Page 47 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

A little gray cat struts out from under a bush in the corner of the garden. Meowing up a storm.

“Hey girl.” Jamie lights up. He pats her skinny back while she munches up the food. “Nathan. This is Rosy.”

Nathan kneels and pets the little kitty’s head. “Hey Rosy.” He smiles at Jamie.

“I think she may be a stray. I’d take her in if we could have pets in the building.” His eyes meet Nathan’s.

After the cat gets her fill of lunch and water. Jamie gathers up the bowl, bag and bottle. They head back upstairs.

He settles on the sofa again.

Nathan puts the bowl and food back under the sink. He pulls the glass tray of cold lasagna, covered in foil, from the fridge. Peeking to be sure he’s collected the right thing. “What do you think I should heat it on?” He doesn’t cook. He orders takeout.

“I think 350. We can just wait for it to smell right.” Jamie’s used to kitchens and cooks. He doesn’t think of himself as a chef, but he’s picked up enough to know his way around putting a meal together.

Nathan turns the dial and sets the tray in the oven. “Where are your dishes and silverware?”

“The cupboard right behind you. Glasses are above the sink and silverware is in the drawer just below the dish cupboard.”

He gathers two plates, two glasses and a pair of forks. Setting them on the island and returning to the sofa. “What are we watching?” He nods toward the tv.

Jamie had forgotten it was on. “Honestly. I have no idea.” He reaches for the remote, fallen between couch cushions. “What do you like to watch?”

“I’m easy.” He grins.

Obviously. Jamie laughs. “Let’s see what’s on?” He starts pressing buttons, aiming the remote at the tv.

Reality shows, game shows, hospital drama reruns… then he lands on a familiar classic. The young boy, locked in his school’s attic, reading an epic fantasy about a world falling apart because people have stopped believing in fairytales… “Oh! I love this movie.”

Nathan’s head whips around. His dreamy eyes are fixed on Jamie. “The Neverending Story is my favorite.”

“Perfect! I haven’t seen it in ages.” His smile glows as he watches the tv.

Nathan just stares at the man, fixed on his and Bertie’s favorite movie. He can’t look away. Until their eyes meet and he doesn’t want to be caught ogling and have to explain himself.

He turns toward the tv and they’re both lost in the dreamy fantasy.

***

After consuming their lasagna lunch, each having a glass of wine, and the end credits are rolling to the theme song. Nathan turns to see that Jamie has fallen asleep.

He quietly washes their dishes and tucks the blanket up to Jamie’s chin. He writes a quick note and sets it on the coffee table, next to the goody bags, where Jamie can’t miss it.

Resisting the urge to kiss his sweet forehead, before he slips out the door. Locking it behind. He pauses on the landing. Closing his eyes. “Alright Bertie. I hear you.” He whispers.

It’s time to get back to Mabel.

Chapter 17

Tickets

Suddenly it’s night. Jamie is still curled up on the sofa. A blanket tucked under his chin. The world is quiet. The neon glow on the microwave reads 11:11. Sleepily he scans the dark room, lit only by the digital clock and moonglow through the windows. Mortified that he’d fallen asleep on his visitor.

He reaches for a folded slip of paper, leaning against the bags of junk food with his name scribbled across it.

Jamie,

Please call me if you need anything at all.

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