Page 87 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

Chapter 29

Booger

Days pass. Jamie and Nathan get back to their jobs. They have to make time to see each other while working opposite schedules. Nathan sleeps in the afternoon. Jamie tries in the mornings, after Nathan leaves for the clinic. It gives them the hours between midnight and 3 am together.

Once the second Tuesday comes around, they finally have an entire day off together and plan to make the most of it.

“I can’t believe you’ve been here three whole months without going to Bailey's Diner for breakfast.” Jamie holds the steel framed glass door open. “It’s a staple landmark in Portland.”

“Why haven’t you brought me before now?” He nudges Jamie’s rib with an elbow.

It’s like walking into someone’s kitchen, only there are a dozen or so tables lining the wall on the left. Each flanked by sets of maroon vinyl booths. On the right side of the room is the counter with a row of matching barstools. A drop ceiling of white painted stamped tin tile keeps it cozy.

“Grab a seat where you can.” The young blonde waitress greets them filling a display with fresh baked muffins. “We’ll be right with you.”

“Is that Bailey?” Nathan teases, from the edge of his grin.

Jamie chuckles. “No.” His face drops on the pause. “At least I don’t think so.” He lifts his brows.

The end booth in the far corner is free and Jamie pushes Nathan forward. Both hands on his elbows. They take their seats. Facing each other from opposite sides of the table.

“So, what do you recommend?” Nathan leans on his elbows, gazing into Jamie’s eyes.

Jamie mirrors him, “I love the French toast.” He grins.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink?” The little blonde waitress appears, setting menus on the table.

“Coffee and orange juice.” Nathan smiles at her.

“Tea for me.” Jamie flips open his menu.

“Great, I’ll be right back.” She trots away. Ponytail swinging with her bouncing sway.

They both scan their menus. When the waitress returns with coffee and juice for Nathan, passing the steaming cup of tea to Jamie, she takes their orders,

French toast with a side of fried eggs for Jamie and Nathan gets their Hobson’s Wharf Special. Choosing bacon and pancakes to accompany two eggs, home fries and white bread toast.

She bounces away again, taking the menus with her.

“Okay—-so.” Jamie’s face turns serious. His fingers fidget and fumble each other. “Three more days.” His lower lip pouts.

“You’ll come down and visit me.” Nathan tries to bring the mood back up with a toothy smile, but this conversation has been hanging in the air all week.

“I will.” Jamie rips two zero calorie sweeteners, adding them to his tea with a dollop of cream. He bobs the tea bag and pinches every bit of flavor into the cup. Sucking air through his teeth and wincing when the burn registers in his fingers.

“It’s a short plane ride.” Nathan pats his singed fingers. “We’ll align schedules so we can make it three or four days a month.” He adds three spoons of sugar and cream to his coffee, stirring. “I’m going to help with the tickets, and you’ll stay with me of course.” He slurps. “And I’m going to try and find work to come back to here, while I’m down there.”

“Good.” Jamie’s smile is trepidatious. Nathan has mentioned the idea a handful of times throughout the week. Giving up traveling and exploring. Flipping his life upside down. Jamie’s gut sinks every time. Worried he can’t live up to being worth all that effort. “I’m sure you’ll meet some beautiful new trick and forget about me by the second week.” He jokes. It wasn’t a joke. The shitty grin under his caved brows speaks every doubt he’s hidden away while they’ve giggled over Chinese takeout, curled up on Jamie’s bed. Marathoning “Golden Girls” episodes on Nathan’s tablet. There’s only so much you can do between midnight and 3am in the little city. This morning’s outing is a welcome change of scenery.

“Jamie—Stop.” Nathan taps his hand with an assuring index finger.

Their dishes appear. “Here you go guts.” The waitress smiles. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can get you.” She’s bouncing away again.

Nathan leans over the table, nearly dipping his sweater in a pool of syrup a top his pancakes. “You just better be ready for some HOT face call sessions.” He whispers.

Jamie’s face goes warm. Dimples bracket his lopsided smile. “Eat your breakfast.” He chucks. The doubt fed by his insecurities can’t be whimmed away with the tap of a finger. He wishes he had Nathan’s unfettered confidence in everything. What is life-like without self-deprecating inner dialogue?

“These pancakes are amazing.” Nathan’s eyes are big, like he’s having a revolutionary experience.

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