Chapter Sixty-Six
“Get a load of that,” Dexter said, as the shuttle van pulled into the parking lot of the diner.
“Oh, my,” Minnie added.
“Ms.Mattie would be so proud,” Florence said as she pulled out a tissue, dabbing it under her eyes.“I’ve never seen the place look so good.”
“Ya gotta hand it to Jamie.When that man makes up his mind, he just goes and does it,” Walter stated.
“It’s amazing,” said Hazel.“I can’t wait to see inside.”
“Welcome back,” Jamie said, nearly shouting.He looked back towards the front of the diner.“So, what do you think?”
Florence, the first off the little bus, practically ran at Jamie, pulling him into a big hug.“Oh, Jamie.I can’t believe it.It’s all so beautiful.”She let out a small sob.“Ms.Mattie would be over the moon.”
Jamie greeted each of his staff members.“Come on in.”He motioned to the driver, who was Dexter’s cousin.“I’ll give you the grand tour.”
After the tour, the group all sat and had a good chat.They told Jamie, Joesph, Salzy, and, of course, Mike all about their trip.Each had a good story to tell.
When Jamie saw Minnie and then Timmy have a big yawn, he said, “We have time later to get more caught up on things, but I can see ya’ll are tired and could use a good night’s sleep in your own beds.”
“Yes, I’m pretty beat,” Dexter said, standing and stretching.“I’m lookin’ forward to my own bed for sure.”He gave Jamie a big hug.“Ya done a fine job here, Jamie.I’ll see you in the morning.”
When Jamie finally got them all out the door and then locked it, he was excited but exhausted.“Come on,” he said to the other three men.“There’s nothing that can’t be quickly cleaned up tomorrow.I know everyone is as tired as I am.Let’s call it a night.”
“Fine by me,” Salzy said, stretching and yawning.
“Me too.”Joesph went through to the kitchen, heading for the back door.
Mike reached out and took Jamie’s arm.“Mind if I stay over?I don’t have to be on base until nine thirty in the morning.”
“Sure.”Jamie smiled and leaned forward and up for a kiss.“You’re welcome anytime.”
Mike pulled Jamie into his arms and kissed him deeply.Jamie could feel the scratch of Mike’s five o’clock shadow.Who knew I’d be into beard burn?
Jamie started to giggle.“What’s so funny?”Mike asked, his brow knit together.
“It’s your stubble.It scratches, and that is kind of a new thing for me.I just now realized I find it very sexy.”
“Oh, really, now?”Mike smiled.“I will remember that.”
“I hope you do.”Jamie kissed Mike again.When he broke the kiss, he said, “Come on.Let’s go to bed.”
“That’s music to my ears,” Mike said, letting Jamie take his hand and pull him through the diner, up the stairs to his apartment.
Jamie let Mike undress him.It appeared to be a thing for the guy.Of course, Jamie let him and then watched as Mike undressed, revealing his ripped body.“I think I could get used to watching you get naked.”
