Page 90 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

Portrait

The twinkling of white string lights tacked to the crown molding around the perimeter of the bedroom cast a dreamy glow on Jamie’s sleeping face. He’d hung them up while Nathan was at work. A romantic gesture for their first holiday together. Christmas isn’t really a big deal for either of them, but their blossoming relationship is a huge step for both.

Nathan was elated when he got back to the apartment, after his final double shift at the clinic. Jamie greeted him at the door and led him by the hand to the tiny bedroom. Lit by the Christmas lights and a scattering of votive candles on mosaic mirrored plates, reflecting golden sparks that danced around the space. A picnic of meatball subs from Antonia’s with salt and vinegar kettle chips in a huge wooden bowl and glass bottled colas submerged in a silver bucket of ice.

He beamed with pride when Nathan swooned. Pulling him in for a long kiss. They ate until stuffed, watching episodes of “The Golden Girls” they’d probably already seen together and passed out from the excess of calories and laughter..

Jamie’s snore still delights Nathan. He can’t imagine ever getting tired of it. Even though it woke him earlier than he’d wished. It’s giving him the opportunity to drink in the sight of the slumbering cutie.

Rosy hops up on the bed and nuzzles under Nathan's chin between them. He strokes her soft fur as she purrs and nudges his chest.

“You hungry, girl?” He whispers.

She meets his gaze with big citrine eyes. Meowing what could only be interpreted as a “yes.”

He carefully slips from under the covers, leading Rosy, soft footed around the bed and out the door to the kitchen. She trots gleefully, weaving between and around his ankles. The apartment smells of the gingerbread cake Andrew had whipped up, ahead of their little found family celebration planned for tonight. Jamie warned that Andrew loves to go all out for the Holiday. Nathan made sure to get gifts. He doesn’t know Andrew that well, but hopes the new state of the art coffee and espresso machine will be thanks enough for allowing him to share their space the past few weeks. It’s a pricey gesture, but he and Jamie refused to accept any money to cover his being there.

He pours Rosy’s breakfast into her glittering pink bowl and refreshes the new water bowl they’d bought her. Then tiptoes back to the bed. Climbing in as carefully as he’d climbed out. The bit of commotion is just enough to stir Jamie from his snores.

“Good morning.” Nathan smiles. Leaning in to kiss the cutie’s lips. They still taste of garlic and vinegar from last night's feast.

“Good morning.” Jamie smiles between their mouths pressed together. Stretching his body before wrapping around Nathan and curling into his chest. “Mmm, I love this.” He looks up with big brown eyes. “I’m not going to let you leave.”

“Six months.” Nathan kisses his forehead. “You’re coming to visit soon. We can explore Charlotte together.”

“Okay. That does sound good.” Jamie sighs a long warm exhale, tickling the hairs on Nathan’s chest.

“And then, I’ll come back.” Nathan knots his arms tighter, pulling Jamie in closer. He wraps a leg over the cutie and plants another kiss on his forehead.

Jamie moans, melting into the embrace.

Andrew’s footsteps shuffle down the hall on the other side of the wall. The bathroom door shuts and the shower fires up.

“Coffee?” Nathan grins. He had set up the new machine after Andrew had retired to his room last night. Even prepping the portafilter with fresh ground beans he’d picked up from a gourmet coffee shop next door to the clinic. The shop owner claimed them to be her favorite. Imported from a small farm in Guatemala.

“Oh yes!” Jamie tosses the covers off both of them and pops up off the bed.

They hurry to slip into pajama bottoms left discarded on the floor last night and rush out to the kitchen. Nathan starts the shiny new stainless-steel monstrosity that now takes up half the counter space. It hisses and gurgles, filling the condo with a pungent aroma in seconds.

Jamie gathers three new mugs from the drying rack where he’d left them to dry. Then pulls cream from the fridge and sets it on display with the sugar bowl at the center of the island.

Nathan reaches into the cupboard above the fridge for a box of artisan pastries he had picked up at Scratch bakery and tucked away as a surprise to both his roommates.

Jamie’s eyes get big and his crooked grin curls. He leans over and kisses Nathan’s cheek.

The shower cuts off and the scrape of the curtain rungs sliding across the metal rod alerts Andrew is close to joining them. Jamie pours steaming brew into the mugs. Nathan adds sugar to his and Andrew’s and Jamie tears open two sweeteners for his own, followed by generous dollops of cream in each. Jamie sets one mug at Andrew’s usual perch and stands next to Nathan, sitting on the second stool. Dropping another kiss on his forehead,

Andrew’s feet patter down the hall and he rounds the corner. Pausing at the sight of Jamie and Nathan, posed like a department store photo session. His blue eyes squint over his broad toothy smile. “Good morning boys.” He notices the new appliance. “What’s this?”

“Happy Christmas Eve.” Nathan cheers.

“You did this?” Andrew studies the massive contraption. “For me?”

“You wouldn’t accept money for letting me stay, and I hope you’ll love it.”

Andrew scurries around the island, pushing Jamie aside and throws his arms around Nathan’s neck. Burying his face in the wild nest of dark curls. “You have to teach me how to use it though.” He laughs.

“It’s easier than it looks. I promise.” Nathan leans into the embrace. Pleased the gift is a hit.

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