Graham Norris pulled the box out of the back of his truck and grunted under the weight. “Damn, Rex. What’d you order?”

“None of your business,” Rex scolded as he came out of the coffee shop. “And I told you to wait. It’s too heavy to carry by yourself.”

“Just open the door,” Graham said, rolling his eyes.

With a huff Rex held the door open so the other man could carry the package inside.

“Just set it there.” Rex pointed to a corner where a lone table was cleared off. “Do you want to stay and have something warm? I hear Miss Jenny’s single again. She’ll be here looking for a partner for the Christmas ball soon.”

“Nah, I’ve got another delivery so I’m going to head out,” Graham said as he set the box down.

“Okay, but at this rate you’re going to be alone on Christmas again.”

“You say that like it’s a horrible thing, Rex,” Graham laughed. “Christmas is just another day. It’s no better or worse than any other.”

“It’s Christmas,” Rex protested. “It’s different.”

“Maybe to you it is,” Graham said. “I’m not you.”

The door chimed as someone new walked in, cutting into their conversation. “Welcome to Cafe Stars,” Rex greeted automatically.

“Hey Rex,” laughed the newcomer.

Rex shook his head as he leaned back against the counter. “Sorry, Rich. It’s habit. You know Graham, right?”

Richard nodded. “We went to school together. We were in different grades, though.” He held out his hand. “Richard Meadows. I’m the librarian. You’re Graham Norris, right?”

Graham frowned. “Sorry, I’ve got work to do,” he said as he left.