“I think you might be surprised at that,” Mike said.
“Then, Columbus has changed a lot since I last lived here.Besides, I have enough on my plate as it is.”Jamie flopped down onto one of the dining chairs.
“Would you mind if I had a shower?”Mike asked.“I feel kind of gross.”
“Sure.I’ll get you a towel.”Jamie stood up, got Mike a fresh towel and when he returned, he smiled at Joesph.“I have a surprise for you.”
“Oh,reallynow,” Joesph replied, coyly.“You know I do love abigsurprise.”
Jamie rolled his eyes.“I’ll be right back.”
He went downstairs to the diner and into the walk-in.He rummaged around in the bags that Salzy had dropped in there, found what he wanted and returned to the apartment.When he walked in, Mike was standing there in nothing but a towel.
“I guess I should have gotten my gym bag outta my truck before I took a shower.I’ll be right back.”He hurried towards the door.
“Oh.My.God.”Joesph breathed, fanning himself.“I think I may actually swoon.Quick, get me the smelling salts!”
Jamie slowly turned his head slowly towards Joesph.“Me first.”
“Now,” Joesph swallowed hard, still fanning himself.“Where ismysurprise?”
“Here.”Jamie gave him one of the bags.
“Oh, joy.”Joesph frowned.“Just what I always wanted.A cheap coffee maker.”
“Oops.”Jamie laughed.“Wrong bag.”
Joesph opened the other bag that Jamie handed him.“Yes!”Joesph jumped up and hugged his friend.“Idolove you, no matter whatanyonesays about you.”
Joesph pulled out the premium vodka, the garlic stuffed olives, and a set of four martini glasses.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t think of it sooner.It was Mike who reminded me.Sometimes I’m just plain stupid.”Jamie sat down.
“Oh,honey,” Joesph hugged him tightly.“You’ve had a whole lot going on in that head of yours.I get that.Besides, it hadn’t been all that important to me.If it was, I could have gone and gotten it myself.”
“Sorry,” Mike said, returning carrying a black canvas bag.He dashed back into the bathroom.
Jamie and Joesph were silent for a moment.“Whew...”Joesph fanned himself again.“After allthat...”—he waved his hand towards the bathroom—“I need a goodstiffdrink.”
