Julian Junk was often teased about his last name and his father's occupation as a garbageman. Mackensie Keller grew up privileged and spoiled. As teens, Junk and Mickey make plans for their future, but when Mickey is sent off to boarding school, he tells Junk their parents are probably right -- they just don't belong together.<br><br>Back in town ten years later, Mickey is all grown up. He and Junk reconnect as adults, but so much was said, and so much has changed. Though he asks for forgiveness, which Junk grants, though old romantic feelings are quickly rekindled, Mickey is reluctant to bring a new man into his young daughter's life after his last relationship's failure. He's also harboring a secret, one that threatens to spoil upcoming Thanksgiving plans.<br><br>Once Junk discovers the source of Mickey's dilemma, he devises a crafty plan to make everything right. Will it work out? Will Mickey accept his help, and can the two of them make a go of it with so much stacked against them?

One Man's Junk

“Too bad you never get to spend the night.”


“Right? At my house, the computer’s in Pops’ room.” I had to tell Mickey that, since he hadn’t been to my house in years.


“At least we have Instant Messenger,” he said.


Mickey laughed again but still wouldn’t look at me. “Hey, you painted my name on the back.” From the floor mats, back to the clock, he studied that now.


“So little. I felt it before I saw it.”


“Yeah, for a big dog, I’m not too bad at doing small stuff.”


“Both our names.” Mickey had to lean close to me, to catch just a faint glint of moonlight, now, the only illumination to be had.


“Well…yeah.” I continued to struggle with the plastic between me and peppermint deliciousness. I could fix a clock, but unwrapping candy was proving quite difficult. “No plus sign between the names or anything. No hearts, no ‘Love, Junk.’”


Chapter 8