Covering the lower half of his face with his hand, Arthur began tap-tap-tapping his index finger on his cheek as he considered the possible futures that might be available to him now. Jesse looked up and chuckled. Arthur stopped tapping and crooked an eyebrow.
“What?” Arthur asked.
“Nothing. I like that habit of yours, is all.”
Arthur smiled and kissed the top of Jesse’s head. He loved that Jesse noticed things like that.
“What were you thinking about?” Jesse asked.
“I was considering the fact that once my parents know about Emma, or especially if they ever find out about the two of us, I might be free from every single recurring social obligation in the future. I mean, I mightneverhave to see the other families from our Prairie Avenue circle again. Not unless I want to.”
“Well, except for the fact that youlive onPrairie Avenue.”
Arthur blew out a breath. “Yes, that’s true.” He hummed and rubbed his chin again. “Although... there’s no reason I have tokeepliving there. Right?”
“I suppose not.”
“Hmm... I know several families who moved up to Lake Forest. And the Gold Coast. Not that I’dbe interested in moving to either of those neighborhoods, but I’ve noticed that once people move out of our little area of Chicago, we see them less and less often.”
“So, moving might be a way to break connection with everyone.”
“Exactly.”
“But where else would you want to live? Surely not here in Bridgeport.”
Arthur laughed. “No. Not if I want to keep my staff with me. I couldn’t find a place large enough out here.” Arthur sat up straighter, prompting Jesse to sit up, too. Arthur turned to face him. “Would you come with me somewhere else?” he asked.
“Come with you? Where? Out of Chicago?”
Arthur shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. I like living here. I have my businesses here, too. And I knowyoulike working at Putnam Press. So, maybe not out of Chicago, no. But somewhere else. Away from Prairie Avenue. Would you... come with me, then?”
Jesse chewed on his lip for a few seconds. “I’d have to think about it. I like living with Giuseppe. And I’m fairly certain that he couldn’t make rent on his own.”
Arthur smiled warmly and held up his hands. “No obligation, of course.”
Jesse leaned forward, and they shared a kiss.
Arthur and Jesse’s exchange was interrupted by the sound of heavy, slow footsteps on the stairs. Both men turned to face the door. In seconds, Giuseppe burst into the living space soaking wet, his black-brown hair plastered over his forehead, clothes dripping water onto the floorboards.
“Well, I won’t be working in the steel mill anymore,” he said, the sorrow and worry shining in his eyes betraying his obviously forced casual tone of voice.
Jesse shook his head in bewilderment. “What happened?”
“Business is terrible, that’s what happened. Patrick took me to work this morning. And then, only one hour later, fifteen of us at the mill were sent home early and told not to come back.” He huffed a bitter laugh. “I wanted a bit of a break. Guess I can enjoy a permanent one now. Jesus, it seems like everyone in Chicago is struggling lately.” His eyes flitted to Arthur. “Well, maybe noteveryone.”
Guilt turned Arthur’s face hot as his stomach roiled unpleasantly.
“I’m so sorry, Mr. Caputo,” Arthur said with as much sincerity as he could muster.
Giuseppe simply scowled. Jesse started over, walking to his roommate with long, purposeful strides, and then he threw his arms around Giuseppe with enough force to knock him back a step.
“I’m sorry, too,” Jesse said.
Giuseppe exhaled a shuddering breath before finally hugging Jesse back.
“I’ll find something,” he said. “Eventually.”
“Even if you can’t, I make enough for rent,” Jesse reassured him. “Just about.”
