The Cunningham's and the Montgomery's have since long been feuding with one another. Dating decades back, the two families separate advertising companies in New York City have been competing to win over the most clients and become the most acclaimed...
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"THEO," a voice whispered while I was still half-asleep, in that dreamlike trance between sleep and slowly waking up. "I'm gonna need your ass up right now. I can't dump water on you because there's a sleeping Ava Cunningham right next to you. So please. Get yourself up."
I groaned quietly and rolled over from where my head was nestled into Ava's back. Nic was standing right there looking at me expectantly.
"It's Christmas," I muttered, rubbing my eyes.
"Point to Theo for the bewildering observation," Nic said, then gestured with his head towards the hallway. "Ass up. Hallway. Brotherly chat."
"On Christmas?" I groaned.
"On Christmas. Because you signed up to be my brother for life, even on holidays."
"I didn't sign up," I argued, but rolled out of bed and stood up, stretching my arms above my head. "Don't the hours change on holidays?"
"You don't get hours. I'm the one who gets hours. And Nicolas Montgomery Incorporated is open, so the CEO is requesting the presence of Theodore Montgomery in his office, henceforth referred to as 'the hallway'. Sound good? Good," Nic said, then turned to leave my room.
I finished stretching and looked back at my bed. I looked at Ava curled up underneath the covers, her entire body engulfed in the comforter and a large blanket to shade her from the cold. I smiled at how peaceful she was when she slept, her eyes softly closed and lips barely parted. I couldn't believe how lucky I was that she was here (though the circumstances weren't great) on Christmas of all the days. I had her present. I couldn't wait to give it to her. Originally, I'd planned on giving it to her on the 26th after spending today with my family. But now she was here and I could give it to her today. I don't know. It just felt... right.
I yawned and walked out of my room and into the hallway. Nic was waiting out there by the banister, so I closed my door and walked over to join him. He was overlooking the living room where the Christmas tree inside was lit up and presents were surrounding it. I could hear the muffled clanking of dishes from the kitchen. I knew my mom was getting her famous cinnamon rolls baking in the oven so they would be finished and ready to eat after presents were opened, and dad was brewing coffee and getting a crockpot of peppermint hot chocolate made.
"Why are your business hours operating on Christmas day?" I asked.
"I ask myself the same question..." Nic muttered, then turned to face me. "I was actually sent up here to relay information from the parents."
"Ooh, information. Is it fun?"
"No."
"Oh," I said, smile dropping. "I was hoping for fun."
"I was hoping for a peaceful and cute Christmas day, as well. You know? One where Matteo feels better and doesn't have to think about the past shit he's been dealing with. One where Will and him can just enjoy being together and Will can stop thinking about the mess of coming out to his parents. One where Ava can worry less about Will and just enjoy being with all of us, and you especially. Just a good day. That's what I was hoping for. And I still think we can probably make it into that, it''s just... We have some obligations to pull it off," Nic said.
