Page 13 of Spoonful

Jaylin got inside, shed his coat, then beelined to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He had taken to carrying gum with him in his jacket pocket, but he’d used the last of his pack a few days ago and hadn’t gotten a chance to buy a fresh one yet. Once he’d spat out the toothpaste, he shed the rest of his clothes and jumped into the shower.

It was only once he was out of the shower that he noticed how badly his wrists were bruised.

“Fucker,” Jaylin hissed, glaring down at dark purple mottled skin. The bruises weren’t subtle. It’d be obvious to anyone what they were from.

Just another way for Brent to have control over Jaylin’s life.

Well it wasn’t like there was anything he could do now. At least it was winter, the perfect time to wear big, oversized sweaters with sleeves that hung down. He’d make do. He always did.

He got redressed and went over to his bed to grab his laptop to spend some more time on his paper. He’d already read it through a couple of times, but he wanted to get at least one more full read through of it before he turned it in. Staring at the letters as they bounced around the page always threatened tomake his eyes cross, so it was slow going, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through.

It was snowing lightly when Jaylin’s alarm went off, letting him know it was time to leave if he wanted to get toEl Guanacoon time. He set aside his laptop and went to pull on his belovedwarmwinter coat with a sigh, happy that he got to wear it. His thick gloves went on next, then his winter hat. He once again had the thought about trying to find himself a scarf, just because of how bitter the wind was when he stepped outside his building, but he hunched forward and bore it.El Guanacowas only about a ten minute walk away. Ten minutes was nothing.

His phone buzzed in his pocket as he approached the restaurant, flashing a message from Hiro. Jaylin tugged one of his gloves off so he could hit the button to play it out loud, pressing his phone to his ear to hear over the howling wind. He hoped it wasn't bad news.

It wasn't.Just got a table,his iPhone’s robot voice narrated for him.I’m in a booth on the right side.

Jaylin’s heart sank as he checked the time. He was late? But–

It was twelve fifteen.

Oh.

Well, okay. At least he wasn't late.

Five minutes later Jaylin was stamping off his boots in the doorway of the restaurant, pulling off his hat and heading in, letting Martina, the greeter, know that he was meeting someone.

The restaurant was understandably busy on a Sunday afternoon, and it made Jaylin worry about whether or not that was why Hiro had showed up so early. Jaylin went out to eat on his own so rarely, he hadn’t thought much about the restaurant being busier at this time of day.Stupid.

He went searching for Hiro’s booth, eyes landing on the man within seconds. He was just… easy to spot in a crowd. Hewas wearing a soft looking green sweater, looking comfortable and casual. Just a guy meeting someone for lunch. A handsome, important guy who was giving Jaylin the time of day for some reason, and who could potentially make or break Jaylin’s legal career.

Just a guy.

Hiro spotted him as he approached, looking up from the menu to give him a smile and a wave. Jaylin pulled off his hat and gloves, stuffing them in his pockets as he headed over to him. At least Hiro probably wouldn’t be able to tell that Jaylin’s cheeks were somehow hot.

“Good to see you again,” Hiro said warmly as Jaylin sat down. “Was the walk okay?”

“Yeah, not too bad,” Jaylin said, shrugging out of his coat. “How about the drive?”

“Not too bad either,” Hiro said. “And this place was easy to find. I’ve never heard of it before, but I’m excited to try. I love trying new food.” He looked like he had already started making a dent in the basket of complimentary chips and salsa on the table.

“I hope you like it here,” Jaylin said, giving him a hesitant smile. “I think they do good food.”

Obviously. Otherwise he wouldn’t have recommended it. He grabbed a chip and scooped up some salsa before popping it into his mouth. If he was chewing, he couldn't say anything else stupid.

“Jaylito! Hey, welcome back!”

Jaylin grimaced and swallowed his mouthful. Of course. Of course it would be Carlos. “Hey.”

“It’s been ages,” Carlos said, looking faux offended, before switching to rapid-fire Spanish.“Thought you got sick of us! Which was ridiculous, frankly. How could anyone get sick of El Guanaco’s food? Or me, for that matter?”

Jaylin fought the groan. Carlos was… nice enough. Mostly he was a chatterbox, and several months ago, when Jaylin had first ventured into the restaurant, Carlos had noticed Jaylin wearing aPride and Prejudicet-shirt and struck up a conversation about the book. Jaylin had then had to admit he hadn’treadthe book, he’d just found the shirt at a thrift store and liked the design on it. That had gotten a dramatic gasp from Carlos, who had proceeded to talk Jaylin’s ear off about it for the duration of Jaylin’s meal.

It had almost scared Jaylin away from the restaurant completely, but the food had been good and cheap, and the portions had been large enough that he’d had leftovers to take home. So Jaylin had gone back. Carlos had been just as happy to talk at Jaylin the second time around too, and had been weirdly delighted to discover Jaylin spoke Spanish.

Ever since, he’d always sought Jaylin out whenever Jaylin popped in for food while Carlos was working.

Several months in, Jaylin now knew alotabout Carlos and Carlos’s incredibly large extended family. He didn’t mind, truth be told. Even with all the dramatics that Carlos frequently regaled him with, it was kind of nice to see how a happy, loving family operated. It almost kind of felt like being a part of one, in a way.

---