As I contemplate how to get out of the plans, Jamie starts to stir, an arm snaking out toward me. It hadn’t been late when we got in last night, but we’d distracted ourselves in this bed long into the night.
His arm finally makes contact with me and a smile blooms over his face.
“Good morning.”
“Morning. How are you feeling this morning?”
Our sex last night had been intense, and I worry he might be feeling it this morning. He stretches like a cat, arms up over his head.
“Fucking great. Your apartment might be the most soulless place on Earth, but it’s all worth it for this bed.”
I laugh, reminded of the day I took Jamie out looking at apartments, of how far we’ve come since.
I roll toward him and kiss his temple before heading to the bathroom. After taking a piss and brushing my teeth, I poke my head back out.
“So, uh, what plans do you have over the break?”
“Um, not a whole lot. You?”
“Well, Alexei and I will get dinner tonight — it’s our tradition — but you’re welcome to come along. Other than that, nothing until the 27th. I don’t suppose you brought enough clothes for that long, did you?”
“I mean, all that’s in the duffel is three jockstraps, but I think that’ll be fine, don’t you?”
My shock must show clearly on my face. He rolls with laughter — literally — in the bed.
“Nah, I’m just joking. I was trying to figure out what the hell to pack and at one point I thought about just tossing in a handful of jocks and calling it a day. I ended up with a more…sensible selection.”
I try not to let my disappointment show on my face.
“Although it is possible that a jock or two still made it in. Who knows?”
We’ll definitely be investigatingthatlater on.
“Did you happen to bring something we could go grab coffee in? I think the place on the corner is open until noon.”
He looks at me appraisingly, as though the offer of caffeine is an important one.
“Yeah, I think I’ve got something that will work.”
In the end,Jamie decides not to come to dinner with Alexei and I, instead choosing to FaceTime his best friend back in California. At first, he plans to head back to his place, but I am fortunate enough to convince him to stay at mine, instead. I place a takeout order for him, enjoying the thought of having him here in my space even when I’m not.
As I head downstairs to meet Alexei in the lobby, my phone buzzes in my pocket.
Jamie Carter 6:42 PM
Sorry about that.
I really do have a call with Avery tonight.
But I also thought you and Alexei could stand to have some time together.
Ethan Tremblay 6:53PM
Thanks
Have a good call
Although I was sort of looking forward to plying you with red meat and a nice Cabernet
