Page 79 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

He knows. Tommy winks from across the room, hanging off Marcus’ guerilla arm.

Dennis appears from the kitchen, carrying the tray of sliced turkey and adds them to the buffet spread. “Let’s eat!” His grizzly voice booms over the dining room.

Claps and cheers erupt as people move into a line for filling their plates along the spread.

Nathan watches Jamie take portions that wouldn’t sustain a toddler. Avoiding the most rich and delicious options and focusing on vegetables. “Not hungry?” It’s a pattern he has picked up on the past several weeks. The man denies himself the good things. He still won’t take his shirt off when they’re together.

“This body can’t be trusted with fats and carbs.” He chuffs.

He knew it. “Your body is beautiful.” He whispers in the cutie’s ear. Scooping up a heaping ladle of buttery mashed potatoes and plopping it in the center of the barren plate.

Jamie’s cheeks flush, staring at the pile of carbs, then side eyeing Nathan. “You wouldn’t say that if you had seen the fat ass teenage version of me.” His crooked grin can’t hide the shame his caved brows give away.

Nathan grabs a handful of his asscheek. “You are beautiful any shape or size.” He growls. Meeting the cutie’s gaze with an assuring wink.

Something shifts in Jamie’s demeanor. From sad puppy to hungry wolf.

Nathan defiantly pours glossy brown gravy over the mound of potatoes.

Jamie growls. Leaning into his ear. “You better be careful. I’m going to have to drag you into the kitchen, lay you over the prep table and have my way.”

Nathan smiles ear to ear, setting his plate down. “Let’s go.” Calling that bluff.

Jamie laughs. “Eat your dinner, dessert is later.” He winks

They move to their seats.

***

Jamie’s belly and heart haven’t felt this full in ages. He gets an extra few weeks with Nathan and Mabel. They’ve just got to figure out where he’s staying.

His phone chimes from his pocket during the middle of dinner. The smothered mashed potatoes were everything he’d remembered them to be. They’ll work off the calories later, he beams at Nathan.

A message from Andrew banners the screen.

“Just letting you know I’m going to Montreal for a few weeks. Flying out tomorrow. I’ll be back before Christmas.”

Jamie types back. “Have an amazing time! See you at Christmas” Signed with a smiley face emoji. He tucks the phone away.

The dinner is a success for another year. New dishes created by Dennis and Gregory are a hit with everyone. It’s a treat seeing Dennis getting praise for his gift. He only gets his hands dirty in the kitchen for special occasions now. Letting Gregory shine at Truffle. He’s proud his student has become the teacher.

The crowd slowly trickles out. Jamie and Nathan help Robbie collect plates and glasses in running bins.

“We’ll worry about cleanup tomorrow.” He passes Jamie a pile of empty containers. “You two take all the leftovers you want.” He rubs his belly. “I’m going to drop the rest by the homeless shelter. That husband of mine is a genius, but he can’t help himself going overboard.”

Dennis rounds the corner and folds around his little cub. Kissing the side of his neck and growling.

Robbie lays back on the big grizzly’s shoulder.

Jamie and Nathan fill the containers and bag up their bounty. Thanking the hosts before they waddle out to the Jeep.

“I grabbed an extra bit for Mabel.” Jamie smiles.

“She’ll be so excited.” Nathan’s drowsy eyes still shimmer.

The snow is coming down heavier on the drive home.

Nathan walks Mabel, while Jamie loads the leftovers into the fridge and collapses onto the bed. Staring up at the studio’s ceiling.

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