“Your first cup is all ready for you.” Jamie bounces on his heels.
“Come here.” Andrew wraps an arm around Jamie and pulls him into the huddle. He kisses both their foreheads and twirls down onto his stool. “Thank you Nathan, I love it.” He sips his coffee. “Mmm—delicious!” His chiseled face lights up.
The trio spend their morning indulging in a sampling of coffee and espresso drinks with scrumptious pastries. Nathan gives Andrew lessons on the luxury machine, straight from the manual. They settled their bellies, lounging around the living room before Andrew started prepping the feast he planned.
While Jamie grabs a shower, Nathan takes the opportunity to sneak down to his jeep and gather gifts he stowed in the trunk. Huffing back up the stairs with arms full and tucking some packages under the little tree, Andrew insisted they have. He set it up himself, atop a side table in the far corner of the living room. Draping the faux pine three-footer in white lights with tiny disco balls and a variety of rainbow ornaments. The gayest little Christmas tree to ever exist.
***
Andrew prepared a stunning roast dinner. Ham, garnished with pineapple slices and honey glaze over a nest of chopped carrots, celery and onion. Buttery garlic mashed potatoes with a rich glossy brown gravy. The fluffiest bread rolls burst steam when split open and a charcuterie board of cheeses, olives, grapes and apple slices. Two bottles of wine and one of Prosecco. They all feasted until they could barely move.
“Andrew.” That was amazing. Nathan leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his belly.
“It really was. You outdid yourself.” Jamie moves to gather the empty plates off the coffee table.
“Don’t worry about cleanup yet.” Andrew waves a lazy hand in the air.
“I’m just going to set them in the sink.” Jamie whisks the pile off to the kitchen. “I’ll be right back.” He grins, trotting off up the hallway. He pulls a load of brightly wrapped packages from the back of his closet. Returning to the living room to add them to the tree.
“Oh! We’re doing gifts already?” Andrew smirks. He also disappears down the hall and emerges with arms full of shiny silver boxes tied around with white ribbon and bows.
“Mine are already under the tree.” Nathan points, except. He peels himself off the sofa and walks to the front door. Swinging it open and leaving out. He pulls back in with a large new suitcase on wheels. Adorned with one big red bow. “This wouldn’t fit under the tree.” He wheels it to Jamie's feet. Leaning in to kiss gravy slick lips. “I noticed you don’t have proper luggage. You’ll need it in three weeks.”
“I love it!” Jamie curls both arms around Nathan’s neck before crouching to inspect the gift. ‘This is so nice!”
Andrew moves to the little gay tree. He collects two packages and hands one each to Jamie and then Nathan. Then plops a third package at the center of the coffee table. “Those first and then this one's for the both of you.”
Jamie tears into his gift first. Nathan follows seconds behind. The boxes contain beach towels, sunscreen, lip balms, bright color framed sunglasses and visored caps with Maine embroidered across the front. “Thank you!” They both cheer in near unison.
“That’s for enjoying the beaches down in North Carolina—and then.” He gathers the third box and sets it between them on the sofa, before falling back into the armchair. Sitting on the edge of the cushion, grinning with anticipation.
“Go ahead.” Nathan urges Jamie to dig in.
Jamie pulls the bow loose, dropping the long ribbon between his bare feet. He peels back the nearly folded edges of the shiny paper and shimmies the box lid off. Inside is a bundle of crumpled tissue paper with an envelope at the center. He lifts its flap and presents its contents. Plane tickets and gift cards.
“One ticket for each of you to cover two more visits here and there, while you’re apart. The gift cards are for restaurants and events I’ve already planned for you both. So you’ll have amazing dates while you’re together.”
Jamie’s chest swells and he bites his lip. “Thank you Andrew. You’re amazing.”
“Thank you.” Nathan squeezes Jamie’s shoulder. He gathers two boxes from the tree and plants them on Jamie’s knees. “These aren’t much.” His cheeks flush.
Jamie beams. He opens the gifts and holds up t-shirts and bright print shorts with varied tropical patterns.
“Andrew and I both had beaches in mind.” He laughs. “Those legs could use some sun.” He nudges Jamie’s arm with an elbow.
Jamie nudges back, blushing. “Thank you—and you’re right.”
Jamie sets his bounty aside and collects the packages he’d set under the tree. Passing one to Andrew and the other to Nathan.
Andrew wastes no time digging in.
Nathan waits to watch Andrew go first.
Andrew lifts up a royal purple cashmere scarf and matching sweater. “Jamie, these are gorgeous!”
“I was hoping you’d like the color. I couldn’t decide between that or this orange pumpkin shade at the boutique. The employee helped.” He giggles. Then turns to Nathan with big eyes. “Your turn.”
Nathan slowly opens the flat heavy box. It covers his entire lap. Under the festive print is another layer of brown craft paper. He peels the tape away from its seams and unfolds the flap. “Jamie—“ His brows cave and eyes glaze over. A single stream trails down his cheek. He catches it with the back of his hand as it drips from his chin. No words follow. He hugs the gift to his chest and leans over to kiss Jamie’s mouth. “—It’s amazing.” His voice breaks. “You’re amazing.”