CHRISTMAS AT STARKEY’S HOUSE

North Carolina

Since forever, I’ve always spent Christmas at the Starkeys’ house. My parents have been close friends with Drew’s parents, Jodi and Todd, since before we were both born. I’ve always had a good relationship with Drew and his siblings. We felt more like cousins than friends.

Every Christmas, I always had the best gift for Drew. He was always so amazed whenever I came up with something new.

But…

Everything changed when, at eighteen, he decided to take his car, pack a few bags, and drive to L.A. with absolutely no plan.

Christmas wasn’t the same anymore.

Fourteen years have passed since I last saw him, and this Christmas, we’ll finally see each other again. Adults. Mature. Different from the teenagers we used to be.

We’re all at the Starkeys’ house, just like every Christmas, chatting and sipping wine while Jodi has gone to the airport to pick Drew up.

My heart feels heavy, filled with nervousness. He’s probably changed a lot.

I didn’t follow his journey to celebrity status. I didn’t keep up with his rise to fame.

And now, after fourteen years, I’m about to see him again.

Doorbell ring