Nic considered it. Considered how Cam would be admitted and he’d be left outside in the waiting room. Not family technically. He shook his head. “I think what he needs most right now is a good night’s rest. It’s been days.”
“Agreed.” Jamie shrugged out of his jacket and shoved it in Nic’s hands. “Get in there and wrap him up.”
Nodding, Nic removed his own coat and slid into the backseat with Cam. Jamie closed the door behind him, climbed in the front, and started the car.
“Can’t stop shaking,” Cam chattered.
“You’re in shock.” Nic wrapped him in the jackets, then in his arms, holding him close.
“We’ll get you warmed up,” Jamie said, blasting warm air out of the vents.
With it eighty degrees inside and outside the car, it was sweltering, but the slight easing of Cam’s tense frame was worth it. Nic ran a hand through his dark hair, down his neck, and over his back, coaxing the relaxation through the rest of him. “That’s it, Boston.” He pressed a kiss against his temple, breathing in his own moment of calm.
The tears came not long after. No giant heaving sobs, no audible whimpers. Just short breaths and wetness that seeped through Nic’s shirt. The shock worn off enough, the time for responsibility passed such that Cam could grieve. Nic held him closer, whispering “Let it out” and “I’ve got you” as Jamie slowly wove the Jeep through the lingering rush hour traffic.
By the time they hit South Boston, Cam’s tears had dried and he was snoring in Nic’s arms, the week-long roller-coaster ride having finally caught up to him.
“I hope you don’t mind a bedmate who snores,” Jamie said.
Nic’s eyes shot up, catching Jamie’s blue ones in the rearview mirror, the corners crinkled, somewhere between exhaustion and a smile.
He pulled Cam closer, resting his chin on his head. “I was in the military. Impossible to ignore it in the barracks. You learn to tune it out. And I was probably one of the loudest.”
Jamie chuckled. “Get a pug and you’ll be a symphony.”
“Don’t think Bird will take kindly to that.”
“That cat could probably take down a German Shepherd.”
“It’s fucking huge. And that name . . .”
“I tried to rename it Jordan.”
They both laughed, and Nic marveled at the ease and oddity of the mundane yet momentous conversation. He’d basically just agreed to move in with Cam. To Jamie, of all people. The mind boggled.
The silence was surprisingly comfortable the last few minutes of the drive, and Cam didn’t stir as Jamie idled the car near the hotel’s entrance. “Go ahead and take him up. I’ll park.”
Nic tried to rouse Cam, only to have him burrow closer. “Will he wake and pull his weapon on me if I carry him?”
Sympathy clouded Jamie’s face as he regarded his sleeping friend. “That’s twenty years of guilt and grief off him.” He glanced again at Nic, face softening. “I think he’ll sleep through just about anything right now. Besides, doesn’t look like he’s letting go.”
No, he was still holding tight. Hiding from the world now, and Nic was happy to continue to shield him. “Okay, then, help me out?”
Jamie nodded and got out, while Nic, unwrapping Cam, put his jacket back on and pulled out his room key. He hauled Cam into his lap, one arm around his back, the other under his knees, and when Jamie opened the door, climbed out with Cam in his arms, still nestled against his chest.
“You got him?” Jamie said, closing the door.
“Got him,” he said, readjusting and securing his hold. It had been a while since he’d carried someone so solid, but he wouldn’t have Cam anywhere else right now. “We’ll be in my room, if anything?—”
“I’ll see you in the morning.” The trust and friendship in Jamie’s smile pushed the last of the water under the bridge out to sea for good.
Even brought a smile to Nic’s face, but it fell as they entered the hotel lobby and heads turned their way. He glared off every person who looked like they might approach and ignored the rest of the stares as he stalked past the front desk on his way to the elevator.
It opened as he reached it, a young couple on their way out. The one man looked concerned, the other like he might swoon. Concerned shuffled Swoony out of the way and stretched an arm in front of the elevator doors, holding it open for Nic. “Can I hit a button for you?”
“Top floor,” he replied gruffly, then softer, added, “Please.”
The man reached in, hit the button, then backed out. “I hope he’s okay.”
