Page 15 of Dragged Home for Christmas

“So, what’s the story with you and Little Miss Feisty?”

“It’s like she said. We’re roommates.”

“And that’s all?” Elliott arched his eyebrows. “Because you two seem to be an awfully good fit.”

“We were best friends in college, and we stayed that way.” Mike watched as Sam approached with a tray of glasses, hips swaying a little. “She moved into my place when things got a little sticky, and so far, it’s worked out just fine. As long as she remembers the number one rule.”

“What’s that? Don’t use your toothbrush?” Anthony’seyes sparkled.

“No—check her messages before she walks through the front door, just in case I’m… occupied.”

“I get the feeling you’re speaking from experience,” Jim said with a smile.

“Unfortunately, yes. My guest didn’t know where to look when she walked in on us.”

Anthony fanned himself with his hand. “Nothing too compromising, I hope. I might blush.”

Mike could read the room. He didn’t think he was about to shock his audience.

“I’d call bending him over the dining table pretty compromising, wouldn’t you?”

The stunned silence that followed had him doubting his assumption.

Sam was the first to speak. “You’re gay? Or bi?”

“The former. I’m surprised my uncle didn’t tell you, seeing as he was the one who caught me sneaking a gay porn magazine from under his pillow one Christmas.” Mike smiled. “I was fifteen at the time, and he was so cool about it.”

“How very interesting.” Anthony grinned.

Elliott chuckled. “The old dog never said a word.”

The door opened, and Ashley came inside. “I swear it’s even colder out there.”

“Wait until December hits,” Sam told her. He glanced at Mike. “You’ll be here then?”

“I guess. I’ve kinda burnt my bridges, as it were. My life’s going to be here from now on.”

What that life was going to look like, he had no idea.

Which led him back to the present predicament. His whole life lay in boxes piled high in the theater, waiting to be unpacked into God knew where. He had a roof over his head,a bed to sleep in, and four drag queens to—

Evict?

He had to admit, what had seemed such an easy solution in Mr. Hopkins’s office was now much more complicated.

I don’t know what to do.

What bothered him was that Uncle Nick wouldn’t be happy at the thought of Sam, Anthony, Elliott, and Jim being tossed out into the street. Uncle Nick would’ve given the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was that kind of man.

And what kind of man does that make me?

Mike sighed. “Look, it’s getting late, and I could really use some sleep. But tomorrow morning, all of us need to sit down and talk seriously.”

Before his head got more muddled than it already was.

“You’re right,” Sam agreed. “Maybe things will seem clearer in daylight.”

“And maybe by then you’ll have a better idea of which way you want to go,” Elliott added. “The night brings counsel, my grandpa used to say.”

---