Page 62 of Jonathon, After All

“In a few hours?” Tilly asked and checked her watch.

They jumped when there was a knock on the front door.

“I’ll see who it is,” Jonathon told them, since it seemed likely that it was for him.

A deliveryman was waiting with a flat gift box and a card from Leo.

“At least he was smart enough to avoid flowers this time,” Muriel said with a snicker and Jonathon hummed in agreement.

“I never want to see another white rose for as long as I live.”

He lifted the lid and let out a watery gasp at the navy blue cardigan and crisp white Converse.

Muriel frowned into the box. “You already have a sweater and sneakers just like that, don’t you?” she asked and checked Jonathon’s feet. He was wearing a dingy pair of white hightops.

Jonathon nodded, smiling and crying as he hugged the box to his chest. “I have one almost exactly like this. I can’t believe he remembered. Or found these so quickly.”

He had lived in New York City long enough to know that anything was possible if you had money and connections. But Jonathon was thoroughly shaken when Leo appeared on Muriel’s doorstep with a Mead composition notebook, wearing a charcoal pea coat, a baseball cap, jeans, and sneakers. He was also wearing thick-framed glasses in an attempt to conceal his identity and Jonathon was both amused and slightly dizzy. Leo looked so handsome and it was so surreal, being this close to him again.

“You look perfect, mein Süßer,” Leo said as he bowed over Jonathon’s knuckles. “Just like my dreams.”

“This old thing?” Jonathon teased as he gestured at his new cardigan. He had paired it with a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and the new Converse. Leo’s idea to dress as himself was brilliant. For the first time in a long time, Jonathon wasn’t wearing a costume. He felt infinitely lighter and it was easier, just being himself instead of being bland and vapid on cue. “What’s this for?” Jonathon asked while flipping through the notebook’s empty pages.

“Any ideas you might have for things we can do to make up for the last ten years,” Leo replied, earning a loud cackle from Muriel as she took it from Jonathon.

“I hope you bought a case of these, von Hessen. I’ll have this one filled by the time you return,” she warned.

“Do your worst,” Leo dared her as he helped Jonathon into his jacket.

“Don’t do that,” Jonathon said and hid the notebook before they left. “We’re already off to a strong start,” he told her, then kissed Muriel’s and Tilly’s cheeks on the way out. “Are you cosplaying as Clark Kent?” he asked Leo after they got into the elevator, gesturing at the glasses.

“You don’t like them?” Leo took them off and inspected the frames and plastic lenses.

“I do,” Jonathon replied, smiling as he fell back against the elevator’s wall. “I could have dressed up as Lois Lane if you would have told me, is all.”

Leo chuckled softly as he put them back on and stepped close, bracing a hand next to Jonathon’s shoulder. “I’d like to be your Superman, if you’ll let me,” he said, hooking a finger under Jonathon’s chin and snagging his attention. “I have studied your Instagram account and I noticed that you have a talent for costumes.” He stifled a groan as his thumb traced Jonathon’s lower lip. “Is it because you’re such a gifted artist or because you watched so much television as a child?”

“Probably. Thank you. Both,” Jonathon babbled weakly as his neck stretched, mesmerized by the sweet mintiness of Leo’s breath and the smell of his cologne and aftershave. For a moment, they were at Schönbühel again and the years had turned back until the elevator bounced as it halted and there was a cheerful ding! as the doors opened. Jonathon gave himself a shake, scowling playfully at Leo. “I guess that hasn’t changed.”

There was a soft laugh as Leo offered his arm. “I’m praying I can keep my feet on the pavement and out of my mouth for the next few hours as well,” he whispered, but Jonathon frowned when they stepped out onto the sidewalk and there was no car or giant bodyguard waiting for them.

“What’s going on?”

“This way, I think,” Leo said as he turned them toward Central Park.

“Where’s Markus?” Jonathon asked, earning a mischievous grin.

“I made it one of my conditions. We can’t be ourselves with an angry babysitter staring at us. Markus is back at the Plaza and I am wearing a tracking device and these glasses. I am practically unrecognizable in casualwear,” he said with a wink that caused Jonathon’s tummy to do several somersaults.

“Are you sure it’s safe?”

Leo waved dismissively. “I am virtually unknown by most New Yorkers and I am far less controversial here by those who do know me. I am less controversial in Austria these days and probably don’t need as much security, but Markus is a good friend and I trust him,” he explained. “I hope you’re up for a little sightseeing. I thought we could walk and talk and perhaps, you might show me your favorite place to eat and maybe get a drink,” he suggested.

“I’d love that!” Jonathon said and grabbed his hand, thrilled at the chance to finally show Leo his New York. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished I could show you around the city. Not the glitzy, glamorous parts that Muriel and Max know. I can’t stand that part about being here.”

“Show me your city,” Leo insisted.

They tested their disguises on the A-train to Jonathon’s favorite Thai place on Hudson Street. It was a supper club, in the classic 60s style and the cozy, retro ambiance always put Jonathon at ease and he had been craving the garlic fried rice for days. He was also very partial to the pear wine cocktail and allowed Leo to order several for them.

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