Page 60 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“How come you haven’t?” Nathan leans in to be heard over the spooky sounds being played over a DJ’s loudspeakers as they pass by.

Jamie leans toward Nathan’s ear, speaking over the noise. “I never had anyone to come with.” He smiles with candle and string light sparks in his eyes. “I usually just go to Dennis and Robbie’s party.”

His breath feels hot on Nathan’s ear and neck. Tingles dance across his shoulders and down his spine.

“Thank you for inviting me.” Jamie kisses his cheek.

Nathan nearly has to cover his crotch from the rush of blood stirring too much excitement. Happy he wore a long jacket. It may serve him well before the evening is up. He slips his free hand in a coat pocket, ready to pull it over himself, just in case. “Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Because he sure is.

“I could go for a hot cider.” Jamie nods toward a booth with two volunteers handing out small steaming cups.

Nathan pulls the cutie toward the table. An array of elaborately decorated candy apples in jack-o-lantern print cellophane wrapping are laid out with a basket of cookies and handmade chocolates next to them. “Two ciders please?” He leans forward, so the young girl in black with cat ears and whiskers drawn on her cheeks, can hear him over the ghoulish moans coming through the speaker behind them. “How much are the candy apples?”

“Six dollars, or two for ten.” Kitty girl smiles.

“Two please?” He looks to Jamie. “Which do you want?”

The black cat gathers two ciders from the spout of a large stainless steel thermos.

Jamie points at a classic glossy red with rainbow sprinkles. Nathan chooses chocolate dipped, rolled in crushed peanut butter cups and Reese’s Pieces.

“Fifteen dollars total” the scarecrow partner is ready to take payment.

Jamie reaches for his wallet, but Nathan hands her a twenty. “Keep the change.” He takes the two apples. Passes Jamie his cider and collects his own.

“Thank you.” The cutie beams. “Oh look!” He takes his sprinkled apple from Nathan’s hand and points it forward. “You could have brought Mabel.”

Nathan turns to see a Golden Retriever on a leash, sitting outside a huddle of people, sporting a rainbow handkerchief and a black cape. Shit.

The dog sees him and rises to its feet, letting out a booming bark and smiling ear to ear.

The man on the other end of the leash is Mark. He pokes he’s head around a man’s shoulder to see what Harriet is barking at. When he spots Nathan and then Jamie, his face drops and boils red. He furrows his brow and tugs the dog’s collar. Both disappear into the huddle of men all dressed in skimpy 80s roller rink style costumes. Tiny shorts and tank tops. Not even autumn temps get between a gaggle of gays and their annual chance at slutty dress up.

Jamie is staring at him. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Mark.” He swallows a sip of cider. Hoping the cup hides his heated face. “I canceled a second date with him, and I don’t think he took it well.”

“Oh.” Jamie’s face is processing. “How come?” The clueless cutie.

“Because I set my sights on someone else.”

Jamie is slow to catch the drift, but his cheeks flush pink when he realizes that he’s the catalyst for bad vibes across the field. His grin is awkward but pleased all at once.

“I’m sure he’ll get over it.” Jamie nudges Nathan with a gentle shoulder bump and sips his steaming cup. His eyes light up, noticing something over Nathan’s shoulder. “Look!” He points with the rainbow sprinkled apple.

Just across the way, stands a royal purple velvet tent with chalkboard signs planking its entrance. Colorful words advertise Psychic Readings $25, Step Inside.

“Should we?” The cutie looks hopeful for an agreeable response.

“Let’s do it.” Nathan is happy to hide away from Mark’s glares for a bit.

Jamie leads the way, and they duck through the entrance.

“Are you available for readings?” He asks the woman..

A floral silk scarf wraps her head, sprouting long black and silver braids. A bright blue velvet robe is tied at her waist and gaudy gold jewelry jangles from her ears, neck, wrists and fingers. “I am.” Her voice is gruff. “It’s $45 for couples.” She announces.

“Deal!” Jamie presents three twenty dollar bills and sets them on the table.

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