J.D. Walker

John Parnassus is not a fan of the holidays. In fact, he'd punch Rudolph in the nose if he could. He doesn't believe in love, men, or the 'holiday spirit' -- he's still bitter after his ex left him two years ago on Christmas morning. To him, the holidays are all a sham. Take a chance on love? Never again.<br><br>John's friend Sally gives him a gentle kick in the ass to get out of his rut and try something new, starting at the office New Year’s party. He expects the same thing as last year: drunken mistletoe antics and a sore head the next morning.<br><br>Then he meets Tim Hinton, a coworker from the IT department. Surprised to find they have common ground, John is drawn to someone for the first time in years. Should he make a move, or endure another ho hum New Year?

Ho Hum New Year

“No, I haven’t, but I only scratch that itch once in a while. Why pay ten dollars to get off with a guy I can’t see in a dark, smelly bar I won’t remember when I can watch porn at home and do it with my own hand? It’s cheaper and health-hazard free.” I don’t really watch porn, but she doesn’t need to know that.


Rolling her eyes, Sally says, “You know, I don’t think you’re as bitter and indifferent as you claim to be. There’s a real human being in there, someone who needs to be loved and to give love. You need to let him out. Tonight, maybe?” Her innocent look isn’t working.


Feeling put upon, I respond, “Whatever. Look, I’ll be there, but I’m not making any promises, okay?” Turning back to my computer, I bring up my email and check for any more last minute fires to put out. There’s no one out there for me, and that’s the end of it.


Chapter 2