Page 78 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“You bitches talking about me?” She laughs.

“We love you.” Jamie throws a polyester napkin at her.

“I’m not staying. Kaleb is waiting in the car. We’re headed north, but I wanted to see my best boys before we go.” She swats Jamie’s shoulder with the back of her hand. Then presses her cheek to the battered bicep and hugs his arm.

“We’ll miss you at dinner.” Robbie is packing excess decorations into a large grey runner’s bin.

“I’ll see you all tomorrow.” She turns to Jamie. “Tell Nathan I say hello.” She winks. “We need to get together for a dinner before he leaves.”

Before he leaves, punches Jamie in the gut. He bites the inside of his cheek to halt the quiver trying to quake his lower lip. Rolling his eyes toward the ceiling to dry the well rising.

Molly grabs his hand, lifting it to her lips. “Okay. I hate to, but I’ve got to get on the highway. You whores behave.”

“See ya bitch.” Jamie pulls it together, chuckling. “I need to go get dressed before the guests arrive.”

Molly waves to Robbie who’s now fumbling behind the bar, and she slips out the door.

Jamie makes way through the kitchen, grabbing his outfit on way to the employee bathroom in the basement.

***

“Nathan?” The clinic staff manager pokes her head into the nurses’ lounge as he’s gathering his things to leave for the day.

“I can’t stay today; I have a dinner I’m already late for.”

“No no. You’re good.” She rakes french tip acrylics through honey brown hair. “I just need a minute.”

“Sure.” He stuffs the morning’s outfit into his messenger bag and follows her down the hall to her office.

“Have a seat really quick.” She waves an arm at two chairs opposite her desk and settles in. “We’ve run into a bit of a dilemma. One of the nurses you’re covering can’t come back just yet. Would you be available for an extra two weeks?”

“I am. I need to figure out a living situation, but I can stay on.” He knows Jamie will be happy. He sure is. “My current setup has a new tenant coming in the day I’m supposed to be out.” He sits on the edge of the chair. “I’ll figure it out though.”

“We’ll cover the cost of a hotel or I can try and find you a room with one of our staff members?”

“That could work.” He pauses. “I do have a dog. She can be testy with strangers.”

“Well, I’ll ask around the next few days.’’ She closes a folder. “Let me know if you do find something?”

“Will do.” He shakes her dainty hand. “I’ve got to get to dinner. My boyfriend is waiting on me.” The word just slips past his lips so easily. They haven’t discussed terms of their relationship status, but he likes calling Jamie his boyfriend.

A quick stop by the apartment to change into a new black dress shirt, bought for this dinner, dark denim and black boots he polished last night while Jamie insisted on ironing their outfits. They had already been trying to find a new vacation rental on short notice to keep them together longer, but nothing was available. The holiday season pairs with leaf peeping foliage tourism this time of year.

He strolls into Truffle, already bustling with chatter and people standing around in huddles, laughing and getting on. He scans the room for his boyfriend.

Jamie comes through the swinging door from the kitchen. Looking like a whole damn snack in the striped sweater he’d made him buy. His jeans clinging to ass and thighs like they were made just for him. Jamie’s face lights up and he glides over.

“Hey.” His dimples are delicious.

“Hey.” Nathan grips his forearm and pulls his lips in for a kiss. “They’re extending my contract two more weeks.” He couldn’t wait to share.

Jamie’s face goes from lit, to glowing. “That’s amazing!”

“Nathan!” Robbie moves in, throwing his arms around and pulling him into an embrace, like long lost friends. “Welcome. What do you drink?”

“Rum and cola.” He looks to Jamie.

“Perfect. That’s Jamie’s drink too.”

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