Page 81 of Jamie
“You said you were nervous. Tell us why? What are you worried about?”
“Not fitting in, I guess. Embarrassing you?”
Silas took that one. “You could never embarrass us, Jamie. We love you. As for fitting in… well, you fit in with me and Bran, so I imagine you’ll fit in with the guys.”
“I can also tell you that I was talking with Jerusalem yesterday and he was saying that Christian and the other boys are very excited to properly meet you.”
Jamie blushed and shrugged. “It’ll be cool to meet people.”
“It will be. And if you want to leave before we do, just let me or Silas know. Okay? But you’ve met some of these boys before, we had dinner all together that first night we met. I think it’s going to go great. But if it doesn’t, just let one of us know you’re uncomfortable.” He wasn’t going to force Jamie to spend a couple of hours with people if he hated it.
“I will. It’s coffee and chat. It’s not scary. Once I’m in there, I’ll be fine.”
“Exactly.” He gave Jamie a warm smile through the rearview mirror before turning his attention back to the road. “Shout out if you see a parking spot—I doubt we’ll get one right in front of the place.”
“Will do. This is a nice part of town, huh?”
“It is. Jerusalem and Christian live around here.” They’d looked in this area when they’d been house hunting, but ultimately had found their perfect place downtown.
It fit them better, and it was made for three men to build a life.
“Spot on the right two cars up,” Silas noted, pointing.
“Excellent. We’re only a block down from the coffee house.” He pulled into the spot, and they all got out of the car and headed toward their meeting place.
Jamie stayed with him, keeping his head down, cap pulled low. He wanted to growl at the paparazzi that had ferreted Jamie out and made it impossible for him to work, tried to steal his privacy. In the end, Jamie being able to focus on his writing was a good thing, but it had also taken away his confidence in being out in public.
Silas held the door to the coffee shop open for them, and he and Jamie went in, Silas following.
Most of the guys were already there, the square tables pulled together.
As soon as everyone saw them, they called out greetings.
“James! You came!” Christian bounced over, grabbing Jamie in a hug.
Bran wanted to crow “I told you so!” But he didn’t. He just watched happily as the group of boys absorbed Jamie into their midst.
He chose a seat so that he was fairly close to the boys’ group. Just so he could keep a half an eye and ear on what was going on with Jamie. He really wanted this to be a good experience for their boy.
“How are you, Bran? Things are well?” Jess smiled at him, nodded over.
“Things are very well, thanks. How about you guys? We’ve been a bit focused lately. What’s new with everyone?”
“My boy has his GED! I’m so proud!” Rick announced.
“That’s fantastic. Congratulations, Nicky!” He knew it had been a long time in coming, Nicky not believing he was smart enough to even attempt it for a long time.
“Thank you!”
“Dude, that rocks. Congrats.” Jamie grinned at Nicky, the expression seeming honestly pleased.
Nicky beamed right back, and some of the others clapped him on the back.
“I’m going to go put our order in.” Silas touched Bran on the back. “Caramel hot chocolate and something sweet to eat?”
“Sounds good.”
“Jamie? What about you?” Silas asked.
