Christmas joy is a matter of perspective. For some, it’s the happiest time of the year. For others, not so much. Twenty-nine-year-old Mick, the son of crack addicts, isn’t exactly a dyed-in-the-wool Scrooge. Mick’s been on his own from childhood. As a teen, he even lived in a shelter, where for a short time he had a boyfriend. After the boyfriend left, Mick squatted in the historic Orpheum Theater. While living there as its self-appointed custodian, Mick has watched others celebrate the holidays from a distance, never able to share in their merriment. Only his Technicolor dreams enliven his dull, clandestine life until one day the world around him begins to change. Mick is surprised when a man named Jim buys the Orpheum and plans to restore it. Something about Jim rekindles Mick’s longing for a better life and a little holiday magic for himself. Can Jim give Mick the hope he needs to accept his happily ever after?

The Orpheum Miracle

Still, I could get along with him, so Tiny Tim would be appeased.


All I know is I hate bullshit, and he didn’t seem to be slinging any. So peace would exist. Until it didn’t. I hoped I’d see the hammer before it came down on me.


“Yeah, okay, Mr. Mason. Sure. I can supervise the cleaners.”


I didn’t call him just Mason without the mister in front of it, but I was tempted. No sense pushing the holiday envelope with winter on us, and me not wanting to go back to the shelter unless I really had to.


He had no qualms about using my first name. We’d see if he remembered it the next time he saw me.


He didn’t slap me on the back or act like he needed to shake my hand. He just nodded and walked away, carrying a shitload of papers.


Chapter 2