Page 64 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

The Jeep revs forward. It’s a short drive. They listen to soft rock from before both of their times, playing on the radio. If Jamie were alone, he’d sing along with every lyric. He grew up on the stuff.

“Here it is.” Jamie points at the two-story modern farmhouse. Bright yellow siding with white trim and a driveway full to the brim, spilling over, down the street with vehicles. “We’re late but we’re here.” His anxiety boils at the thought of entering a full house of his acquaintances and an actual date at his side. All eyes will surely be on them. Nathan seems completely unphased. At-ease even.

They both step out of the Jeep. Jamie takes a deep inhale while Nathan makes his way around the vehicle to meet him. Suddenly he feels lightheaded, but shakes it off and leads the ways up a crushed gravel filled stone walk.

Nathan takes his hand, “Are you okay?” His brows cave over those glittering hazel eyes.

“Yes.” Jamie breathes through the rising panic in his tightening chest. He turns the knob, and they enter the crowded house.

Costumes are shoulder to shoulder. Tall ceilings and white walls are littered with paintings and sculptural hangings. Masks and painted faces all turn to the pair entering the foyer.

Jamie feels his face and chest burn red. He grins through bit lip to quell it quivering.

Nathan takes his hand. “We don’t have to stay long.” He whispers in nervous Jamie’s ear.

“I’m okay.” Jamie puts on a smile.

Nathan’s eyes are comforting. Somehow his face cools the inferno of anxiety. His heart slows and the dizziness fades away. They’re here and they’ll have fun.

Chapter 22

Party

“Should we get a dri…” Jamie is cut off by two hands covering his eyes. Molly pops up from behind him. Nearly stumbling over. Dressed in a sexy witch costume. She’s painted green glitter from head to toe with a purple wig under the black pointy hat. A little black dress barely covers her bum.

“Hey bitch.” She slurs.

“Hey.” Jamie laughs. “You’re drunk and it’s only nine o’clock.”

“I’ve been here for hours. I helped set this whole show up. Where have you boys been?” She winks at Nathan. “Look at you Doctor.” She squeezes his bicep. Grabbing hold of the stethoscope around his neck and holding the silver disc to her breast. “Were you two playing Doctor and patient again?” She’s hangs off Jamie’s shoulder.

“Jeesh girl. You’re a mess!” Jamie cracks up. He turns to Nathan. “She doesn’t drink much.” His eyes roll and he wraps an arm around her waist to hold her up. “Where are your hot boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Which pair?” She laughs at herself.

“Should we get drinks?” Jamie finishes the question he started asking Nathan.

Molly’s face sours.

“Uh Jamie. Take her to the bathroom. Quick as you can.” He nods at the sickly witch. “I’ll get drinks. What would you like?”

“Shit. Okay.” He starts walking her toward the hall on the far side of the living room. “Rum and diet cola.” He calls back. Mouthing the words I’m sorry.

Nathan smiles back and turns toward the Kitchen in the opposite direction. He makes his way, weaving through the crowd of unfamiliar faces. Finding a clearing at the center island where an array of snacks and drink mixers are laid out. He stuffs bottled water in his white coat pocket for Molly, pours Jamie’s rum and soda, then ladles himself a cup of fizzing punch from a crystal bowl. He grabs a bundle of chips, stuffing them in his face and then a cucumber tea sandwich, because he’s starving.

Hands squeeze his butt cheeks and then grip both of his shoulders. A body presses against his back. A smile crawls across his face “I was just coming to…”

Tommy’s face appears around his shoulder. “Hey doll.” He’s painted red with horns on his head and wearing a skintight vinyl romper unzipped to below his navel. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey Tommy.” Glad he remembered his name this time. “I’m here with Jamie Carter.”

Tommy gasps and clutches pearls that aren’t there. “You snagged our sweet Jamie?” His breath wreaks of orange liquor. “Oh, you are a special boy, aren’t you?”

Nathan can’t help but feel flattered and blush a bit.

“Wait!” It dawns on him. “You’re the guy from the forest!” His eyes get big. He looks Nathan up and down and growls through grit teeth. “Absolutely scandalous. I love it!”

Nathan doesn’t have words. He’s surprised that shy Jamie told anyone.

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