by Brandon Witt
Steven glowered at the welcome stand. No one was there to greet them. Well, that was just great. Good to know even when they were aware the boss was coming in, they couldn’t even manage common hospitality to the guests.
He stomped over to the bar, ready to come unglued, and halted. How he missed it the moment they walked through the doors, he had no idea. The bar top was completely covered in sheets of cotton, and the biggest nativity he’d ever seen was spread across the makeshift snow. In the middle of it was the Hamburger Mary statue that usually stood by the door. She’d had bolts of fabric wrapped around her, making it look like she was wearing robes, and… he felt his eyes bulge. No. He couldn’t be seeing things correctly. He took a step closer. He was. On the outstretched platter, on top of the cheeseburger, lay a ceramic baby Jesus.
Holy fuck.
People were going to picket.
He turned slowly to gape at Ryan. “Are you seeing this? I think it’s a good thing we came in. I should probably call Cherry Creek Grill and cancel our reservations. This is gonna take a while.”
“I already did.”
Steven balked. “You what?”
Ryan ignored the question, his smile growing. “I’m not going to tell you how much express shipping was on the rest of that nativity, especially the camels, but every penny was worth it for that expression on your face.”
He was making no sense. Absolutely no sense. And yet, he kept talking.
“I doubt you’d notice, but if you look around, you’ll see that all the Christmas lights are hung straight and neatly. Next year, just have me do it right the first time.”
“All right, love birds, we don’t got all night,” Vahin hollered at them from the main dining room. He waited until Steven turned to look at him. “Actually, yes we do!”
Again, Steven couldn’t believe his eyes. The dining room had been transformed. Six tall narrow Christmas trees were scattered among the tables. Each decorated in a solitary color of the rainbow. Multicolored lights outlined every edge of wall and ceiling and framed each picture and decoration. Honestly, he couldn’t take it all in, because he realized the place was packed. Every seat filled and every single eye on him. And they weren’t customers. They were all staff and their families and significant others.
Vahin just winked at him and sat down.
“Ho, ho, ho! It’s wonderful to see all my little hoes!” ManDonna’s loud voice ripped through the speakers. Steven looked toward the stage. ManDonna stood there, her arms open wide, wearing a long shimmering red gown, ridiculous amounts of faux white fur around the neck, wrists, and hem. She pointed in front of her. “Well, get in here and sit your pretty asses down!”
Steven noticed two empty seats at the front table. Pat waved, and for some reason, she looked teary. Beside her sat Topher and Carla. He didn’t see little Riley Christopher anywhere. And considering ManDonna had the stage, that was probably for the best.
“Well, hurry it up!” ManDonna twirled her hand in the air. “Play the music, Peter. We’ll be here all night if we wait for these bitches.” Another couple of seconds passed before trumpets blared and ManDonna gave a salute and began to march in place. Within the first two words of the song, Steven paused on his way to the empty chair, Ryan bumping into him from behind. He and Pat had watched this movie every single Christmas. Bing Crosby sang how they would follow the old man.
Steven’s eyes stung, and he glanced around, really looking at the faces of those seated throughout his restaurant. Vahin and Marlon. On one side of them, Darwin and Cody smiled at him. On the other sat Teegan, who also grinned. No sign of Zachary. Then he spotted Hershel, Ben, and Isaiah in the crowd—ManDonna’s husband, son, and son-in-law. After them, he spotted Pat’s other two sons and their wives. From face to face his gaze traveled, knowing exactly what tonight was, and his tears flowed freely.
ManDonna quit lip-synching to “Old Man” and yelled into the microphone, “Steven Conley, if you don’t sit your ass down, I’m gonna beat you with my candy cane, and I don’t think you want your nephews to see that shit.”
Laughing, Ryan took Steven’s hand and pulled him toward Pat and the others. They sat down just in time for the bombs to go off in the White Christmas movie soundtrack. At that moment the door to the small dressing room crashed open, and Ariel Merman swept into the room. Her wig was long and white-blonde and her dress was made from the same material and fur as ManDonna’s. But there was only about two inches of the stuff, and her lithe body gyrated as the music began again, a whisper at first and then a trumpet swell and promise of devoted love. She too saluted and marched up to take her place by ManDonna. The music faded, and the crowd of Steven’s family and friends cheered so loudly the Christmas trees shook.
Finally the noise died. “Goodness.” ManDonna fanned herself. “You all are a bunch a thirsty little whores, aren’t you?”
Near the back, Hershel let out a whoop.
“You know it, hunty.” ManDonna gave her husband a wink and then focused on Steven. “Well, baby, I’m your MC for the night, Ms. Clause.” She sneered toward Ariel Merman. “And this fishy bitch is Miss POPcycle, Mr. Clause’s tramp of a sidepiece. And this, Steven—” She opened her arms wide once more, encompassing the crowd. “—is your Wonderful Life moment. You see, dear old sis let us know that thanks to your bastard of a daddy—”
Beside him Pat flinched.
ManDonna noticed. “Sorry to those of you who loved that old asshole. I’m sure he was wonderful and all that jazz.” She refocused on Steven, her gaze drilling into him. “That your bastard of a daddy did a little number in your head. Making you think you’ve been wasting your life. Well, my baby, you sit there, and then you be the judge.”
Steven sat frozen, unsure what to say or think or decide if he should move. Ryan’s fingers, which were entwined with his, tightened and his thumb caressed the back of Steven’s hand.
He hadn’t heard Vahin get up, but suddenly he was there on stage. He flashed his gorgeous smile, but let the rest of his manufactured charm slip away as he spoke, so that within a few words, he was only talking to Steven. “You know, old man, you might be the only trick I’ve had who stuck around. And I’m so thankful you did. You’ve changed my life. I came here, no more family to speak of. Trying to deal with this lonely, gay life. Figuring I was going to end up being the reject and failure my family said I would be when I came out.” He shrugged and laughed bitterly, then shrugged again. “Honestly, they’d see my life and still think that would be true. But they’d be wrong. I have it all. A job I love, the man I’ll spend the rest of my life with, and a better brother than the ones that came from blood.” Vahin put the mike down, walked the few steps to Steven and pulled him up into a fierce hug. A hug that went on so long, it transitioned from being awkward to healing.
Then Vahin was gone. Back to his seat.
There was a long pause. Steven noticed Ariel gesturing to the crowd. There was some shuffling and Cody walked toward the microphone. He picked it up and stared wide-eyed at the room for so long, Ryan shifted uncomfortably in his seat next to Steven. “Sorry.” Cody shook his head and placed the microphone back down. Steven thought he was going to return to his seat, but instead he followed Vahin’s actions and stood in front of Steven. Waiting.
It only took him a second, and Steven was on his feet, wrapping his arms around the thin young man. He felt Cody shudder a bit, like he was crying. Then heard Cody’s cracked whisper in his ear. “You were the first person to ever give me a home. I love you. I—” His words caught on an intake of breath and didn’t return.
Steven pulled him closer, one hand cupping the back of Cody’s head. “I love you, kid. With all my heart.”
Cody nodded into his neck.
He didn’t know how long he held Cody, but the shaking finally calmed and Cody pulled away, giving an embarrassed smile.
There was a crackle of feedback, drawing Steven’s attention to the stage as he sat down. Ariel held the mike to her lips while she wiped
at her eyes with her free hand. And for the first time ever, Steven heard her speak in Zachary’s voice. “I can’t say much, or I’ll cry harder and ManDonna will beat me for streaking my mascara—”
ManDonna cut her off. “You bet your perky ass I will.”
People laughed softly, and Ariel waited until it was quiet again, holding Steven in her light green stare. “I had an amazing family, and I lost them. I didn’t think….” She took a breath and tried again. “I thought I’d be alone forever. And then you. You brought me into this place and gave me a new life and new family. You helped protect me when all of that was nearly taken away. I can’t begin to tell you—” Her voice broke again.
Steven stood up once more and walked to the stage area and pulled her into his embrace.
When they parted, Pat stood there, waiting. She didn’t take the mike or look at anyone else, though her voice was clear enough for all to hear. “I’ll make it short, and I’ll tell you what I’ve told you before. You are twice the man our father was. Twice the human. More than twice.” She wiped at her eyes. “I know you think I’m the one who saved you when Momma died. But it was the other way around. I hung on to you with every ounce of love I had left; otherwise, I think I would’ve broken. And you’ve been there every step of the way since, walking alongside me, loving my children like they are your own. Being my rock so I could be strong. Making me laugh when I thought there were only tears left. I’m proud of your life, of your choices. I’m proud to be your sister.”
There seemed to be no end to their tears as they hugged. Steven didn’t even remember them parting or walking back to their chairs. It seemed they magically ended up seated once more. And then it went on. And on. And on.
And on.
ManDonna.
Topher.
Marlon.
Teegan.
Hershel.
His nephews.
Alex.
And on.
And on.
And on for so long that the words bled together. His ears rang. His ass ached from the chair, his arms from embraces, his eyes from the tears.
And he soared and healed and was soothed.
Finally, with the snow still falling outside the windows, ManDonna cleared her throat and wiped her eyes. “If any of you little sluts tell people outside of this room I have feelings, I will Cut. A. Bitch!” She punched her fist in the air. “Music!”
“We Are Family” began to play, and Steven couldn’t hold back a laugh at the clichéd perfection of it all.
ManDonna yelled above the music, no need for the mike, as she began to gyrate. “You bitches better get up and dance!”
And they did. All of them.
After a while, Ryan pulled Steven to the side, taking shelter behind the tree done in yellow. “You doing okay?”
It actually took Steven a moment to respond, the act of thought or trying to take it all in too overwhelming. “Uhm, yeah. I think so.” He nodded slowly, then vigorously. “Yes. Of course I am. I can’t even believe—”
Ryan cut him off, kissing him, both hands tangled in Steven’s beard.
Finally he pulled back, just a few inches, enough to look comfortably into Steven’s eyes but close enough for Steven to feel the warmth of his breath. “All those things people said. All those wonderful, wonderful things?”
Steven searched Ryan’s gaze, waiting.
“They’re what I see in you. What I’ve always seen in you.”
It seemed too impossible to be real, to be true. But he hoped they were. Prayed they were.
He could see the truth of them in Ryan’s eyes as his thumbs stroked Steven’s cheeks. “I’m so excited to go on this journey with you. Finally.”
Steven let out a soft, broken sob, and felt tears burn once more. He lifted his hands and cupped Ryan’s cheeks so their arms were entwined. “Me too, my man. Me too.”
Son of Money
August 11, 2020
Randall Morgan, youngest son of one of Seattle’s wealthiest families, rejected his family’s money to live free of their control and pursue his career as a photographer. To make ends meet, Randall does erotic photography and massage—a secret he keeps from his family so he can remain a part of his young niece’s life. But the price of that relationship is high, and Randall is once more slipping under his family’s thumb.
Noah Carroll is the spokesperson for the Seattle Humane Society, and the city holds a special place in his heart. When fate intervenes during a pet adoption, Noah finds himself face-to-face with his first love—Randall.
While Noah and Randall are not the teenagers they once were, the flame of a first kiss long ago draws them together. Their romance is beginning to grow, but someone is out to destroy Randall and expose all he keeps hidden.
When secrets and rumors thrust Randall into the public eye, his relationship with Noah isn’t the only thing that comes under threat.
Son of Money
The Shattered Door
August 25 2020
After a tortured childhood and years of soul-searching, Brooke Morrison has finally settled into a comfortable life. While his sexuality prohibits him from practicing his degree in youth ministry in a church setting, he’s found a fulfilling job as a youth counselor at a residential treatment facility in Colorado. He falls in love, marries the man of his dreams, and makes peace with God. He’s happy.
Then his buried past drags him back to the Ozarks.
The life Brooke has worked so hard to build is crumbling in his hands in the face of painful memories and past abuse, and his confidence is withering. In El Dorado Springs, where his nightmares come to life, Brooke desperately seeks closure life doesn’t offer. Brooke must find value in himself, in his marriage, and in the world around him—and create the hope and perseverance to keep his past from swallowing him whole.
The Shattered Door
Second Helpings
September 8, 2020
Second Helpings, a Novella
Blurb coming soon.
Second Helpings
Author’s Notes & Acknowledgments
Although Hamburger Mary’s is a real restaurant, all characters and events are fictitious. Hamburger Mary’s trade name and images are used with permission.
First and foremost, I have to thank Hamburger Mary’s International—specifically Ashley and Brandon Wright. When I wrote to Hamburger Mary’s saying I had a series of novellas in mind that I’d like to place at one of your restaurants, I expected I’d never get a reply. Not only did you say yes, but you allowed me to use Mary on the cover of my books and spent so much time giving me the behind-the-scene details, tours, and insight. More than anything, thank you for your kindness and allowing a little-known author to play with your wonderful franchise. Hamburger Mary’s has always had a special place in my heart, and now, even more so.
Dear Reader: You simply must go to the nearest Hamburger Mary’s! And if you’re in Denver, you have no choice but to visit the one that you just read about. Make sure to tip your server and the drag queens!
Christopher Maluck, John Skogstad Jr., Mark Price, Jason Hardin, Dave Zahradnik, Adriana Parkinson, and the rest of the Denver Hamburger Mary’s team, thank you for the tours, letting me see it as you did renovations, and always making time for me. I’ve fallen completely in love with your restaurant!
Pat Mackley, thank you so much for being a featured character in this series and for supporting a fellow author’s medical needs through Lisa Horan’s The Novel Approach’s (Book Review Blog) generous donation.
Arshad, Atom, Bryan, and Thomas, thank you all for your willingness to be interviewed about your careers and/or experiences with cultural issues that are a part of this series. I was honored by your time and your trust.
Dreamspinner Press, I will forever be grateful for our years together. When you said YES to my first published book, you made this life of dreams possible. Thank you.
Ron, Thank you for these GORGEOUS covers! They’re what I’ve always hoped for this serie
s!
Desi, I don’t want to face any moment involving words without you by my side to keep me from seeming illiterate while still pushing me in my craft. I can’t say how thankful I am for you!
Anita Ford, Sue Paulsen, Lyd Lyd, and CinnaMon, thank you for editing and beta reading these second editions. Thank you for being smarter than me and being part of my team!
Pat Mackley
A very special person played a huge role in one of the characters of the Mary’s Boys series: Pat Mackley. By giving both financial and emotional support to another beloved author in need of medical care through a raffle donated by The Novel Approach Blog, Pat got to help craft one of the characters of the series in her likeness. Thank you, Pat and The Novel Approach, for your generosity and taking the time for the fun interviews and character questions to help craft Pat Pinto in your likeness. I hope you enjoy her and see yourself in her strength and kindness. You made this series so much richer!
With much love, respect, and gratitude, Brandon Witt
About the Author
Brandon Witt received his roots in the Ozark, grew wings in Denver, and is learning to fly in New Orleans. When not snuggled on the couch with his two dogs and his partner, Stephen, he is more than likely in front of his computer, nose inches from the screen, fingers pounding the keys.
Please Visit the following links for more information and to keep up to date on new releases:
Website: BrandonWitt.com