“Jimmy.” Cold squeezed his hand. “You’re not a failure. Your father is out of prison, he’s happy and prospering. You’re going back to school in just a few weeks. You’re an outstanding young man.”
“Thank you.” Jimmy smiled, hoping those simple words properly conveyed the gratitude he felt.
Cold smirked, touching Jimmy’s cheek affectionately. “How are you feeling now?”
“Better.” Jimmy blushed. “Tired. Really tired. But I feel much better. All of my life I’ve tried so hard to get all the things I want, and now I’m finally getting them...”
“But you still feel inadequate?” Cold supplied knowingly.
“Yes,” Jimmy said, his smile dimming a little. “I think there’s a part of me that wishes I had been able to do it sooner, or maybe do it all on my own... I don’t know.”
“Mmm, but just remember,” Cold assured, “I may fund you, but when you walk across that stage with your diploma in your hand? It will be because of your studying, your hard work. It’s yours and your achievement alone.”
“How do you always know what to say?” Jimmy beamed.
“Because I’m very old and very wise.”
“Not that old,” Jimmy said with a warm smile, pulling Cold into a sweet kiss. “You’re perfect.”
“Mmm, far from it.”
“Well, you’re perfect to me,” Jimmy sighed, snuggling in tight.
Cold rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. “Sleep now.”
Jimmy didn’t protest, his body and mind worn out completely from the intense evening. He let his eyes close, smiling softly when Cold kissed his hair, whispering in his ear, “Vous êtes mon fantasme devenu réalité... Je t’aime.”
“No clue what that first part means,” Jimmy mumbled sleepily, “but I love you, too.”
Chapter Six
The first day of schoolwas absolutely wonderful for Jimmy. He’d been looking forward to it for weeks. There was a part of him that still couldn’t believe that it was actually happening, and the reality didn’t hit until he was walking into his very first class.
He’d done it. He was here. He was finally going to finish his degree.
Many of his old law professors were still here teaching and were glad to see him. Even though it had been so long, Jimmy was able to navigate his way around campus efficiently and enjoyed catching up with so many familiar faces.
