Page 95 of Let Leaves Lay Where They Fall

“Technically, Dennis emailed me the invite.” His eyes float back toward the stacked buildings, rising out of the bay and spread across the peninsula. “I should have worked a few weeks' notice and joined you in Charlotte after. I just left them with no cover.”

“Didn’t Molly say they hired your replacement a week later?”

“Yes, but I should have been there to train them.” Jamie chews his cheek. “I just feel guilty.”

Nathan squeezes his knee again. Pulling back to steer the motorhome off the highway and down the exit ramp. Slowing to a halt at a red light.

“We’ll have to park this beast up on the East End and walk back. I don’t think it will fit down Sheridan Street.” Jamie giggles.

“Good call.” Nathan laughs, petting the plastic faux wood grain dashboard.

The streets are a buzz with early summer tourists. A massive cruise ship, parked in the harbor, peeks over the roof lines as they putter up Munjoy Hill. Lucky to find two adjacent parking spaces at the edge of the city. Nathan pulls the bus in and shifts to park. They make sure Rosy is comfortable and lock up.

The New England air, even in June, feels chill compared to the Carolinas. The familiar scent of the ocean fills Jamie with nostalgia as they make their way back toward Truffle.

Sheridan street is lined with cars and its sidewalks scattered with groups of people lazily meandering from shop to shop. Laughing and enjoying the goods and eateries. Nathan jogs five steps ahead and pulls the restaurant door open. Waving an arm to invite Jamie in before him.

The dining room is dark and empty. Strange for a Friday afternoon.

The kitchen doors both swing wide open and a rush of familiar faces spill out. “Surprise!” The collective staff, and Nathan all cheer in unison.

"You knew about this?" He sneers at Nathan.

Molly pushes ahead of the crowd, dashing past tables and throwing her arms around Jamie’s shoulders.

He matches her enthusiastic embrace, smooching her forehead.

Sebastian, Colin, Petra and Hugo all join in a huddle.

Gregory grins, holding a big sheet cake ablaze with candles.

Dennis waits his turn, and pulls Jamie in for his famous big papa bear hug.

The group parts to a cross-armed and scowling Robbie.

“Hey.” Jamie is tentative.

“Come here.” Robbie’s brow lifts and a big toothy smile stretches across his face. He wraps around Jamie, kissing both cheeks “We’ve missed you.” He speaks into Jamie’s ear.

“I missed you too.” Jamie chokes back emotion.

Andrew appears from the kitchen. His eyes swimmy instead of sparkling.

Robbie steps out of the way, as Andrew moves in for his turn. Clamping his arms around Jamie and lingering in their embrace.

The others greet Nathan as well.

Andrew leans back, bracketing Jamie’s cheeks with both hands. “Missed you like crazy, kid.”

Jamie wipes a tear from his cheek. He hadn’t been expecting such an emotional homecoming.

***

“You look fantastic!” Molly sips her drink, scanning Jamie up and down.

He blushes. “Thank you. I love your hair.” He tucks a stray fringe behind her ear.

“I told you, I chopped it off.” The chic pixie suits her. “Everyone in my pod loves it.” Her eyes pinch over a wide grin.

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