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

“Wow. Mick. I wouldn’t have recognized this place.”


He was staring at the walls with their new paint job and the classic posters and the central chandelier, which had been cleaned to within an inch of its life.


“You’ve done a great job. I’m speechless.”


Well, he wasn’t, of course. He went on and on as he noticed stuff. I couldn’t help it, but I was puffing up like a peacock as he complimented me.


All the guideposts to doom were staring me in the face, but I was smiling and laughing at them like I was a besotted Christmas babe.


“What do you think? Are we ready to open to the public Christmas week?” He honestly seemed to want my opinion.


I gave a quick nod. Okay, I’d done good. He was happy. I was happy. He was treating me more like a partner than an employee. I had to climb down from the rafters before my balloon of joy blew up and I splattered to the floor.


I took a deep breath and looked at him.


Chapter 9