Because of his severe stutter, Atticus never fulfills his childhood wish to make a joyful noise onstage at Christmastime. Now going by AC, the same problem isolates him with only his cat Spud for company as he forgoes the holiday season and personal, meaningful relationships altogether.<br><br>On their way to pass the yuletide in Mexico, AC and Spud encounter a stranded band who call themselves The 12 Drummers Drumming. Though AC tries to resist the urge to help, he’s somehow convinced to drive them back up north in his van to ensure they make their Christmas Eve gig.<br><br>AC immediately rates each guy, figuring on a one in twelve chance to at least score a holiday hookup. As he spends time with each, he sees them in less superficial terms. Sparks ignite, and by the time Christmas Eve arrives, AC has a whole new reason to believe in Christmas magic and romance.

12 Drummers Thumbing

Rick tried to turn down the bike. “It’s too much, man.”


But AC wouldn’t hear of it. “I’ll h-have it sh-shipped to you, if y-you’re wo-worried about g-g-getting it home.”


“It’s not that. It’s just…” He was near tears.


“I w-w-wanted to d-do it. P-please, l-let me.” AC put an end to the argument with an embrace.


Murphy was deep in conversation with Gabriel, likely about finding vendors to sell his crochet work and collaborating on a mixed medium piece with AC Maughan Art. Manny’s surprise was still to come, a Mexican Christmas fiesta, that would take place after the show. He didn’t even seem grumpy about not knowing what he’d be getting and the fact he had to wait a bit longer than everyone else to find out.


Though it didn’t fully make up for the guilt over the stupid ratings notebook, AC felt a bit like Santa Claus, seeing everyone happy and excited. Then he turned to Rohan.


Chapter 38