“I’ve decided it’s about time we celebrate Christmas the way most theaters do, by producing A Christmas Carol,” Steve, the theater’s director, told the assembled actors, designers, and crew members. “I know this is somewhat short notice, but I also know everyone here is up to the task.”

Cheers and a few groans echoed around the auditorium.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Ricky Moore whispered to Charlie Cox, his lover, and the theater’s set designer.

“Shush,” Charlie whispered back. “You’ll make a great Scrooge.”

“If our new super star doesn’t ace me out,” Ricky muttered, glancing at the handsome man sitting across the aisle from them—an actor who had joined the company less than a month before, just in time to be cast in the show that was currently running.

As if he’d overheard Ricky, Galen Reeve looked over and winked.

“Smartass,” Ricky said caustically, putting his arm around Charlie.

Charlie chuckled. “You don’t even know if he’s gay, so you don’t have to go all possessive.”

“I’ll bet my bottom dollar he is. Besides, where you’re concerned, I’ll always be possessive.” Ricky was tempted to give Charlie a quick kiss to prove it, but Steve clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention again.

“I have a second announcement,” Steve said. “As you all know, Ms. Palmer quit for a new job last week, leaving us in the lurch. Thankfully, we are lucky enough to have found someone to replace her as the costume designer, on very short notice.” Steve pointed to a lithe young man seated in the front row. “Please give Neal Steed a big round of applause.”

Neal ducked his head in embarrassment, as everyone did just that.

“All right, ladies and gentlemen. Actors, please pick up a Christmas Carolscript on your way out.” He gestured to a pile on the stage apron. “Tryouts will be tomorrow morning at nine. Charlie and Neal, please, meet me in my office so we can discuss set and costume design ideas.” With that said, Steve strode off the stage.

“I guess I’ll see you when I get home,” Charlie told Ricky. “Knowing Steve, that might not be until midnight.”

“I’ll be there, and awake,” Ricky replied, grabbing a script as they headed backstage. He smiled wryly. “I suppose I could try for Bob Cratchit, or the Ghost of Christmas Present, if I don’t get Scrooge.”

Charlie grinned. “Or Marley’s Ghost.”

“Bite your tongue.”

Laughing, Charlie kissed Ricky before heading to Steve’s office.

* * * *

Neal looked at the auburn-haired man who entered the director’s office moments after he had. When he saw the burn scars on the man’s arm, he quickly glanced away.

The man smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m used to them, and the looks. I’m Charlie Cox, by the way. Nice to meet you, Neal.”

“How…? Oh, yeah, Steve did make a bit of a production of introducing me. I take it you’re the set designer?”

“In the flesh. And here’s our esteemed director,” Charlie added when Steve came into the office.

“Please, sit,” Steve suggested, settling at his large, and very cluttered, desk. He shuffled through the papers on one corner, finally finding what he was looking for as Charlie and Neal sat. “I want us to do the show in the classic Victorian style,” he said.

“And money is no object?” Charlie asked, immediately laughing. “Don’t we wish?”

“Given that it’s a small company, from what I saw today, are you going to have the actors and actresses playing two parts?” Neal wanted to know.

“Yes, with the exception of Scrooge,” Steve replied.

“What about the children? There need to be at least three, for the family scene at the Cratchit’s house and the one with Christmas Future.”

“I’m aware of that, Neal,” Steve replied with a bit of asperity. “I’ve contacted the local children’s theater company and will be auditioning some of their actors the day after tomorrow.”

“Sorry,” Neal said sheepishly. “The director at the last theater I worked tended to forget small details like that unless prodded.” He rolled his eyes.

“No wonder you left there,” Charlie commented. “Don’t worry, Steve knows what he’s doing. Of course—” He shot Steve a sour look,”—he does have a tendency to change his mind in midstream.”

“Now, Charlie. I haven’t done that in at least two months.”

“True. So, what concept do you have for the sets?”

“Given our budget, and the fact the costumes are very important, I was hoping to call on your creativity to come up with one set that will work for all the scenes.”

“Oh boy. Okay. If that’s what you need, that’s what you’ll get.” Charlie grinned at Neal. “I can see who rates around here at the moment.”

Feeling flustered, Neal replied, “I don’t want to step on your toes, but he isright. Costumes give the ambiance that’s needed for this show.”

“I know. I was teasing.”

“I hoped you were,” Neal said in relief.