Page 15 of Everything's Better With You
“Good. I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Joe sighed and stepped back. “Did you want some…” He looked around and peeked in the kitchen. “Water? Coffee?”
“There’s tea in there, too,” Leslie said. “I didn’t know which you prefer in the morning. I wanted to make sure you had options.”
Joe stepped back and wrinkled his nose. “Oh, you’re good. But if you want to know what I do in the morning, you’re going to have to find out for yourself. Right now, I’m going to go to bed, so if you want to know what I do before bed you’re welcome to watch. Join in if you want.”
Les shook his head. “And you’re dangerous. I’ll let you get some rest. How about I take you to breakfast?”
Joe tried to hide his disappointment, but Les noticed the quiver in his chin. “It would have to be early. It’s a two-hour drive to the airport.”
“Then I’ll be here early,” Les said. He moved closer and took Joe’s hand in his. “I’ll take you to breakfast and then we can talk about you coming in the fall. You know, the dates and everything. I can answer any questions you might have, and then I can say goodbye and know it’ll only be a short time until I see you again.”
“Are you really making me do this?” Joe said, curling his lip. “Becoming a resident of Ayre Valley once more?”
“I’d love it if you would,” Leslie said solemnly. “I think it would be a good experience for you, and it would be a phenomenal win for Greenvale.”Please say yes.He squeezed Joe’s hand before reaching for the door. “Sleep on it.” He leaned in and kissed Joe’s cheek, his lips lingering as if he was losing the battle between willpower and temptation and was going to scoop Joe up in his arms and take him where they both wanted to be…
“Are you taking me to the Tasty Grill for breakfast?” Joe whispered.
Leslie laughed. “There is a new place, an actual chain restaurant even. But if it’s Tasty Grill you want—”
“Yesss,” Joe breathed. “That’s the only place that can tempt me from my clean eating regimen.”
Leslie bowed. “Your wish is my command. I’ll see you…”
“Oh, uh, seven? That too early?”
“Nope. See you at seven.” Leslie opened the door and then paused to take a long, long look at Joe. He needed one more dose of Joe’s incredible presence before leaving. “I’m so glad you came.”
Joe raised his arm over his head and leaned against the door. “I mean, I’m here. And I’m considering this terrible plan you and your brother have concocted. That’s something, right?”
Leslie looked around to be sure all was quiet on First Street. The moon illuminated Jackets Pond and the water danced softly with the chilly breeze brushing over its surface. During the day, the fountain would provide a lovely sight and a relaxing sound for those in the area. Leslie remembered looking out the window of the third floor of the McCann Building during class and watching the fountain. He’d dream of his future playing in the NFL, and a special person in his life cheering him on. Then it had come true. Well, the NFL part. The special person needed to agree to the cheering on part. Maybe Jackets Pond had magical wish-granting powers. He’d send a little wish up tonight in hopes the rest of his dream came true.
“It’s more than something. Good night.” He leaned in and hesitated inches from Joe’s face. If Joe closed the distance, it meant he really was considering the plan.
Joe chuckled. “Good night, Leslie.”
Then Joe leaned the rest of the way in and made light contact, tentativecontact, teasing contact. It was enough. Enough to make Les’s lips tingle. He stepped back and laughed as Joe rolled his eyes and shut the door with a huff.
It was a start.
Or at least he’d thought so.
When Leslie pulled up at 6:58 a.m. he growled and slammed his hand on the steering wheel.
Joe’s rental car was gone, which had to mean Joe was gone.
“Dammit, Joe.” That familiar twinge pulled at his heart as he turned off the ignition on his Lincoln Town Car. He didn’t want Joe to have to scale the mountain that was his F-250, so he’d brought his sensible classy car that he used to drive his mom around in. He climbed the steps to the front porch and noticed a rolled-up piece of paper tied with a string.
A note.
My Dearest Leslie,
I texted you, but I figured you might not check before coming.
I needed to think. I’m sorry about breakfast. You’ve been so patient with me, and I’m going to ask you for a little more of that patented Payton patience.
I’ve got to make some calls when I get home, first to my agent to see what my schedule is like before I commit to the job. I’d likely have to take you up on the airplane offer a few times to fly out forDance Machinefilming, but I can probably make it work, even from the middle of nowhere.
