Page 26 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Don’t worry.” Jamie whispers. “That’s normal.” Shooting the poor boy a half smile. Surprised he’s not used to it by now.

Eli’s chubby cheeks flush. He scurries through the door, disappearing into the busy dining room.

Jamie arcs a brow and shakes his head. Arranging tickets on the line for when the two chefs finish their temper tantrums.

Friday nights are always slammed, any time of the year.

Petra bounces the door open with a bump of her hip. Her arms are full of a tray piled with dirty dishes. The purple in her hair recently refreshed and vibrant under the kitchen lights, with lips stained to match. Popping against her rich toffee skin. “Where’s Eli?”

Jamie shrugs. “Hiding away from the chaos of a lovers quarrel.”

“Again?” She snorts. “What are they fighting over this time?”

“Who knows?” Jamie holds the door. “I’d hate to be their downstairs neighbor tonight though.” He winks and passes through into the dining room.

Petra bursts into booming laughter, it penetrates the wall into the dining room.

Sebastian is behind the bar, flirting with a fashionable young couple who fawn over his charm. He tosses a silver tumbler over one shoulder, catching it on the other and letting it roll down his arm into his curled fingers. Flipping it in the air before filling it with brown liquor and orange zest.

The crunchy surfer guy, with stars in his eyes, is definitely Sebastian’s type. His mousy blonde girlfriend will just be a third wheel. Poor thing.

Molly moves from table to table, collecting tips and piling dishes in neat stacks for Eli to collect.

Colin sashays through the crowd. Hot pink nails match the new pop of color slicing through his fringe, gelled neatly in a sculpted coif. Leading a party of 4 toward a table in the far corner. Holding menus out to Jamie, signaling they were his.

“I’ll seat them.” Jamie notes the line of patrons waiting at the entrance, scooping the menus from Colin’s hand, and taking over the train. “Right this way guys. I’m James. I’ll be your server tonight.” He settles them in and gathers drink orders.

The team is a well-oiled machine when it’s busy. Even with the quarreling queens in the kitchen, the night was on track to go smooth.

Jamie stops to check on a table of regulars who always tip well, passing by to deliver drink slips to Sebastian Suavé. He’s definitely setting himself up for a good night.

“These are for tables 7 and 12.” He tucks the papers into the bar register. “I’ll be right back for them.”

“Thanks babe.” Sebastian’s hungry eyes are glued to his hunky blonde prey. The guy is practically shoving the girlfriend off his arm, devouring lusty attention the slick bartender is throwing his way. She’s a bit too drunk to even realize she’s just a fruit fly on their wall later.

Sebastian has that bi magic no one can resist. Jamie imagines he’s the only person to ever turn down his advance. It took all the willpower he had that night. Giving himself a gold star for sticking to his morals. Being petrified to get naked with the short, bronzed king helped. His muscles have their own muscles.

Jamie and Molly nearly collide at the kitchen door. Slipping through together.

Gregory and Hugo are both back from their tantrums and cooking. Silently ogling each other with fiery stares. Eye fucking from either side of the prep table through the upper microwave shelves separating them from tearing into each other.

Jamie chuckles. “Time for a break?” He nudges Molly with an elbow.

“Absolutely.”

They slip out the back door, into the alley. Molly squats on an overturned bucket and Jamie leans back against the brick wall. They both inhale the crisp autumn evening air and sigh, savoring stillness away from the rush.

“So.” Molly leans forward, elbows on her knees. “Any updates on your sanctuary hunk? Dave?”

“I’m done with that.” He fumbles with chewed up pencil nubs in his apron pocket. “The guy doesn’t want to be found. There’s no trace on the internet and he blocked me for whatever reason. I give up.”

“His loss.” Her brows droop and lower lip pushes forward in pouting pity.

“Right.” He tries to sound confident in dismissing the situation.

“Now that you’ve broken the seal. Find yourself a new toy boy.” She winks.

“I’m good.” Jamie giggles. “That was fun,” he admits, “but I think I’ll stick to what I know. Peace and quiet single life.”

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