by T L Bradford
I’m strangely giddy with anticipation of meeting Josh’s family. I’m curious about his past and any crazy stories they have to tell about him. It also marks a big step in our relationship. He is making himself vulnerable to me by inviting me into his private, personal life. It’s nuts, but I feel like I’m going to meet the in-laws for some reason, so I’m a little nervous what they think of me. I’m not sure what Josh has told them about us, but as far as I know, they think he’s just bringing home a friend.
Our flight is delayed by a couple of hours on account of snow, but it’s not a big deal because Josh and I play cards and watch a movie on his iPad while we wait. I forgot my headphones, so he shares his with me. I have one bud in my ear while he has the other, being sure to keep our heads close so we can both hear.
When we board, we are lucky to get two seats together by the window. Since I’ve never seen Denver, Josh wants me to take the window seat. He reads for a while then slowly drifts off to sleep after we reach cruising altitude. His head slides over to rest on my shoulder as he sleeps. I am careful not to wake him.
I stare at his sleepy profile and adore his long, lush blondish brown eyelashes. He has on a blue wool cap which his blond locks curl around tenderly. From this angle, I can see a tiny mole he has on the side of his nose that I never noticed before. Out of nowhere, butterflies in my stomach take over. This time, it’s not an overwhelming lust I feel for him, but something different, like I want to protect him and cherish him. After a while, I fall asleep too.
Several hours later, we land in Denver. It is a snowy winter wonderland. Some fans recognize us as we wait at the carousel for our luggage, so we give them a great Christmas selfie present, then make our way over to the car rental kiosk.
An older black woman handles our paperwork and walks us out to the car to explain the features and sign off on the checklist. Josh rented us a blue Jeep Wrangler. My favorite. I grin at him when I see it.
We do our walk around the Jeep then sign off on the contract. I grab Josh’s bags and toss them in the backseat, then open the side door for him. As she walks away, she says we make such a cute couple. We both look at each other in surprise over her assumption, but neither of us attempts to correct her. Instead, I wink at her, and she smiles thoughtfully and returns to the kiosk.
His family lives about two hours outside of Denver, so we road trip for a while. The area is amazing with soaring pines, picturesque mountains and frosty valleys. In the passenger seat, Josh is playing with the radio trying to hook up his phone to the stereo system. Soon we are jamming out to embarrassing pop tunes and acting like total idiots.
On occasion, I will sneak a peek over at him and watch him in his element when he doesn’t know I’m looking. I had no idea Josh had such a thing for pop divas, knowing all the words to the songs as well. He has such…flair. How did I not see this before?
Before we get to his place, we pull over and grab some food at a local restaurant named Fork in the Road, whose sign is a literal fork in the middle of the road. We take a booth in the back and view the menu. As we wait for our server, Josh reaches into his pocket to pull out his wallet. He then gets up and walks to the other side of the restaurant and feeds one of those old-timey jukeboxes a few quarters. He spends several minutes there flipping through the selections until he finds what he is looking for, then he comes back to the table.
I can’t imagine what he chose, but by the look on his face, he can’t wait for it to come on. We place our orders. I get the Grilled Chicken Caesar salad and him, a pasta bowl. We both get strawberry shakes.
“I feel it’s only right that I give you fair warning about my family.”
“Why is that?” This gets my attention.
“We’re not your typical sit around the fireplace, read Christmas poems and drink hot cocoa type of family, okay? We ain’t the Waltons,” he states for emphasis.
“Now you’re scaring me. What am I walking into? Is this The Hunger Games?”
“Not quite, but you’re getting the idea. Christmas at Hill House has a long-standing tradition of competitive games. We take no prisoners. We throw down,” he says this in all seriousness.
“But it’s all in good fun, right?”
“Um…sure…yeah…sure…good fun, that’s it.” He looks as though trying to convince himself.
“Josh! Should I be getting concerned?”
“Don’t worry about it. Besides this year, I’m sure to win with you as my partner.”
“What the—? Is that why you wanted me to come here with you?” I’m half- joking, half-serious.
“No, no, well, not really.”
“I’m gonna get you for this, Hill.”
“Yeah, maybe so.” He looks so beautiful right now, there’s no way on earth I could turn him down for anything. I’m tempted to reach across the table and take possession of those soft pink lips when our server comes over with our food. We eat, staring, caught up in each other’s being. Then I hear it. Oh no, he didn’t. Coming out of the jukebox is Tainted Love by 80s synth-pop group Soft Cell.
“I cannot believe you remembered that!” It’s the song we played on repeat during our Kauai tour.
“Oh yeah, now whenever you hear this song, you will always think of me,” he declares.
“No worries about that, I always think about you anyway,” I let slip, then I catch myself. I see his eyebrows raise to cartoonish levels. This time instead of back peddling, I choose to own it. “Yeah, I said what I said,” giving him a smug look back.
About an hour later, we drive up to the Hill House on their circular driveway. It’s a beautiful two-story country style house isolated on about 5 acres. The older home has half-white siding and half-brick with black shutters and a wrap-around porch with a swing. A creek runs to the left where the house is snuggled in a forested hideaway.
Thousands of white twinkle lights adorn the ledges and windows. It’s the ideal Christmas location. I feel like Laura freakin’ Ingalls.
“Welcome to Hill House!”
“Damn, this place is amazing. You’re so lucky to have grown up here.”
“That’s a nice compliment coming from a guy who grew up in a castle.”
“It wasn’t a castle okay…it was a…ahh…very small estate.”
“Speak up there; I couldn’t quite hear you.”
“It was an estate okay, geez.”
“Ahh, you’re so cute when you try to act poor,” he says facetiously, giving me a wide-eyed innocent look.
Just then, the front doors open and out comes the Hill clan. We climb out of the Jeep to meet and greet. I am introduced to Josh’s parents, Sara and Lloyd Hill. Then comes his oldest brother Xander who is seizing me up and down from a distance. Next is his other brother Zach who hits me so hard on the back in greeting, I feel like I’m about to hack up a lung. And Chloe, his twin sister who attacks me around the neck with such a vigorous hug you’d think we’d known each other all our lives.
As we enter the house, the first thing I notice is the distinct smell of spiced apple cider. I hope its actual cider and not a candle because I could sure go for a mug. The house is tastefully decorated, but reminiscent of times past.
One could easily tell a lot of love, and togetherness has been seen by this home. Pictures of the family adorn almost every wall. The family is extensive with images of what must be his uncles, aunties and cousins.
From the foyer, we enter the sunken over-sized living room. A blazing fire keeps the house toasty. To the right is the biggest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen in a family home. No joke, that thing must be over 10 feet. It is done up in white lights and red berry garland. On top sits a Santa hat jauntily lazing on its side. Behind the Christmas tree is the full view to the backyard which faces the forest. The entire back wall of the house is huge windows looking out into the patio area. Nestled in the back is a large gazebo also strung up with lights.
Sara goes out of her way to make me feel at home, bringing me appetizers and sweet treats. T
he family gathers around, and I get the usual questions about working on the show and life in LA, what it’s like to be a celebrity and such. I don’t mind because they seem to be in such awe of how normal I am.
His mother continues to compliment me, saying how attractive I am. When Sara asks me if I’m dating any of those Hollywood starlets, Chloe jumps in and says we should get our stuff out of the Jeep and let us get settled in our rooms. I am so grateful.
When it’s just Josh and me outside, he tells me, “They already love you…maybe more than me.” We grab our bags and head back into the house. Josh tells me I will be staying in his room, and he will be in Xander’s old room, which is right next to his. I don’t know why but that makes me happy knowing he will be right on the other side of the wall.
I sling my bag on the bed and take a look around the room. It’s a living history of Josh’s life. Football, soccer, proms, camp, his entire life laid out for me to see. I move closer to the mirror and check out the pictures that are hung there. They are mostly articles about football and team shots, but there are a few of him and who I guess was his high school girlfriend. She looks familiar to me; then I remember seeing her picture when I first looked Josh up online a while ago.
She is very pretty with dark hair, green eyes and a tiny build. They look very happy. Jealousy starts to work its way through my body.
On the other wall are articles about Josh playing for the University of Colorado as well as posts discussing his career-ending leg injury. I can’t imagine what that must have been like for him at such a young age.
I hear something shuffle from behind me and realize Josh has entered the room. He’s watching me read the articles on the accident. His face appears ashen as if he remembers the day it happened. “I’m sorry, I saw the article and…” I stammer.
“It’s okay; it’s all in the past, anyway.” I want to walk over and hug him, but think better of it, especially since we are in his parent’s house. “Look, I was thinking before dinner, and the rest of the family starts arriving, maybe we could take a drive around town so I could show you where I grew up.”
“I’d like that.”
“Come on, let’s go.”
Soon we are driving down the snowy streets, and Josh is pointing out the parks where they would play as kids, their hangout spots, his elementary and middle schools, where he had his first job, and last, we park in front of his high school. We get out and walk over to the football field and sit on the upper bleachers. Josh talks about his football days and high school. I’m tempted to ask him about the girl in the pictures but want him to be the one to bring it up. He doesn’t.
“Do you ever have regrets about not being able to play pro ball?”
“You know, not really. I mean, at the time it was more of a means to an end. Football scholarships gave me the full ride to a great school, but I was always more interested in the Liberal Arts.”
“Really? What area?”
“Classic Lit. I’d always been an avid reader and got great grades in school. I thought about being a playwright or even a college professor. Writing has always been a passion of mine. I used to always write in my spare time; then, as I became busier with football and girls, it started to take a back seat.”
“Do you still have some of your work?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“I’d love to see some of it.”
“It’s not that great. I was young.”
“That’s not why I want to read it. I want to read it because it came from you.” He looks up at me and tilts his head shyly, embarrassed by my forward comments.
He starts to blush. We both look out over the football field quietly contemplating. Then, I feel his small pinky finger move over and barely graze mine. I then move my pinky right next to his, so we are touching. Then I brazenly link my pinky over his.
Neither of us is looking down to see our fingers, content in just feeling the other’s nearness.
When we get back to the house, several cars are filling the circular driveway. Josh says, “They have arrived,” in an ominous tone.
The “they” he is referring to are the extended family of his mother’s side. I am unable to keep all their names straight, so I try to remember them by description. I hear some shocked whispers and screams from some younger cousins on seeing me. “OMG, I cannot believe I am in the same house as Noah Sinclair!” one of the girls’ squeals. “I have to get a pic with you for my Instagram!!! Nobody is ever going to believe this!” I do, and it makes her happy, so good on me.
After things settle down, I find out more about the games Josh had mentioned. Every year the families get together and have competitive games for the holidays. These games encompass the spectrum of physical games, like basketball, flag football and relays, to mental games like trivial pursuit and puzzles. They also throw in some endurance challenges. It’s crazy. They come complete with scoreboards, jerseys and team logos. Breaking tradition, I will be Josh’s partner this year instead of Chloe. Chloe will instead pair with a friend of Josh’s named Archer.
From what I can tell, the families have long-standing rivalries and beefs to squash. It’s so amusing to see them so engaged in the game, but you can see the underlying love that exists between them. On the first night, they all break bread and have a nice meal together. After that, all gloves are off, and it is a down and dirty fight to the bitter end. The competition is fierce. And I love every damn detail. Josh and I are going to trounce his family.
They will have no idea what hit them.
Later that evening after some family have either left or gone to bed, Josh, me, Chloe, Xander and Zach hang out on the back porch and drink a few beers. They have these large standing heaters in the back that make it perfectly comfy to be outside, even though it’s cold and snowy outside of the patio.
Chloe asks me how it feels to be a part of this crazy circus they call Christmas, and I answer honestly.
“At first, I was admittedly overwhelmed, but when I heard competition, I was on board.”
Josh winks over at me. “My secret weapon.”
Xander says, “I think I already like this guy.”
“You never like anyone,” Josh says.
“Nah, I just don’t like you,” Xander deadpans, but with a curl to his lip, as he sips his beer. Xander is the most laid-back dude I’ve ever seen. He reminds me of a throwback to a long-forgotten era with his curly mop-top hair and mutton chop sideburns. He is surely a bro who is comfortable no matter where he goes.
Sitting forward, Zach asks à propos of nothing, “So, Noah, what’s it like to make out with Josh?”
“What the fuck, Zach?” Chloe says, grabbing a beer can and tossing it at his head.
“What? I just wanted to know. Don’t tell me you all weren’t thinking about it too,” Zach defends himself.
“Why were you thinking about it in the first place?” Chloe asks.
“It was just a question.”
“It’s nice,” I answer him — nothing more, nothing less.
With smug satisfaction, Zach looks around and tosses his hair out of his eyes and says, “Alright, see that’s all I wanted to know, no need to get all physical,” he says to Chloe hocking the beer can back at her. She’s quick though and deflects the can.
I look over at Josh to see how he’s reacting, wondering if I said something wrong. He’s not worrying though, in fact, he looks proud.
“You know who’d I’d be trying to bang on that show? Cassandra. Man, that chick knows how to work with what she’s got,” Xander says.
“I’ll be sure to pass that on,” I say.
“Could you? Oh, shit, man, you have to give me her number!” This is the most animated I’ve seen Xander all day.
“Sure man, whatever you want.” I laugh.
“I cannot believe she survived both the wood chipper and the combine accidents, that girl must have an iron-clad contract,” Chloe bemoans shaking her head.
“Well, you never know on Americana,�
� Josh says.
“So, getting back to the making out, do you ever pop a boner they have to edit out?” Zach asks.
“Jesus, Zach!” Chloe says throwing another can at Zach’s head.
Chapter 30
Josh
It’s 10:00 am, and the games have begun. The rest of the family has arrived, making us a total of nearly 85 people. Everyone gathers on the back porch to receive their color, jersey, and declare their teammate. Noah and I end up with Red. Next, we pick our team names. We decide on “Alpha Force Rangers.” The competition is stiff this year, but I’m pretty sure I can take out my little 8-year-old cousin Suzy and Grandma Betty this year.
Luckily, it’s not too cold outside to play flag football in the backyard. We have more than enough room for all the games. Zach and Xander shoveled the snow there this morning. Once we get playing, though, we hardly feel the elements. Noah and I do all right on the first few rounds but lose momentum up against my brothers and my cousins Ryan and Jett. To at least get second place, I huddle with Noah to make a desperation play.
“Okay, rumor has it Uncle Pete recently had knee surgery. I think it’s on his left side, but don’t quote me on it. He’s been favoring it all day. Auntie Rose started taking high blood pressure medication, but she’s still in play, so we need to watch out for her. I think if I can sweep the cane from under Uncle Marvin, we are in the clear.”
“Gotcha, I’m on it. Watch out, Uncle Pete. I’m on ya.” Noah has an evil glint in his eye. If I could marry this boy right now, I would.
I make a fake pass, and Noah uses his quick reflexes to dodge Zach, and we end up making the play.
We take second place without needing to maim Uncle Pete, and we are pumped for round two.
For the relay, we team up with Chloe and Archer. It turns out Archer is a fierce competitor, too. We end up lower ranked though because the kids can get through the obstacles faster — little brats.
After a multitude of different games, the final battle for the day is the Marathon. Only one team member needs to be present for this round. This is Noah’s time to shine. He’s got his ski cap on and a loose-fitting tracksuit. His cheeks are a bright rosy red. He’s stretching and jumping to warm up. I lick my lips, watching him. No one warms up like Noah. He makes some deep knee lunges, then sits on the ground, extends his full leg out and makes some yoga move that would make a gymnast envious.