Chapter 1
As he stood in line at the grocery store, Vic Braunson wished he’d thought to go shopping for New Year’s necessities earlier in the week. In his basket, he had various bottles of wine, some spreadable cheeses and gourmet crackers to put them on, fresh grapes, pineapple chunks, tortilla chips, fresh salsa… nothing that wouldn’t have held up in the fridge for a few days. But no, having the day off from work wasn’t enough reason for him to stay home. He had to let his lover Matt diLorenzo drag him out into the traffic and crowds that descended on shopping centers during any holiday. As if they hadn’t had their share of this madness the week prior, at Christmas.
Now Vic waited in a line that he’d swear hadn’t moved since he pushed his cart into it, but a glance behind him showed h
