Chapter 3

Hank turned toward him. “Oh, babe, I wished ya woulda waited for me. I want to talk to them, too.”

“I’m sorry. I should have waited, but…”

“But?”

“Well, I just miss them, this being Christmas.”

Hank raised up farther, and Brad rolled onto his back.

“Geez, I’m sorry, Brad. This isn’t much of a Christmas for ya, is it?”

“It’s just different is all. I’m used to cold and sometimes snow and a tree and…”

“Shit!” Hank exclaimed, collapsing onto his back. “I’m so used to being down here at the Gold Coast Classic every Christmas. Been doing it with my folks since…well, since before I can remember. This is Christmas to me. I’m really sorry, babe. I shoulda thought. Pretty damn selfish a me.”

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up,” Brad said, shifting so he was partially lying on top of Hank. “I’m a big boy. I’ll survive.”

“Yes, sir, you are a big boy,” Hank replied, putting his arms around Brad’s back. “But still, I feel bad.”