Page 54 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

Nathan resists the urge to wrap his arms around the cutie for a farewell squeeze but makes a point to brush against his arm as he passes toward the clinic entrance. Inhaling that sweet scent of cocoa butter along the way. He twists back over his shoulder to catch them both staring at his rear while he’s walking away. He winks and they spin on they’re heels, each turning various shades of pink.

Chapter 19

Wildflowers

The wildflowers had nearly lasted the week in the brass vase at the center of the kitchen island. Jamie decided it was time the sad wilted beauties were finished when their sweet floral aroma turned sour a couple days ago. He had snipped three daisy stems and sandwiched them between wax paper to protect the pages of a book he hoped would press and preserve them. He wasn’t ready to completely discard the first bouquet he’d ever been gifted.

His leg had healed nicely. No blistering and no scars. Though still slightly tender to the touch. He had returned to waiting tables at Truffle on Friday evening. The crew was happy to have him back over the busy weekend.

On Sunday he popped into a little boutique mid-walk home. A royal purple sweater displayed on a mannequin in the window called to him. Savvy compliments from the raven-haired shop girl with babydoll bangs, convinced him to buy an expensive pair of designer jeans to go with it. He wanted the new outfit for his date with Nathan. Trying it on twice yesterday to make sure the fit was comfortable. The sweater was a size bigger than it needed to be, but he didn’t want it clinging to a post dinner belly, unsure what Nathan had planned for the night. He’d been tempted to ask during a few of their back-and-forth text conversations, ultimately deciding to let himself be surprised.

Tuesday had finally come, and he showered three times already today. Anxiety gave him the sweats and fear he’d stink without washing again. A few extra swipes of deodorant and sitting naked in front of a fan at the corner edge of his bed, helped cool his nerves. He’d thought about asking Andrew for one of his CBD gummies but was too scared his mind might get muddled in conversation. His first date in years didn’t need to be a disaster.

Knocks on the front door reverberate through the plaster walls between Jamie’s bedroom and the stairwell.

Andrew’s feet shuffle down the hall. A squeaking hinge announces the door swinging open and muffled voices greet each other.

Jamie slips into the designer jeans. They hug his bum and thighs perfectly. Worth every penny. A white tee guards his skin from the itchy sweater, he’s hopeful will soften after a few washes. Camel brown loafers and a matching belt finish the ensemble.

He takes a deep breath and pats his damp forehead on the damper bath towel drying off a hook inside the bedroom door. He wishes he’d have gotten a haircut, but when he finally got around to calling the salon Friday, Tommy was booked and out of the shop for a wedding party all weekend. He managed to get a spot tomorrow though. A coating of Andrew’s hairspray holding his messy do in place would suffice for tonight.

Nathan is standing in front of the door holding a new bouquet of wildflowers, chatting with Andrew around the corner in the kitchen. He’s glowing in a crisp white dress shirt, dark denim and a black coat that looks as new as Jamie’s sweater. His dark curls are shiny as his polished black boots. His eyes catch a side glimpse of Jamie coming down the hall and a bright smile stretches across his face. His eyes travel down and up again. He winks.

Jamie feels the heat flush his face and he smiles back. “Hey.” He pauses at the end of the hall.

“Hey.” Nathan leans in and kisses his cheek.

The heat blazes through to his toes, nearly scorching the floor beneath his feet.

“You two are stunning.” Andrew’s blues sparkle like a proud mother seeing her child off to the prom. No photos please!

“Thanks.” Jamie feels at ease, finally.

“These are for you.” Nathan passes the bouquet.

“I love them.” Jamie beams. “The kitchen island feels bare without flowers now.” He giggles.

Andrew reaches for the bundle. “Give them here. I’ll put them in a vase. You boys go have a good night.”

Jamie inhales their perfume before handing them over. “Thanks Andrew.”

“Where are you going tonight?” Andrew is as excited as both of them.

“He hasn’t told me yet.” Jamie shrugs.

“I reserved spots for a walking ghost tour.” His eyes search Jamie’s face for approval. Pleased when Jamie lights up.

“Oh! That sounds fun,” Andrew’s eyes gaze big at Nathan. “And romantic!” He winks at Jamie.

“We can walk to the meeting spot. It’s just a few blocks down from here actually.” Gauging Jamie’s reaction again. “If that’s okay?” He looks down to Jamie’s thigh. Biting his lip. “Is your leg up for it?”

“Absolutely. Almost as good as new.” Jamie is starting to feel his own body heat trapped under layers of designer fabrics. He grabs a brown corduroy jacket from the rack and folds it over his forearm. “Let’s get going.” He leans in around Nathan for the doorknob. Catching a waft of citrus and musk cologne. Ready to get out in the cool night air and dry up the perspiration building on his scalp and lower back.

The sun is just setting outside, turning the sky violet overhead and pink at the horizon. The faint twinkle of stars peeks through the dark veil moving over from the east. Jamie discreetly tugs at the back of his sweater, inviting the cold air inside to chill the bead of sweat slowly climbing down the center of his back. Maybe he should have had that gummy after all.

He smiles when Nathan turns to him with those glittering hazel eyes. He had tidied his beard again. Trimmed close, sharp outlines under his cheekbones and jawline. His butterscotch skin has an iridescent sheen under the dusk sky.

They walk side by side, in an almost awkward silence for the first block. Jamie hugs his coat to his belly until the chill starts to rattle his teeth. He slips it on. Diving hands into pockets.

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