“I’ll run downstairs and get it.I know right where it is in the walk-in.”
Jamie watched as Salzy and Joesph exited the apartment.When he looked over, he saw Mike watching him.“What?”
“I was just wondering if you were okay, is all.”Mike’s eyes were bright and...seeking, Jamie thought.
“It’s been...hard the last few days, is all.I’ve had a lot going on.”
“I’d say that’s an understatement.”Mike drained the last bit of beer left in his bottle.“If there’s anything I can do to help, I hope you let me know.”
“I think you’ve done more than enough.”Jamie lowered his gaze.“Thank you again for everything.”
Mike let out a chuckle.“It’s in my own self-interest, I’m afraid.”
“Oh?”Jamie looked up before emptying his own bottle.
“Well, yeah.I eat at the diner most nights.”Mike smiled.“And I happen to really like the owner too.”
Jamie felt the tension in his stomach lessen as he blushed.He’s got the most incredible eyes.
“I’d still like to kiss you.”Mike leaned forward.“I really would like to take you out.”
Jamie felt his head nodding in the affirmative, not even thinking about it.“Maybe.”
“I can handle that.”Mike stood and got them all another round of beer.“I think that Joesph misses his martinis,” he chuckled.“He had one the night we went to dinner, and he’s mentioned it several times since.”
Jamie smacked his forehead with his palm.“I’m so stupid.”He looked up at Mike.“How did I not think of that?”
Chapter Forty-Three
“Hey, Mike?”Joesphcalled from the bottom of the staircase that led up to the apartment.“Could you come down here for a moment, please?”
“On my way.”Mike stood back up and looked at Jamie, giving him a slight smile.
Before Jamie knew what was happening, all of his worldly possessions were piled around the small living space of the apartment.Salzy, Joesph, and Mike carried it all up the stairs.When Jamie got up to help, Joesph pushed him back down in his chair.
“There’s only one more load to carry up and we don’t need you.Just sit there and try to look pretty.”
