Page 28 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay. If that’s okay?” Mark is looking at Nathan for approval.

“Of course.” Nathan smiles.

Jamie can’t look at the man. He feels hot sweat collecting on his chest. Jotting the drink order down in scribbles he walks away as fast casually as his feet will carry.

“Here, Seb,” he stuffs slips into the register. Rushing toward the kitchen door, grabbing Molly’s elbow and dragging her behind. Almost pulling her off her feet.

“Whoa! What the hell Jamie?” Her eyes grow when she sees the flush cheeks and grit teeth of her fairy work husband.

“He’s here.” Jamie growls. “He’s here with Mark.”

“Who?” It takes her a second to process and read his mind like a good work wife does. “Where?” She shouts.

“Table 4.” His eyes are big and skin is clammy.

Molly peeks out the swinging doors. Rising on tip toes to look over the crowded room.

“His back is to us.” Jamie adds.

“Dark curly hair? Blue sweater?” She notes.

“Yup.” He leans against the prep table.

Molly steps aside.

Petra pushes through the doorway. “Gregory. Are my burgers up for table 20 yet?” She notes Jamie and Molly gone silent, frozen and avoiding eye contact in her presence. “What’s going on?”

“Jamie’s Sanctuary fling is here.” Molly bites back a giggle. “On a date with Mark.” She puts a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. She loves the delicious drama.

“We don’t need everyone to know.” He reaches for a bottled water on the microwave shelf where he’d left it for grabbing swigs through the night. Taking a long gulp to sooth his parched throat.

“He blocked YOU and is here with Mark?” Petra’s shock is comforting. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Right?” Molly adds. She peeks through the doors again. Brows furrowed. Snarling at the creep who dared throw away her Jamie.

***

Nathan’s eyes scan the menu.

“You look really nice.” Mark is gazing at him with twinkling caramel eyes.

He’d dressed in a light blue sweater over white tee and dark gray jeans with white sneakers. It was this or a black dress shirt that had become a bit too tight since he’d last worn it and khaki chinos. The shirt pulled taught at buttons over the roundest part of his belly when he’d tried it on.

Mark’s sweater is maroon and looks to be a posh fiber knit. Cashmere? If he knew enough about fashion to guess. It clings to all the right curves of the man’s body. Dark blue denim painted onto his perfect ass and thick muscular thighs. Nathan had drunk in the yummy sight after they’d gotten out of the little red convertible BMW coupe. Mark hopped the curb and stepped ahead to open the restaurant door for them. Dessert cakes on display.

“You look nice yourself.” Nathan’s practiced his charming grin so well; he can’t help it.

Mark smiles. “What do you think looks good?” He pretends like he doesn’t already know the menu. Salivating from under long lashes at the dark and delicious date.

“The mushroom and swiss burger is calling to me.” Nathan sticks to what he knows.

“It’s so good.” Mark flashes a toothy smile. “You’ll love the fries here. They are coated in some magic bacon dust. No idea how the chef does it.” Putting his menu aside.

A hand appears. Delivering a glass of coke, garnished with a wedge of lime for Nathan and Mark’s wine. Jamie doesn’t make eye contact but smiles in Mark’s direction. He returns the gesture.

“Thanks Jamie. It’s busy tonight, eh?” He makes small talk.

“Always, on Fridays.” Jamie pulls a pad and pencil from his apron. “Are you gentlemen ready to order?”

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