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

“Now what?” With barely enough room between our mouths for the words that came from Mickey’s, I released a lengthy minty fresh exhale. If either he or I moved, even, like, a millionth of an inch or less, our lips would touch, and we’d taste each other’s sweet lips.


“Damn.” My sixteen-year-old self shifted in the seat again. This time, the action made things worse. Now, I was really big boned.


“Nothing,” I said, still conversing around the littlest piece of candy cane between our teeth.


“Tell me.” In the return of faint moonlight, I could see Mickey’s eyes close, and wondered if he was waiting for the infinitesimal space between us to disappear.


He didn’t move. He didn’t turn away. He didn’t speak or open his eyes.


Chapter 9