Page 32 of Embracing James

“Hello,” Tad said. “I didn’t expect to hear from you. How are you? What’s the damage?”

“I’m fantastic. No damage. Actually, I have news for you.”

“Oh?” Tad asked. “What? On the center?”

“You’re getting the Nesper Street house.”

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope. The seller accepted my offer. I’ll meet with the agent today to sign the papers.”

“You’re heaven sent.”

He laughed. No one had ever said that before. “Well, I don’t know about that. What I am is happy to help.”

“You’re wonderful.”

He continued to laugh. Most of the time when he did a deal, one side wasn’t happy. Getting thanks and praise was good, but odd. “I’ll let you know when I get the deed and the timeline for moving in so you can plan.”

“Yes,” Tad said. “This makes my day.”

“I’m glad. I need to handle some other paperwork, but stay tuned.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Talk later.” He waited for Tad to hang up, then whooped. Helping others felt good. He’d have to make a monetary donation to the center to help them with set-up.

He checked his emails and missed calls, carefully going through the various information. He couldn’t wait to tell James what had happened.

By noon, he’d met with his advisors and real estate agent. He visited the realty office to sign the papers. He’d take possession of the house in one month.

Perfect.

When he finished meeting with his electrician and plumber concerning various help and work tickets on his properties, he ventured up to the salon.

He should bring James food, shouldn’t he? The man didn’t eat enough. He stopped at the sub shop, picking up sandwiches for himself and James. He headed to the salon. As he walked up to the building, he remembered something his mother would say—he could find a hundred things to do on his way to eventually getting around to his main task.

She was right. He’d thought of other things he could do before he went into the salon. He always came up with tasks he should complete while trying to accomplish his current one.

He ventured into the salon. A young lady stood at the reception desk.

“Hi,” she said. “Welcome to Dye Hard Style. May I help you? Do you have an appointment?”

“I’m Paul Henderson. I help out here.” He stopped at the turnstile. “Is James busy?”

“Mr. Mason? He’s with a client,” she said. “I don’t see your name on my list. Just a moment.”

At least she was thorough. He appreciated her doing her job. Paul waited for his lover and the girl to return. A moment later, she rounded the counter with James in her wake. Doob surged up to Paul.

“Hi.” James nodded to the girl. “Casey, this is Paul. He does volunteer here. Doob knows him, as you can see.”

Paul knelt to pet Doob, who damn near knocked him over. “Hi, buddy,” Paul said. “You’re happy today.”

Doob licked his face and pushed him onto his rear end. Paul laughed and continued to pet the dog.

“See? He’s okay.” James nodded. “But I’m glad you checked. If you see him, he’s permitted here. He’s my boyfriend.”

“Oh. Okay.” She smiled. “That makes a difference.” She stuck out her hand. “I’m Casey.”

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