By the time Vic got home, it was later than he realized—almost quarter to eleven. He should’ve called Matty after clocking out, should’ve given his lover a head’s up that he wouldn’t be coming straight home. Still dressed in the Santa suit, Vic parked in front of his apartment building and reached into the back seat for the shopping bag he’d saved that now carried his work clothes. Santa might be a bit rotund, but Vic had found it hard to steer around the large belly. The bag rustled as he trudged up the steps into the building.
Inside, the bag made so much noise, Vic was surprised his neighbors didn’t open their doors to see what the racket was all about. He hurried up to the second floor, which he shared with Matt. On the landing, he unlocked the door to his apartment and eased it open.
