“Oh, Santa rides his sleigh. He can please me right away, with a present that forever will be new. Tell him my poor heart would sing. If one gift he’ll only bring. For all I want for Christmas is you.”
-Carla Thomas (All I Want for Christmas Is You)
December 22, 2008
Matthew was jolted awake by the blaring sound of Carla Thomas’s “Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas” echoing through the living room. He reached for his phone, squinting at the time, and sighed resignedly into his pillow. It was clear there was no hope of going back to sleep.
Matthew pushed his long shoulder-length curls out of his face and climbed out of bed. He entered the living room to find his two roommates, Nick and Crispin, wrapping presents. Things have changed tremendously in the last two years. He had moved off campus and gotten an apartment in downtown Atlanta with the two guys.
“You’re awake,” Crispin exclaimed.
“Kind of hard to sleep with the Christmas tunes going,” he said as he rubbed his eyes.
“Well, come sit with us,” Crispin said as he exchanged a devious glance with Nick.
Matthew sat, “Why are you guys up so early?”
“We were up wondering if you’re really still going to go see that foolish boy,” Nick said. He didn’t like Noah.
Matthew smiled, “Yes. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Is it? You guys aren’t together. You haven’t been for years now. You’re in a happy, healthy, and loving relationship. Why jeopardize that for him?” Nick was not pleased with Matthew’s decision.
“I’ve talked to Luka about it, and she understands. I don’t want Noah. I want Luka, and it’s out of respect. I catch my flight today to Colorado to see Noah, and then I’ll be on a flight to Chicago tomorrow to meet Luka’s family.”
Matthew had spent the last year dating a talented and charming young woman named Luka. The two had met at a party. Matthew saw Terrick trying to score with Luka. He interjected himself like Superman and saved the day. After that, Luka and Matthew became inseparable.
Crispin smirked, “Okay. How sure are you that Noah is going to be in Colorado today? I mean, wasn’t the deal to meet on Christmas day?”
“I know Noah. He’ll show up early.”
Nick frowned, “What if he’s moved on with his life and doesn’t show up?”
“Look, I know Noah. Even if he’d decided to move on with his life, he’d show up and tell me face to face,” Matthew was certain.
“This is the same guy that cheated on you and slept with your friend for reasons we still don’t fully know,” Crispin said with an eye roll.
“True. He also jumped on a flight the next day and came and told me. He’s not perfect, but I know him.”
Nick sighed, “I don’t want to see you get hurt. You have a good thing with Luka.”
Matthew smiled, “I do. I love Luka. This is just closure so I can fully move forward with my life. The last two years have been drama-free, and the last year with Luka has been blissful. Trust me, Noah and I aren’t getting back together. I’m sure he’s with Zane by now.”
Noah finally boarded the plane. He was anxious to see Matthew. Per their agreement, they hadn’t had any contact in the last two years. So much had changed for him. He had finally matured emotionally in a very healthy way. The last year, he had been practicing abstinence.
He found his first-class seat next to an older woman. The overhead bins were all stuffed. He shoved his luggage in the overhead bin above his seat. The bag fell out and landed on the floor. He chuckled, picked it up, and placed it back in the bin. Once again, the bag fell. He attempted to stuff the bag in the bin again. It fell once again. Noah could feel himself becoming frustrated.
He snatched the bag off the floor and shoved it into the bin with an attitude. He stared at it momentarily, waiting to see if it would fall again. As soon as he took a seat, the bag fell out.
“Mother fucker,” he screamed. He jumped to his feet, shoved the bag in the bin, and punched it.
“Sir,” the flight attendant came over and instructed him to sit, and she secured his bag in the bin without a problem.
Noah felt grateful and upset all at once. He looked around and realized everyone was staring at him. He felt embarrassed, and his anxiety had him out of his skin.
Noah stood and cleared his throat. " As a gesture of goodwill, I would like to pay for everyone’s drinks today. Sorry.”
The older lady next to him gave him a disappointing stare. He nodded his head at her. She turned her nose up and looked away from him. He put on his headphones. Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” blasted in his ears as the plane raced down the runway and lifted off into the air.
After a six-hour flight delay, Matthew finally landed in Aspen, CO. He was tired and frustrated, and his body wanted a hot shower. It was dark outside, and he knew he would not be up for a conversation. He got a taxi to take him to the resort.
“You must have been on Santa’s nice list,” the cabbie said. He was being friendly.
“What do you mean?” Matthew asked.
“You’re going to the North Gate Resort. It’s like a heavenly winter wonderland, heaven at the top of the mountain. It's magical and expensive. You were on the nice list,” he said, smiling at Matthew in the rearview mirror.
The driver turned on a little Christmas music. Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas” played as Matthew took in the sights of the town. Christmas lights lined the streets, and every shop had a display of Santa or a Christmas scene.
People lined the streets shopping, laughing, and talking. Kids played in the snow. In the middle of the town square was a Christmas tree as significant as the one at Rockefeller Center. This one was more festive and bright, with huge boxes gift-wrapped underneath it.
Forty-five minutes later, Matthew arrived at the top of the mountain. The resort was massive. It looked like a sprawling French villa with a winter backdrop, lit up perfectly. Matthew was impressed by the sheer beauty and calmness that Mother Nature provided.
The lobby was dimly lit, and the atmosphere was set for romance and world-class ambiance. He thought, “Noah couldn’t have picked a more perfect place for love.” Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” was playing. A couple was laughing in front of the fireplace. Matthew walked to the front desk.
“Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?” The front desk agent was delightfully cheery.
“Matthew Colby,” Noah’s voice called before Matthew could say anything.
Hearing Noah’s soft but firm voice for the first time in two years sent a chill down his spine. He smiled briefly to himself before he slowly turned around.
Matthew was nearly speechless. Noah looked nothing like he did the last time he saw him. He had a brush cut with deep waves. Despite Noah dressed in all black, Matthew could tell his body had developed. His shoulders were broad, and his arms were more prominent. He looked peaceful and beautiful.
“Noah Montgomery, it’s been a long time.”
They moved slowly toward one another. Matthew wasn’t sure how to act. Noah couldn’t wait to feel himself in Matthew’s arms again. They gave each other a very awkward and timid bro hug. Noah could feel that things were different.
Noah took in Matthew’s beauty and splendor. Matthew had grown his long brownish curls back. His face had become slimmer, and he could tell by the hug that Matthew’s body was developing nicely.
“What are you doing here early, Mat?”
“I figured you’d be early, and I couldn’t wait to have a conversation about things,” Matthew said truthfully.
Noah inhaled, “Well, let’s get you settled in.”
“I can get a room,” Matthew said, trying to avoid any backlash kindly.
“Nonsense. The place is booked. The room is massive enough to give you your own space, and I promise not to disturb you,” Noah said as he made a cross over his chest.
Noah had the presidential suite. It was a massive room with three balconies and a private outdoor hot tub. There were three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. The master bedroom had a sloping glass ceiling so you could watch the stars and the snowfall at night.
Matthew decided to converse with Noah in the morning before leaving for Chicago. That night, they didn’t say much to each other. Noah took the master bedroom, and the two slept apart, as they had for the last two years.
December 23, 2008
Matthew woke up to the sound of Bobby Helms's “Jingle Bell Rock” playing. He walked into the living area. The sight of a shirtless Noah decorating a Christmas tree stopped him in his tracks. Noah’s suddenly had this smooth, toned, muscled body. He had pecs, biceps, and triceps. His pajamas hugged the curves of his swollen glutes. He had a tattoo of a broken heart on his left shoulder.
Good morning, Mat,” Noah said with a smile.
“Morning. So, you got a tree?”
“I thought you were coming on Christmas. I was going to have it done,” Noah exhaled.
“Noah, we need to talk. Can we sit?”
Noah knew the moment he saw Matthew in the lobby that Matthew had come to end things for good. As much as he wanted to pretend, he knew.
“Mat, I know. Two years is a long time for things not to change. You came here to end it. You don’t have to say anything. I knew the second I saw you. It was in the way you hugged me. It told me everything,” Noah said. He wanted to keep Matthew from having to say the words.
“I’m sure you moved on with someone else, right? I mean, Zane did give me a black eye,” Matthew said, trying to make light of things.
“I moved on, but not in the way you did. I really started back my therapy. I started taking care of my body more and focused harder on school. I dated for a few months after you left. Then, I had this transformative experience, and I knew what I wanted. I had always known I just also wanted to be young and wild for a minute. My mother always said, “Noah, you commit a crime, and you have to do the time.”
Matthew exhaled, “Miss Vivian is a smart woman. I wasn’t looking to meet anyone else. Then Luka just kind of walked into my life, and the last year, I’ve fallen in love with her. We fit, you know. It’s good and drama-free.”
“I’m happy for you, Mat. I really am. I wish you nothing but happiness. I’ve got to finish these decorations. I can not spend my Christmas here alone and treeless.”
“I can help. I have a few hours before I leave,” Matthew offered.
“Nonsense. I can do it.”
“I can help, Noah. It’s not a big deal,” Matthew said. He picked up the lights, plugged them into the socket, and shocked himself.
“Son a bitch,” he exclaimed. “FUCK!”
Noah instantly started to laugh. He tried to stifle it, but he couldn’t. His shoulders went to shaking, and tears rolled down his face. The man couldn’t stop laughing.
“You think that’s funny,” Matthew asked.
“No,” Noah said through giggles.
Matthew wanted to be upset, but he found himself laughing as well. They eventually finished the tree. Matthew gathered up his things so he could leave. There were still many things left unsaid between them. Matthew figured it was time just to leave the past in the past. He went to say goodbye, and Noah presented him with a Christmas gift.
“Noah, you didn’t have to get me anything,” he was speechless.
“Yes, I did.”
“I didn’t get you anything,” Matthew said. He felt bad.
“Yes, you did. You gave me a proper goodbye. You could have decided to not show up. Thank you, and tell Luka to take good care of you. You’ve been hurt enough. Merry Christmas, Matthew.”
“Merry Christmas, Noah,”
With that, Matthew left to catch his flight to Chicago. He got to the lobby and asked to have a cab called, and that’s when he found out he was trapped on the mountain. A massive snowstorm had come through late last night and cut off access to the mountain. He would be there until tomorrow, and no rooms were available.
Matthew felt horrible. He wanted to spend Christmas with Luka. He called her and gave her an update on things. Then he called the airline to see if he could get a flight out on Christmas Eve. The earliest he could leave was the day after Christmas. All the flights were booked. He was trapped on the mountain with Noah.
Matthew went back to the room. The suite was quiet, and he wondered where Noah was. The door to the master bed was cracked, and he went to poke his head in when he heard Noah’s voice. He was on the phone.
“Hey, Dr. Alderson. You told me to call if I felt lonely. I don’t just feel lonely. I am alone. Everyone has moved on with their lives. I’ve watched everyone else move on and find second and third loves. Why didn’t I move on?”
Matthew backed away from the door. He hadn’t heard Noah be so vulnerable in a long time. If he were being honest he hadn’t completely moved on from Noah. He just told himself he wasn’t going down that path again.
Noah was shocked to see Matthew sitting on the sofa when he entered the room.
“Matthew, why are you still here? How long have you been here?” Noah was worried that he had heard everything.
“Just a few minutes. A snowstorm blocked the mountain, trapping us. Is there anything fun we can do around here?”
“I have an idea.”
The two sat on an alpine coaster. Noah sat in the front with Matthew in the back.
“Noah, are you sure about this?”
“It’s gonna be fun. I paid extra from them to play your favorite Christmas song as we do it.”
“Darlene Love’s “All Alone on Christmas” started playing, and the coaster took off. It raced down the snow-covered mountain, going 28 mph. Every so often, it would make a mind-bending twist or turn.
“Oh shit,” Matthew screamed.
They raced past snow-covered trees, people skiing, and snow blankets. Matthew wrapped his arms tightly around Noah. It was the most fun he had in a while.
Once they were done, Matthew dragged Noah to go skiing.
“Matthew, I don’t ski,” Noah said.
“You love the snow, but you don’t ski. Make it make sense,” Matthew said, laughing.
“Just like you love the ocean but can’t swim, make it make sense, Jesus,” Noah said.
“Hey, that’s different. There are sharks in the ocean and water pressure,” Matthew giggled.
The two started on a small slope. Matthew was having the time of his life. Noah started out terrified, but as time passed, he got a little comfortable. A little boy whipped past him fast. He lost his balance and went racing down the slope. He couldn’t stop himself. He ran into Matthew's back, and they tumbled down.
“I. CAN’T. STOP. ROLLING. DOWN. THE. HILL!” Noah screamed every word as they rolled.
It was like watching an avalanche in slow motion. When they came to a stop, the two stared at one another. Matthew hit Noah with a snowball, and they both started to laugh.
Noah said, “Imma kick that little boy's ass.”
"Matthew laughed, “That kid gonna roll your ass down the hill again.”
That night, they sat in the snow under the stars around a fire pit as the resort put on “Miracle on 34th Street” on a projector. Noah noticed that Matthew was struggling to keep warm, so he wrapped his blanket around him. Matthew was caught off guard, but he thanked Noah, and they snuggled up together to watch the movie.
December 24, 2008
The sun was bright, and the skies were clear. It was a beautiful day. Noah dragged Matthew out into the snow once again. The resort had a Christmas Village out beyond the trees.
It looked like something out of a movie. Matthew and Noah were both stunned. Noah loved Christmas and snow. It was his favorite thing in the world. There was a Santa in the middle, and little kids lined up to sit on Santa’s lap.
“I always wanted to sit in Santa’s lap as a kid. For some reason, my mom never took me or my sister to do it,” Matthew said as he reflected on his life.
They went to some of the shops. Noah went wild buying things, and Matthew watched him have fun. His phone rang. It was a call from Luka. He decided not to take the call. He was enjoying himself and didn’t want to ruin the moment. That’s what he told himself. The truth was that his heart belonged to Noah, and his mind was slowly catching up.
They finished shopping and Noah had the packages delivered to the room. As they were walking, the elf standing near Santa made an announcement.
“Okay, boys and girls, Santa is going to do something very magical. He’s going to make a wish come true for a grown-up. Matthew Colby, come sit on Santa’s lap,” the elf said.
Matthew stopped in his tracks. He looked around and then at Noah.
“No way. You did this? How?” Matthew’s mind was blown.
“I have my ways. Now go get your picture taken with the jolly old St. Nick,” Noah said as he pushed him toward Santa.
Matthew ran with the glee and joy of a million kids. He sat on Santa’s lap, and all the kids cheered him on. The adults around were clapping. It warmed Noah’s heart to see Matthew filled with joy. Matthew found Noah in the crowd and he felt his heart leap. Matthew finally had his picture taken with Santa.
Noah led Matthew away from everyone. Matthew kept asking Noah where they were going, but he wouldn’t tell him. He just made him follow. After what felt like an hour but was really ten minutes, they came to a stop.
It was the most pristine river. The trees covered in snow only around the banks made it that much more breathtaking. Matthew loved being on the water. He finally understood why Noah picked the place. It gave them both what they loved: a brilliant mixture of snow and water. Waiting for them was a gondola.
“So, how about a winter gondola,” Noah asked as he held his hand out.
Matthew smiled and took his hand. They went down the stream to the soft sounds of Wham’s “Last Christmas.” It was the most romantic yet non-romantic thing ever. Noah wasn’t trying to be romantic; he just wanted to give Matthew joyful memories to remember him by.
The day faded into night. They boarded a train to ride through the resort’s Christmas Village. They sat together and watched all the Christmas decorations in wonder. It was the most magical thing ever. The village was indeed a winter wonderland. The magic of Christmas was in full effect. Noah was happy that he got to see and experience all of it with Matthew.
Matthew couldn’t help but notice the light in his Noah’s eyes. He loved seeing Noah like that. This was the Noah, with whom he had fallen in love. It felt like simple times again. He wished he could go back in time and fix them so they could be together.
That night, they had a table reserved at the resort for a five-star Christmas Eve dinner. When they met in the lobby, they were both shocked at how good the other looked in a black tie.
“Wow. You look good, Matthew.”
“So do you. Ready for a little dinner.”
“Famished.”
The restaurant had a small dance floor. A few people danced to Luther Vandross’s “At Christmas Time.” For some reason, Matthew wanted a dance. He spun Noah around. It took Noah aback, but he quickly went with the flow. They danced together, and the ice around their protected hearts melted away. There was no denying the chemistry between them.
“I forgot how good you dance,’ Noah smiled.
“Last time we slowed dance was on a yacht for your prom,” he said.
“Feels like eons ago. That was one of the best nights of my life,” Noah said tenderly.
“Mine as well.”
Matthew slowly leaned in for a kiss. Noah backed away.
“Matthew, you have a girlfriend.”
The rejection stung. It was not what Matthew had been expecting.
“Since when do you care about relationships? Cheating is what you do.” Matthew had no idea why he said it. The words just came out of his mouth.
“I’m suddenly not all that hungry anymore. Good night, Matthew.” Noah quickly turned and ran into a server. The server spilled gravy all over Noah.
Everyone gasped. The restaurant went quiet. Noah felt utterly humiliated. Behind him, Matthew snickered. Noah slowly turned around. Matthew laughed louder.
“You think this is funny?” Noah asked.
“I do,” he laughed.
Noah turned and grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes and smashed Matthew in the face with them. In the background, a kid yelled food fight, and the place erupted in a frenzy of food being thrown.
They escaped the food fight and made it back to their room. It was time for the gloves to come off. As Noah headed to his room, he was stopped by Matthew’s words.
Matthew yelled, “You kissed Blair in front of me. You slept with Cooper, of all people. You cheated on me with Zane. Then you slept with my friend, and Zane tried to beat my ass for you,”
Noah turned around, “We’re finally doing this? Okay, let’s do this. I kissed Blair because you didn’t know what you wanted. One minute, I’m giving you a blow job, and the next, you’re losing your virginity to Bev. I was letting you go. Cooper was me being young and stupid. I just wanted to be liked, and he said everything I wanted you to say. I will not apologize for what I did. I’m sorry it hurt you. You were with Bev. You don’t get to hate me for that.
“Fine! Fuck Cooper, then. I was with you when you screwed Zane,” Matthew fired back.
“Right. Zane reminded me of Blair. Blair could have and would have given me the world. I didn’t want the world; I wanted you. You didn’t like who I was becoming. I love being in drag sometimes. I love being girly at times, but I’m still a man. Zane said things that Blair would have said, and I went for it. It was wrong, and it crushed me knowing I crushed you. I am so sorry for that. I promise I am,” Noah said as his voice cracked.
“Why Nick. You knew who he was, Noah.”
“I did. It was to hurt you. You couldn’t accept me for me, but I saw you walking with Nick and Crispin. Crispin was so fem, and you were so happy. I was so miserable. I was fucking my feelings away, and the man I loved gave no fucks. You had already slapped me in the face with that threesome, but seeing you all happy was like a knife to the heart. So, I wanted to cut your heart out. What else you wanna ask me?”
There was silence in the room. The air was cleared. Matthew finally knew it all, but the answers didn’t make him feel any better. He thought a light switch would flip on, and he could just wash his hands away and be done.
“I didn’t want you to kiss me tonight because I know what it feels like to be the one who cheats. I’ve never forgiven myself for hurting you. Two years later, I still carry that around. It eats at my soul. You love Luka. You don’t want to be like me and have all these regrets for stupid actions. I paid for this place through New Year's. I think you should invite Luka out here. I’m going to pack my things and leave.”
“I thought you wanted this place to be for you and your great love.”
“I showed it to my great love. Now you can show it to yours. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Matthew,” Noah said as he entered the bedroom.
Noah showered, changed, and packed his things. Matthew was in the other room with the door closed when he left the room. There was nothing left to say. He went to the front desk and asked for a cab to take him to the airport. He would wait on standby for a flight back to New York.
Matthew lay across the bed listening to The Emotions' “What Do the Lonely Do At Christmas?” His mind kept replaying his conversation with Noah over and over. He loved Noah even when he wanted to hate him. It was impossible for him to turn his feelings off completely.
He jumped off the bed and looked through his bag when the gift Noah had given him fell out. He tossed the gift on the bed. He walked out of the room as someone was sliding a white envelope under the main door.
Matthew picked it up and opened it. There were photos of him and Noah having fun. They had gotten pictures of everything they did. It turned out the resort had cameras all outside. They took pictures of everything. He laughed as he remembered how much fun they had the last few days.
Matthew went back to his room. The gift was right there waiting to be opened. He picked it up and decided to open it. Inside was a digital camera. He powered it on and pressed play. The sight and sound of his mother brought tears to his eyes.
“Mat, I miss you, son. I’ve been speaking with Noah a lot the last couple of months. I can see why you love him. He says he’s going to see you for Christmas, and I hope you will call me after you see this. I want to tell you how much I love you and miss you, and I want to apologize. I love you, Matthew.” Rosa’s words flooded Matthew with emotions.
Matthew dropped the camera. He grabbed his coat and ran out of the room. Just as he made it outside, a cab was driving away.
He screamed, “Wait. Noah! Noah! Wait!”
He ran back inside to the front desk.
“Can you get me a cab to the airport, please,” he asked the front desk agent.
Noah stood at the river where he and Matthew had taken the gondola earlier. He stared at the stars, wanting to take in the scene again before leaving.
The sound of a branch snapping made Noah turn around. Matthew was standing there staring at him.
“I thought you left. I saw the cab,” he said
“A kid broke his arm. I couldn’t say no to that. I’m waiting for another one,” Noah said.
“I opened my gift. You talked to my mother,” Matthew said as tears fell from his eyes.
“Of course. She loves me. I told you that. I owed it to you. You came out of the closet for me. I needed to fix that. It seems only right. A very proper ending for us,” Noah said as he looked at the ground.
Noah couldn’t look into Matthew’s eyes anymore. It hurt way too much. He needed to guard his heart.
Softly, Matthew said, “Tell me a secret, Monty.”
Noah’s heart leaped. He hadn’t been called Monty in two years. He lifted his head, and their eyes met. They both sparkled with hope.
“You called me Monty.”
“I did. Tell me a secret. Please.”
“I can’t stop loving you. I tried, but you’re one my heart beats for. It’s always you. Tell me a secret, Mateo.”
Matthew smiled, “I never stopped loving you. I just told myself I couldn’t. I’m afraid you’ll break my heart, but I’m also scared of what life will be like without you. Forever is a mighty long time to wonder and miss you. Two years was hell.”
“I promise never to break your heart again. I want to love and protect your heart. I screwed up, but baby, I have grown, and I am ready to be the man you need and want. Only if you can accept all of me.”
“Monty, I can, I do, and I will always accept all of you. You truly are the love of my life. I knew you were meant to be part of my life forever the first day we met. You remember the first Christmas I spent with you and your family?”
Noah laughed, “It was 2004. We were at my grandmother’s house, and she was telling these naughty and humiliating stories.”
“Matthew smiled, “Right. She made us listen to those Motown 1960s Christmas songs. She said, “Christmas is about the soul, baby, and the only way to feel it is to hear it in your bones.” Matthew chuckled, “You were pissed off, and then this song played, and your eyes lit up. They sparkled like magic, and you looked at me briefly, but I knew then I’d do anything for you. That was when I knew I loved you. I just didn’t realize how I loved you."
Noah nodded his head, “I remember that song.”
They both said, “All I want for Christmas is you.”
"It was so haunting and beautiful,” Noah said.
Matthew pulled his iPhone 3G out and went to iTunes. The little phone began to play Carla Thomas’s “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
“You’re all I want for Christmas forever and always,” Matthew declared as he pulled Noah into a dance under the stars.
“You know what will make this place even more special for us,” Noah asked.
“What?”
“I haven’t had sex in a year, and that hot tub is dying for some action. Just like me.”
“After our dance, we can make love all night, Monty.”
“No, fuck me first and then make love to me.”
Matthew laughed, “I can do that. I can give you whatever you want if you promise we won’t break up again.”
“Oh, you’re stuck with me, Mateo.”
“Good. I don’t wanna be stuck with anyone else but you.”
Finally, after saying everything in their hearts, they kissed. Snow began to fall from the dark skies. They didn’t care. They were in their protective love bubble, where they belonged and were destined to be. Christmas 2008 was the start of the best years of their lives and their love.
February 2026
Noah walked into his massive brownstone in NYC. The house was quiet for the most part. Down in the basement, he could hear video games and music blaring. He opened the door to the basement.
“MJ, could you come here for a minute,” he yelled.
Noah took a seat at the kitchen island. Heavy footsteps made their way up the stairs. Noah felt his anxiety creeping up on him.
“Is something wrong?” MJ's strong voice broke through.
“Sit down,” Noah said as he patted the seat next to him.
“You’re freaking me out. Just tell me. What’s wrong,” MJ said.
“It’s about your father. He’s alive, MJ,” Noah said.
The young, gorgeous 17-year-old MJ stood there in the kitchen, staring at the only father he had ever known, like a deer in headlights. Upon seeing him, you could never mistake that he was indeed Matthew’s son. They had the same features and skin tone, and they even sounded the same. MJ never knew him. The only parent he knew and loved was Noah.
