Chapter Four #2
He knew why Jason had drunk so much, and why he’d clammed up. It was obvious. Jason had to be suffering from emotional overload. It must have taken a lot out of him to share his history. David could only hope that Jason hadn’t continued drinking after his departure.
He pushed open the glass door and stepped into the warm coffee shop. Most of the places along the long bench that faced the counter were already taken, but his favorite spot was thankfully empty. He walked over to the counter and—
Well, fuck. That is just not fair.
Jason looked… great, his usual well-groomed, sexy self. No hint of the ravages that David had seen in his bathroom mirror that morning.
Apparently, he was staring.
“What’s up? Have I got something on my face?” Jason regarded him with an inquiring glance.
“I feel like crap. How the hell can you look so damn good when I look and feel like crap?” he groused.
Jason blinked, a habit David was fast becoming used to. “I… look good?” His cheeks flushed. “Oh, okay. Do I apologize for that?” He appeared amused.
David was about to berate him for his good mood, when Jason gazed past his shoulder, his eyes widening, mouth falling open. “Travis? Are you okay?”
A young man appeared at David’s side, smiling shyly. “Hey, Dad. I just came by to say I’m sorry I didn’t see you yesterday. I did think about you though. I felt awful, you being on your own on Thanksgiving, but—”
“Hey, no worries,” Jason assured him. “And as it happens, I wasn’t alone. I was with a friend.”
His words warmed David’s insides. When Jason’s gaze flickered in his direction, David gave a tiny shake of his head and let Melina take his order. Jason flashed him a grateful smile and returned his attention to Travis.
“Do you want a coffee or something? I can sit a while with you, if you like.”
Travis beamed. “That would be great. A latte would be nice.”
David watched as Jason untied his checked apron and came from around the counter, gesturing to the couch.
Melina told him she’d bring the coffees over when she was done with David’s order.
David loved Jason’s stunned yet happy expression.
When a customer got up from the bench to leave, David snuck quickly into the vacated spot with his Americano to await his bagel.
He didn’t mind for one minute that Jason had taken his favorite seat—any other time and he’d have jokingly laid into him—but this was clearly important.
He sat and perused his phone, trying not to keep glancing into the window where Jason and his son were talking quietly but with obvious enthusiasm. Happy was definitely a good look for Jason. He focused on Travis, his smile almost constant, his body language relaxed.
Stop staring. But God, it was difficult to tear his gaze away from Jason.
Am I staring more now that I know he’s gay?
It was a reasonable assumption. But David knew that just because Jason was gay didn’t automatically mean he’d be interested in David.
Life didn’t work out like that most of the time.
Unfortunately.
About half an hour later, Travis got up and after hugging Jason, left the coffee shop. Jason stared after him, a smile still lingering on his face. When he caught sight of David, he grinned and walked over to where he sat.
“Good morning.”
David had to smile back. That happy expression was infectious. “Good morning. That looks like it went well.”
Jason nodded. “I haven’t seen him for months. He wanted to stop by the apartment yesterday, but his mom insisted he help her with the meal. Then he got roped into entertaining his younger cousins. You know what Thanksgiving can be like.”
David knew all too well. He returned Jason’s grin. “And now you know why I didn’t go home yesterday.”
Jason cocked his head to one side. “Let me guess—big family?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe. Besides, I think I got the better deal.”
Damn. Jason just glowed at that comment. “Aw, thank you. I had a great time yesterday. And I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad this morning.”
It took David a moment to realize that he was actually feeling a whole lot better. “The coffee and bagel helped.”
Jason grinned. “Don’t they always?” He studied David for a second or two. “Hey, are you doing anything this evening?”
“If you’re thinking of inviting me round to finish off that bottle of whiskey? Forget it,” David joked.
Jason laughed. “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to go for a bite to eat when I’m done here.
I’ll be shutting up around eight. If any more Black Friday shoppers want a coffee to fortify themselves after a day’s spending, they’ll have to find somewhere else to drink.
” He held up his hands. “Nothing fancy, just some dinner nearby, if we can find a place that isn’t packed. ”
David stared at him, surprised by the suggestion. Maybe he’s asking because he’s in such a good mood. Whatever the motivation, David wasn’t about to refuse.
“I’d like that.”
“Great!” If anything, Jason’s smile widened. “I’ll meet you outside here at eight, all right?”
David nodded. “Sounds good.”
That was an understatement if ever there was one. It sounded fantastic, and he couldn’t wait.