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What did you get for a guy you really liked, but worked with your brother, was most likely straight, and would just as soon shoot you as talk to you?
Okay, maybe that last bit was a little unfair. Colby had never been mean to Charlie, but he did get frustrated with him and his in-depth explanations. He’d gotten better since he’d started consulting for Don, but still got carried away sometimes.
Charlie wandered through the mall, hoping for inspiration. Everyone else was taken care of, but Colby had him stumped. The fact Charlie was seriously attracted to the agent had a lot to do with his current dilemma. The gift had to be just right, something meaningful without being obvious.
God, he was screwed.
He’d just about given up hope when he saw it. Kerze by Gerhard Richter, granted, it was a print, but it was perfect. Richter was one of Colby’s favorite artists. It was something they had in common.
~*~
Everyone gathered at the Eppes’ home on the 20th for a holiday celebration. The Menorah was lit at sunset then the tree lights were turned on. When it came time to exchange gifts everyone gathered in the solarium. Alan played Santa, handing out the gaily-wrapped packages. The final two were identical, except one was to Charlie from Colby and vice versa.
They opened gifts round-robin style. Laughter and appreciation abounded. Colby saved the gift from Charlie for last. He carefully unwrapped it and just…stared.
Without looking away from the print, Colby softly said, “Open yours, Charlie.”
Charlie did as bid and gasped. In his hands was a framed print of Kerze. He looked up and met Colby’s green eyes. “Great minds…”
Colby glanced up and grinned. Charlie was sitting under the mistletoe. He leaned over and kissed him.
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