Page 41 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Thank you.”

He lays his jacket over Jamie’s shoulders.

Swooning. Nathan’s scent, from the coat, fills his nostrils.

Nathan pushes the chair through the gallery. Out the security doors, into the lobby and past the entrance. The old green Cherokee with beige interior is spewing stench from a loud exhaust pipe.

“How butch.” Jamie jokes.

Nathan laughs. “It’s a hand me down. I can’t seem to part with it. It runs and gets me places,” He wheels Jamie to the door. Stepping around in front, to open it for him. He locks the chair’s wheels, and his hands are on Janie’s elbow and love handle again.

Jamie doesn’t protest this time. He settles into the seat. Basking in the hot air blowing through the dashboard, waiting for Nathan to return the chair and hop in next to him. The old Jeep revs and sputters onto the street.

Pop music from the 90s streams on low volume from Nathan’s phone through a newer radio system installed aftermarket. The two don’t speak during the drive to Nathan’s apartment. He parks on the street, in front of the building.

“It will only take a minute. She’s an old girl, but she’s quick. She can’t make it through my long days anymore. I have to check in on my breaks. I’m working a double shift today.”

“No rush.” Jamie smiles.

Nathan hops from his seat. The door squawks closed behind him.

Jamie watches the stunning nurse quick step around the front of the vehicle, up the stoop and into the old Victorian house.

Minutes later he emerges with a hulking, wrinkly beast in tow. Jamie can’t contain the excitement. He flings the Jeep door open. “Oh. My. God! Who is this?” His face is lit up with joy.

Mabel pauses. She stares Jamie down. Berfs low. Tilts her head, sniffing the air and trots toward the Jeep.

Nathan braces. Trying to hold her leash back. Scared of her reaction. “This is Mabel.” He winces. Ready for her to burst into a fit of barks.

She tugs him forward. Rising on her hind legs and licks Jamie’s arm with her big sloppy tongue.

He turns in his seat. Both hands on her jowls. Leaning down to nuzzle the top of her head.

Nathan is stunned. He can’t believe the sight before him. He releases the tension of the leash and watches Mabel and Jamie bond like they’re long-lost buddies, meeting again for the first time in ages.

Jamie cuddles the adorable mound of wrinkles. Touching his nose to hers and kissing her forehead.

She eats up the attention. Wagging her butt and stomping her rear paws. Trying to climb up into his lap.

“Okay, Mabes. You’ve got to go pee.” Nathan cuts the meet and greet short. Pulling her back.

She glares over her shoulder, and trots to the little patch of grass. Staring at Jamie with googly eyes the whole time she squats, then trotting back toward him.

They fawn over each other for several minutes. Nathan just watches. Melting at the sight of his best old friend bonding with who he hopes will be a new friend.

“I love her!” Jamie ruffles the bulldog’s floppy jowls.

“It looks like she loves you too.” Nathan smiles. “We should take you home though. I’ve got to get back to the clinic.”

Jamie sighs. “Right.” One more kiss on her forehead.

“Come on girl.” He tugs her back.

She pouts but follows his lead back into the building.

Minutes later he trots back out to the vehicle and they’re off again.

“Mabel is amazing.” Jamie is beaming after the interaction.

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