by Alex Jane
Tinsel Fixes Everything
Copyright © 2019 Alex Jane
First Edition –– 2019
Cover Design by Alex Jane
Editing by Victoria Milne
All Rights Reserved
This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.
This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer-to-peer program, for free or for a fee. Such action is illegal and in violation of Copyright Law.
All characters and events and places in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.
None of the actions/behaviour/opinions of the characters in this book are condoned, recommended or approved by the author or contributors.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This is a fantasy world that only bears a passing resemblance to reality.
For anyone who needs a second chance.
Whether to give one or get one,
I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Glitter Fixes Everything
What could be better than a Christmas miracle?
Coming home from college to surprise his family for the holidays is one of Justin Meadows’ better ideas. Or so he thinks, until he steps through the door and gets a shock. Roman James is not someone he expected to see, but he’s still as beautiful and sweet and smoking hot as he was four years ago. It’s just a shame he’s the ex-boyfriend who ruined other men for Justin.
With Roman estranged from his family, and with nowhere else for him to go as Christmas draws closer, Justin has to pull on his big boy pants and endure the heartache of being around the guy he still dreams about. Worse still, as they spend more time together, it becomes clear the simmering attraction they used to share hasn’t gone away.
But as they finally talk—and Justin listens—little things start to add up, and soon they’re both questioning why they broke up in the first place. When the final piece of the puzzle illuminates what really happened between them years before, could the truth be enough to light the way to a glittering future?
What could be better than a Christmas miracle?
How about a second chance at love.
1
Emerging from his room in search of food, like a bear dragging itself out of its cave after hibernation, Justin didn't care much that he was wearing the sweatpants he'd lived in for the last four days, or that his hair was sticking up every which way being he hadn't even stopped to take a shower. It was amazing what he could do when properly motivated, and heading home for the holidays was certainly something he needed badly, so this last push to get his assignment in had been worth it. Probably.
Unsurprisingly, his roommate, Will, and his boyfriend were sprawled out on the couch watching a cartoon that was definitely not for kids. It was bitter outside, good for little else than Netflix and chill, so he couldn't blame them.
Will was usually the only person who got to see him quite so unpolished—with food on his shirt and unplucked eyebrows. They'd made a pact before they'd signed the lease when they had moved in together as sophomores that what happened in the apartment stayed in the apartment—no photography and definitely no ratting out each other's disgusting habits. Advanced warning of guests coming over had to be given and then the choice was down to the other party if they wanted to parade around with curry breath, in SpongeBob boxer briefs, or in Will's case, a sheer baby doll nightgown. Although that was only the once. More's the pity.
"You done already?" Will asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
Justin threw both arms above his head and did a little shimmy. "Done and done!" After dancing for a second, he lowered his hands, put them on his hips, and narrowed his eyes. "Wait a minute. Did you really doubt that I would—?"
"Yes. Yes, I did. Given your track record. Which, let's face it, is hardly outstanding in that department."
Justin huffed and stomped over to the kitchen to grab a bottle of vitamin water from the fridge, angrily cracking the bottle seal and taking a large gulp, wishing it was beer. "I'll have you know I haven't missed a deadline in, like, six months."
Will laughed. "Right. It amazes me that you can be so fussy about everything else, but your timekeeping is so unbelievably shocking."
It was true. Justin had spent much of the previous four years counting down the seconds and hoping his files had uploaded, or bursting into auditoriums and collapsing into his seat as the lecture began. It was his thing. In truth, he hadn't been sure whether he would be able to pull off this last miracle in time for the holidays, but he'd booked a flight home anyway. Pleading for an extension on one assignment while working his ass off to complete another meant he had done enough to get back in time to help trim the tree, help his mom bake her magical pecan pie, maybe even get a little drunk with his uncles at the bar they owned together. It meant too that he'd probably get volundrafted to work a few shifts but even that sounded better than spending another minute in his desk chair.
"Speaking of timekeeping," Justin said, looking at his watch. "You can still drive me to the airport later, right?"
Will's current boyfriend—a football player called either Chad or Brad, Justin could never quite make out the name being moaned through the walls—whined, and his head fell back against the couch in pure diva fashion. "I thought we were going to hang out tonight?"
Patting his muscular thigh, Will looked adoringly into his eyes. "And we will, babe. When I get back."
When Chad—Justin was almost certain his name was Chad—made another baleful noise, Justin was tempted to empty his bottle of water over him. "Stop your bitching. With me out of here, you'll have the place to yourselves, don't forget." With that, Chad's attitude improved and a wide grin spread across his freckled face. It was so comical Justin had to laugh. It was kind of adorable but also less than reassuring, as it was clear they would be banging on every surface in the place once his back was turned. "I've got to swing by the bookstore before we go."
Will frowned. "You have time? I won't break the speed limit just because you make us late."
Justin scoffed. "Like your car could make it to the speed limit. And yes, I do. I have to pick up the book I ordered for Mom."
"After you've showered?" Will's question was less inquiry and more desperate plea.
Justin shot him a look, hoping to convey that Will was crazy, as he sashayed back to his room. "You seriously think I would go out like this?"
The shower was divine. It was one of the reasons he'd picked the place and had never regretted it. The pressure was just the right side of peel-your-skin-off, and it was roomy enough that he didn't end up with bruises from bashing his elbows or broken toes from knocking his shampoo off the shelf either. Not that he was a clunky behemoth like Chad and his friends, but somehow he'd lost the twink physique, even at twenty-two, more of a twunk or, well, just athletic. Sue him if he liked working out. Even if his cheerleading days were over, staying strong and healthy was important to him, especially if he was going to be a sports physio like he'd always dreamed.
There wasn't much time to linger, only to scrub the bits that needed scrubbing and touch up his manscaping. Not that he held out much hope of getting laid once he was back home. Pickings were few and far between. And even if he did meet someone, it was more than likely they'd be a friend of his gay uncle, or worse, a fan of his gay, ex-baseball player, uncle. And he'd damn well learned his lesson about that.
Once he was primped and sufficiently beautiful, Justin pulled on his
high-tops and headed out to grab his coat.
"Y'know," Chad drawled from his sprawled position on the couch, his arms glaring vacant, which had Justin looking around to see where Will had gotten to. "There's a guy on the team who would be perfect for you. You're just his type."
"And what would that be?" Justin asked, wanting to bite back with something truly bitchy but managing to keep his words to himself by artfully tying his scarf about his neck.
"Available." Chad smirked but it wasn't cruel. "No really, he's not out but he's cute and kinda fun. And his dick is like—"
"Don't bother," Will said, sauntering back from the kitchen in the nick of time with two beers and a plate of leftover pizza. Left over from when, Justin wasn't quite sure, but he didn't have to eat it so he wasn't the one risking food poisoning. "Justin doesn't date jocks."
The information didn't seem to compute and, for a long, amusing moment, Chad's face didn't quite know what to do with itself. "I don't…but…no, I…but everybody wants to date jocks?"
"Oh, sweetie," Will crooned. "Everyone but Justin."
Justin shrugged on his coat, pulling it tight around him, and smirked. "I'm an outlier, what can I say?"
"Say you'll let me give him your number?" If Chad had been any cuter, angels might have wept at the way he worked those baby blues and the perfect pleading puppy-dog eyes. But Justin was no angel.
"Not a chance." He laughed, pulling on his favorite cerise bobble hat and scouring the messy pile of winter wear dumped by the door for his gloves.
"He really is a nice guy." Chad persisted, not getting the hint. "And smart."
"If he was smart, he wouldn't let himself get hit in the head for fun."
"It's not for fun. He's on a scholarship."
That made Justin pause. He knew how tough it could be, playing sports to get an education, praying your body could hold out until you'd finished your four years. Every injury, no matter how mundane, was potentially life changing. He was lucky. Even with his good grades he wouldn't have been able to even think about such a good college without his uncle paying his way. Having a retired baseball star in the family wasn't all bad, especially one who was more interested in helping his family than flashy cars and first-class everything.
Although when Chase had first offered to pay his tuition, Justin had fought the suggestion, determined to make his own way. Only after his dad had sat him down and talked at him for what had seemed like forever did he relent. Even then he'd gotten a job right away to start paying him back. But he knew most kids didn't have that luxury, and the thought that he could hang out with Chad’s friend, someone who could probably use friendly support, with the bonus of a decent roll in the sack, almost had him saying yes. Almost.
"Sorry, Chad, I would love to, but I'm definitely going to be washing my hair that night."
"How about I give him your number and you can tell him no in person?"
Will laughed at that and clapped his hand over Chad's mouth. "Give it a rest, honey. He's never going to change his mind."
Justin nodded and threw up a peace sign before making his escape and avoiding any more awkward questions. Because it was inevitable the next question out of Chad's mouth was going to be "why not?" and there was no way in hell he was answering that. Will had gotten the CliffsNotes, of course, and maybe one or two others on this side of the state line, but he'd tried to leave that part of his life back in California when he'd left.
Putting thoughts of past loves out of his mind, he made his way out of the block and down the street. There wasn't far to go to reach the bookstore where he had placed his order weeks before. It was a cute little place that doubled as a coffee shop and did good business with all the students living in the area. The old-fashioned bell above the door tinkled as he pushed his way inside, glad to be out of the cold. When the aroma of coffee hit him, he was tempted to take a seat and order a latte, but he knew there wasn't time and simply headed to the counter.
The girl at the register smiled brightly, clearly recognizing him as a regular customer. In fact, as he approached, she ducked down and pulled out a small package from under the counter.
Justin put both hands over his heart and staggered in a dramatic fashion towards her.
"Thank god for that. I wasn't sure it would have arrived."
"Don't worry," the girl said. "You've got plenty of time before Christmas."
Justin shook his head and slid the package towards him with his fingertips. "Not me," he said. "I've got a plane to catch in a couple of hours."
"Well, then," she replied. "I guess this is your Christmas miracle."
"I guess it is," he said, feeling cheerful and finally as if he could relax.
He'd needed another miracle a couple of hours later when he was running through the airport to make his flight home, his coat flapping as he sprinted through the terminal, barely hanging on to his bags. Justin hadn't been joking when he'd said Will's car was slow. Then there had been an accident on the freeway. But with a little luck and a turn of speed on his part, he got to the desk just before it was about to close and slapped his ticket down in front of the amused flight attendant. His heart was still racing as he took his seat and relaxed back, thinking he could catch up on some sleep before the plane landed in Sacramento.
The fact he jolted awake when the wheels hit the runway proved he had slept, but the weariness that weighed him down had him doubting it as he trudged to collect his luggage. Navigating through the airport was something of a challenge, being that everyone seemed to have decided to head home that night but he pushed his way through the crowd, ignoring the allure of the Starbucks and the Cinnabon and made his way to the bus terminal. He could have called someone to pick him up, or even hit up Casey for a ride, but he figured that would ruin the surprise as even his best friend couldn't be trusted to not let slip his plan before he turned up on the doorstep.
The bus was mercifully empty, so he was free to sprawl out on the seat. The journey was long enough for him to get comfortable and doze for a few hours, and once they reached the sleepy town, it only took a minute for him to jump in a cab and make the last leg of his journey.
It was something of a relief when the driver didn't recognize him. He was constantly amazed how many people did although that was mostly down to whom he was related to. When his uncle, Chase Meadows, had come back home he'd been somewhat of a celebrity, being that he had been an MLB superstar until he'd got injured out after taking a ball to the eye. And even after several years as the coach of the local high school baseball team, bringing them the same kind of success he had found in his career and putting them on the map, the celebrity status had stuck. Which had its good points. Justin had never tired of feeling proud of what Chase had done for the small town, but it was difficult knowing every free drink and proposition was more likely down to who he was related to you than who he was himself. Not that he said no, he wasn't stupid.
The driver didn't talk as they made their way through his old neighborhood. Justin was caught up in looking out at the familiar streets that hadn't changed at all since he'd been away. By the time they reached the house, his excitement had increased to the point that his weariness after eight hours of traveling had been obliterated by the adrenaline running through his veins. As he'd hoped, the house itself was frosted with a sheen of sparkling lights. There weren't any ornaments—not like the neighbor across the street who had a full nativity scene, Santa with every single reindeer, as well as what looked like a couple of leftover Halloween props wearing garlands of tinsel—but every inch of the Meadows' house was covered in lights, along with the trees and shrubs in the yard.
As he stepped from the cab and waited for the driver to open the trunk so he could get his case, he was struck with mixed feelings about being back, as he always was. He'd never thought he would be one of those kids to move to the other side of the country simply to get away from home. And in truth, it wasn't home he'd been running from when he'd decided to head for New York. Being back, wai
ting to see his family, he regretted making that decision, and not for the first time. But four years ago, it was the only thing he could have done. His only consolation was that his time was almost up and soon he would be able to graduate and move onto his master's degree somewhere closer to home. Not that the prospect didn't fill him with anxiety, but he didn't want to think about that, only wanted to enjoy his winter break before he had to return and put his nose to the grindstone again.
The cabdriver wished him an enthusiastic "Happy Christmas" when he saw the generous tip. Then all Justin had to do was wheel his suitcase a few more yards and he would be home. He didn't linger, practically breaking into a jog as he trod the familiar path to the side door, the key burning a hole in his pocket. But at the last second, he thought it would be much more fun to knock and see who answered. As he waited, he wondered if he had time to take out his smartphone and record the look on the face of whoever answered the door.
As it happened, he didn't. The door swung open and, as if he had arranged it, his mother stood there with a look of absolute shock on her face. Although the first words out of her mouth definitely weren't anything Justin would have scripted.
"Oh god. What on earth are you doing here?"
"Surprise!" he chirped. "Happy holidays!"
It took a minute but whatever had been bothering her slipped enough for her to laugh, opening her arms and gathering him in, noisily kissing his cheek and head where she could get at it under his large bobble hat. "Oh my god!" She squealed as she held him tight, rocking them both from side to side. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"Where would be the fun in that?" He laughed, rocking along with her.
"How did you get here? You should've called us. We would have come to fetch you."
Justin held her at arm's length, giving her a quick check over. She looked good, still a little tense but smiling and bright, the new bob he'd seen on Skype looking good, even though he still preferred her longer hair. He kissed her hard on one cheek, squishing her face. "I managed okay by myself," he said. "You gonna let me come in or what?"