Page 92 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“What is it?” Andrew squirms in his seat, lifting his head to try and see over the top of the frame.

Nathan spins it around. A detailed drawing of a big, wrinkly, goofy faced bulldog with splashes of water colors in vibrant tones give life to the art piece.

“I commissioned Colin. He’s a brilliant artist.” Jamie speaks softly. “I’m so glad you love it. He did such a great job.”

“It’s her.” Nathan stares at the image. His glossy eyes gleaming reflections of Mabel. “It’s perfect.”

Jamie leans against his shoulder.

“You did good Jamie.” Andrew’s eyes glaze over too.

Chapter 31

Goodbyes

Nathan delayed packing up the Jeep as long as possible. Setting his boxed-up belongings next to the front door. The last morning has come about too soon. Leaving Jamie behind is happening. The next six months already feel too long.

They’ve booked his first flight down in three weeks’ time and the days off have been approved by the new manager in North Carolina, Bruce. Weather permitting—no unforeseen hiccups. The January visit will be a good break from winter for the cutie.

Nathan is happy Andrew got back several days ago, relieved he isn’t leaving Jamie by himself. There’s comfort knowing he’ll have a shoulder to lean on. The poor thing has already broken into two sobbing fits this morning.

“We can handle three weeks.” Nathan is managing to keep cool while his insides crumble. He brackets Jamie’s dimpled cheeks with both hands. “I love you.”

Jamie nods, biting off the corner of a blueberry breakfast bar. His third in the last half hour. Comfort calories. “I love you too.” He chews words with his breakfast. His eyes swimming over again.

“Help me carry the boxes down to the Jeep?” Nathan turns his pouting lip into an assured smile. He isn’t ready to say goodbye, but the hours of daylight are passing, and he wants to drive straight through. He’ll stay in a hotel, or just grab a nap in the Cherokee at a rest stop before meeting the new rental host to get keys tomorrow morning. The agency has rented him an entire two-bedroom townhouse for the next six months.

“I’ll help.” Andrew rises from the sofa.

Nathan scoops up the cat carrier with Rosy crouched inside, “C’mon girl,” and a box. Jamie and Andrew each carry one of the last two boxes and parade, single file down the stairwell. They load the boxes into the trunk and Nathan sets Rosy on the back seat, belting the carrier in securely.

He turns back to Jamie, biting his lip and wet eyes. “Three weeks.” He wraps around the him.

Jamie lays his face in Nathan’s coat collar, squeezing knotted arms around his shoulders. “I know,” he says into the fabric.

“I love you.” Nathan’s voice cracks, but a glimpse of Andrew smiling, over Jamie’s shoulder, steadies his emotions.

Jamie leans back, looking him in the eye. “I love you.” Pressing their lips together, lingering to delay the inevitable.

Nathan doesn't want to pull away, ever. “I should get on the road.” He speaks with their lips still connected.

“Okay.” Jamie speaks, pulling away. Leaning in again to kiss his cheek.

Nathan walks back, off the curb and circles around the Jeep. Pausing with the creaking door held open. He waves, kissing his fingers and blowing the air at Jamie.

Jamie smiles, wiping away tears before they can spill onto his flush cheeks.

Andrew steps forward, draping an arm around Jamie’s shoulders. He nods a silent verification that he’s there for Jamie.

“Take care of him Andrew.” Nathan’s eyes swim as he sits on the seat and stares forward. He can’t bear looking at Jamie;s face again. He might not be able to drive away.

“I will.” Andrew calls over the engine firing up.

Nathan waves, focused ahead, hiding his face.

The Jeep crawls forward and creeps down the street.

The sun glitters off mounds of snow pushed against the curbs. The neighborhood is quiet and still. Winter air bites. So do goodbyes..

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