Shoulders slumped, hands jammed into his parka, Perry studied the gold lettering that read ‘Sylvan Jewelers’ etched into the thick glass of the brick-face storefront.

Unconsciously he tugged at his skull cap as tired Christmas music ebbing from the jewelry store added background vocals to the argument currently looping in his head:

His boyfriend Branson had blocked the doorway, arms crossed over his bare chest. “I’m pretty sure we didn’t have a date scheduled for tonight, Perry.”

Perry took in Branson’s flushed face and kiss-swollen lips. “I just dropped by to give you…”

“Hey, babe,” a deep voice interrupted from inside Branson’s loft, “You coming back to bed or what?”

Branson turned away and yelled, “In a minute,” then switched his gaze back to Perry. “Well, this is awkward.” He peered at the box in Perry’s hand. “What’s that?”

Perry shifted uncomfortably. Until that very moment he’d thought he and Branson were exclusive. Awkward was an understatement. “I, ah, thought…maybe um…” He thrust the box toward Branson’s chest.

They’d been dating about a month – if buying Branson drinks and going back to Perry’s to fuck could be defined as dating – and he’d been at a loss as to what to give him for Christmas. That is, until he spied the Lucky Jade ring. Perry had thought even Branson, with his pretty face and muscled physique, could use a little luck. He’d been wrong.

Branson plucked the box from Perry’s fingers and flipped back the lid. His eyes narrowed. “You bought me a ring?” The incredulous tone in his voice made Perry’s heart pound harder. “I’m sorry, Perry, but I’m a free agent. I don’t do rings. You understand, don’tcha?”

He understood all too well. There was more than one man in Branson’s life and Perry would be surprised if he’d made the top five.

“Hey, lover, I’m waaaiiiting.” Deep Voice sang.

Branson took a couple steps back into his apartment, his interest in Perry fading. “No hard feelings then?”

“None.” Perry sighed.

A computerized bell jingled as a customer exited the shop, bringing Perry back to the moment. He slid his hand into his pocket and clutched the ring’s metal case.

An attractive salesman−tall, tan and chiseled−trained his gaze on him as he strolled inside. Perry recognized him as the salesman who’d sold him the ring

“How can I help you?”

Perry perched the box on top of the counter. “This didn’t work out.”

The salesman lifted his chin. “Oh yes, I remember this purchase. Was there a problem? They say the ring bestows instant luck to the wearer.”

“Turns out my ex-boyfriend doesn’t need any luck. Seems he’s been getting lucky all on his own.”

The salesman’s averted his eyes. “Oh, I see.”

Perry sighed. Well, at least he’d found out about Branson before it was too late. Before he’d fallen for him.

Plucking the ring from the box, he pressed it between his thumb and index finger. Was all the stuff about it being ‘lucky’ just a sales gimmick?

He slid the ring on his finger.

“Hey, that looks good on you,” the salesman purred suddenly. “Your skin tone compliments the blue/green color.” He glanced up into Perry’s eyes. “And your eyes too. They’re a beautiful shade of hazel.” The salesman leaned in. “I know this may seem a bit forward but…I was wondering, would you like to get coffee with me?”

Perry tried to keep the shock from his voice. “Ah, sure…” he glimpsed the guy’s nametag, “Russell? I’d be delighted.”

Russell excused himself to help another customer.

Perry stroked his Lucky Jade ring and smiled.