The Christmas Car

A short story that explores what happens when Anita Rayburn, preparing to retire, is introduced to Brian Skolnick, who not at all interested in making a new female friend. But she is lonely and he still grieves the death of his spouse.

Brian inadvertently offends Anita and she feels guilty that she went along with Brian's sister's clumsy matchmaking efforts. He calls her to apologize and she attempts to make amends by inviting him to use the gift certificate for dinner at the Space Needle as...