I pretty much nailed it.”

  “Uh huh...” I continued to stare at her, and was amazed I could hold my brow arch for so long. Finally she threw her tattooed arms up in the air. “Oh fine! You were right! I’m sure you both will make wonderful memories together. I have to get to work, Hermey.” She drew out that last word as she leaned over to lay a smacking kiss on my cheek, while somehow managing to miss the swipes I was taking to mess her purple bob. Did I mention she’s a witch?

  “That’s the wrong elf, woman!” I called after her as she ran off cackling. Actually cackling! See? Witch. She knew I hated it when she called me by the name of that tooth-loving elf from the children’s classic. “I’m way cooler than a pointy eared dentist!” I flinched, hoping that the patients at the dentist’s office that was located behind Santa’s castle didn’t hear that remark.

  I checked the time on my phone and realized I’d have to book it if I wanted to grab a much needed caffeine boost before getting changed and escorting Father Christmas to his throne.

  Deep within the labyrinth which held the mall’s administration offices, I savored my double espresso shot latte with cinnamon as I entered the space they set aside for Santa’s “staff” to change into their costumes. To say it’s a tight fit for me would be a gross understatement, and I’m a pretty slender five foot nine. Wiggling into green and white tights while bumping my ass on the copier and various cases of bottled water was, well...actually more action than I’d seen in a while. I tried not to flirt with the mental image of Karl Buchner, our very own Santa, wrestling himself into his red velvet suit in this cramped space. I love the guy; he’s like a grandfather to all of us wayward seasonal souls. However, imagining what’s under Karl’s stuffing would guarantee me never being able to look the man in the eyes again. But I digress.

  It is in this room that I change from Asher Rye, part-time college student and local barista, into Dasher, Santa Claus’ welcoming elf. Yep. I’m am elf. Not the camera elf. Nor the child wrangling/parent mollifying elf. Not even the cashier elf. I’m the welcome elf. I am the Christmas elf.

  I love Christmas. I’m sure most people would tell you that they love the holidays, but I madly, deeply, truly love Christmas. For me, the magic of the season never waned, even when I discovered that there really wasn’t a jolly fellow in a red leisure suit living at the top of the world. Lulu once told me I lacked that adult filter people acquire once they obtain body hair which strips their ability to see magic. I think she’s right. Even though my brain knows very well that there’s no bearded man delivering presents near and far, my heart believes that once a year, smiles are given a little more freely, people look beyond their own personal bubbles, and goodwill is able to linger in the air just a few seconds longer before it is whisked away by the realities of the world. Presents may not magically appear under trees, but do not tell me that this season is not special.

  Two years ago, when I was hired as part of the mall’s seasonal Christmas staff, I jumped at the chance to don the tights and jingly hat as the front line elf. Each year I stand proudly by the winding line of children and parents, getting them ready for their visit with St. Nick. My co-workers think I’m crazy. Ok, most of the people I know think I’m a little nuts. Hey, it’s part of my charm. But people just don’t understand my thrill of standing by that velvet rope, greeting cranky parents and children alike as they wait for their turn to ask their Christmas wishes. Nuts, remember? As I never developed that grownup filter and I’m basically still a big kid, I usually win the children over in a few short words. Then, having put smiles on little ones that had only minutes before tried the patience of even the most loving parent, I became a superstar to the adult folk. Feet that had been dragging as they slowly made their way up to the front of the line suddenly became light and skippy as they were led along the red striped carpet to the man with jolly laugh and candy cane in hand. I so loved my job! 

About Saxon

Tech Geek. Caffeine addict. Sarcasm aficionado .

Saxon resides in the outskirts of Toronto with a hubby, teenaged minion, two cats, and a dog. Her family lives in constant fear of finding events and conversations woven into her tales (because seriously, sometimes you just can’t make that stuff up). She believes that love is love, and although she does believe that all her characters deserve a happily ever after, she’s not opposed to messing with them a little bit before they get there.

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