I hope you enjoyed the first chapter, this continues the interactions of Jay and Paul.
Thanks for all the kind words on Chapter 1.
Again I welcome your feedback.
Big Ben chimed again on his bedside table. Jay lay in bed, already awake, but in denial about having to get up. He could see the lazy gray-whiteness outside his bedroom window. Snow. Jay did a big stretch, spreading his long arms wide like he was trying to crack off the remaining layers of last nights sleep. "Get moving Jay, get moving." he muttered to himself. Jay slid out of bed and walked to the window to check out the morning. A few inches of white already coated the ground.
He knew the routine, it was gym time. However, something about a snowy morning brought back all those memories of childhood. Running downstairs for breakfast - hoping school would be closed for a snow day - and the smell of his Mother's chocolate chip pancakes. Getting dressed in his snow gear and boots to play outside. Snowball fights with his Brother. Most people think that all goes out the window when you become an adult - and for the most part it does - but not for him. So, in honor of winter, the gym is having a snow day.
Jay wasn't in any hurry now this morning. He took his time over his coffee, enjoyed his breakfast and watched some local news. He was more interested in the snow, but this morning he didn't have to rush - he had time to devour everything that was making the city and world tick.
He showered, and as he dried off, he looked at himself in the mirror like he did every morning. This man had years of baggage he was unable to unpack, but was working on it. Paying attention kept him focused - Concentrate on courage. Pay attention to pain. Lean into letting go. Jay knew he wasn't perfect, and he acknowledged it to keep himself sane. Fix what you can, ignore what you can't. While others may have looked at him enviously - believing he had it all together - very few people knew he was a train wreck inside. Earlier, when Ian was talking about college, his memories brought back the scared college student. "Ian was just talking, playing around with Jason - let it go and move on" he thought to himself.
Jay dressed in his favorite pair of dark blue jeans - the ones that hugged his ass just the right way. He wondered if he was he trying to dress for work or entice Paul. Fuck it, he changed in to his comfortable jeans - the ones that looked best with his practical snow boots - and threw on a blue cashmere sweater. Functionally fashionable.
He grabbed his keys and scarf on the way out and ran down the stairs to the garage - after all, he skipped the gym today. He didn't deserve the elevator. He was about to get in the Jeep when he shivered, realizing he should have grabbed a heavier coat. Oh well, he thought, this'll have to do. Leaving the garage he was met by the snowy surroundings. He switched to 4 wheel drive for good measure and began his commute. The roads were almost deserted - apparently everyone else was having a snow day of their own.
-
Jay arrived at the office and headed to the kitchen right away to make some hot chocolate. Soon after, Ian called Jay to tell him he'd be working from home. "Well, enjoy your day" Jay replied happily "go build a snowman."
"Do you want him anatomically correct?" Ian asked seductively, laughing at his own joke
"Who's the pig now?" Jay laughed back.
Before Jay could hang up, Ian asked with concern in his voice "Hey, are you sure everything is ok? Are you sure your alright?"
Jay thought for a moment and chose his words carefully "I'm fine, just dredged up buried feelings. I'm afraid I'm falling down that rabbit hole again."
Ian's tone changed to one of sympathy and worry "tell me" he prodded.
Again, Jay picked through his thoughts "it's happening again Ian, I'm falling for a straight guy. How do I move on when I can't break old habits - when I keep making the same mistakes."
"Paul, obviously?" Ian asked gently. "Look, Jay, everything that happened was years ago. I can't know how you're feeling, but I can tell you I'll always be here for you. I'll always love you." Jay could hear the words catch in Ian's throat. "As for Paul, so what if he's straight?" Ian asked. "You can still be friends with him can't you?"
Jay didn't have to take long to reply "I think we both know the answer to that, right?"
"No, Jason couldn't - Jay can. Think about it, you've changed." Ian reminded him.
Jay brushed Ian's observations asside, instead replying in a seductive voice mocking Ian's earlier attempt "so, what's the snowman wearing?"
Ian chided "Jason Wyatt, what am I going to do with you."
"Nothing I haven't already thought of" Jay said.
"You really are a pig Jay." Ian chuckled.
-
As Jay replayed their conversation, he began to calm down and feel a little more at ease. He said out loud "get a grip on yourself, don't let this rattle you." Jay gathered himself and went back to his hot chocolate.
Not long after, the door opened. It was Paul, followed closely by Andy and a few other staff. Jay yelled out "I'm making hot chocolate, any body up for a cup?" Paul was the first to accept, so he and Jay stood in the kitchen making cup after cup of cocoa.
"Listen up" said Andy, "the snow is really coming down. Finish up everything that is a priority and then head out."
Phone calls made and appointments cancelled, everyone got to work quickly clearing projects off their desks. Looked like Kellers was having a snow day as well.
Little by little the staff trickled back out after a few brief hours. Only Andy, Paul and Jay remained.
"That's it" said Andy. "You two go home, see you guys Monday."
-
Jay and Paul walked to their cars. Jay's Jeep needed only a little cleaning off, but Paul's little Cruiser was buried. Both guys grabbed shovels from the office and began digging around the little black car. They worked in tandem for over a hour before calling it quits. Paul's car was frozen like a fish stick in the back of a deep freezer. - plowed in on the busy street.
Paul threw his hands up in exhaustion. Both men were freezing and soaked through their clothes. "What do I do now?" Paul asked, his voice wavering between anger and concern. "How do I get home?"
"Just a thought" Jay offered. "Lets grab something to eat and warm up a little - we can give it another try later."
Both men piled into the Jeep and Jay drove them a few blocks to The All-American Diner, just outside of downtown. The place had great food and a classic diner vibe. The guys enjoyed a hearty lunch, but appreciated the hot coffee more.
They sat chatting, losing track of time. Jay learned more of Paul's rocky upbringing In Kentucky - about an abusive Father, and a Mother unwilling to step in to help. Paul wasn't allowed to show any weakness or emotions growing up. Feelings had no place in the Quinn home. He learned Paul had an older Sister who dropped out of high school and skipped out on the family first chance she got. Plus, how he worked every hard, back breaking menial job to save for college. Other than a few random scholarships, Paul made his own way in this world. His young, boyish face and polite demeanor betrayed nothing of a harsh upbringing.
Jay was still keeping his life secretive. Still unsure where he stood with Paul, he wasn't comfortable sharing any more information than necessary. He grew up with an older Brother a few hours North of the city, always being interested art and music. Graduated from State, along with Ian, with a degree in Design. His life seemed like a breeze when he heard Paul describing his.
-
The bell on the diner door clanged to life. It seemed like everyone turned around at once to see who came in. Jay glanced up and made eye contact with Donny and Eddie, two - and he despised himself for using the term - queens he knew from the gay bar around the corner. "Fuck" he thought to himself "why them?" Fort Dicks was Jay's hangout spot Friday nights and an occasional Saturday. Just down the block from the diner, The All American was the place people gathered before the partying began and afterword to sober up. Naturally they made their way over to Jay and the blonde. "Hey guys" was all Jay wanted to offer. Almost in unison the two newcomers all but sang "hey queen."
Jay groaned out load, prompting Paul to chuckle and smirk in his direction.
"Are you going to be at Dicks tonight?" asked Donny "Eddie's doing his show tonight." The only thing Jay hated more than those two on a normal day was any evening either was in drag.
"Awww, no, I'm not going tonight" Jay said in a tone of fake disappointment. "It's been a long week and the snow has me at the end of my rope."
Formalities over, Donny and Eddie turned their attentions to Paul. "And who is this little snack?" Eddie asked. "And where have you been hiding him?" Donny followed up. Paul blushed a bright red, not knowing what to say or do.
"He is not a snack" Jay shot back rather irritated. "He's a new coworker and friend - his car is stuck in the snow so I'm taking him home."
"Taking him home?" Eddie giggled like an immature school girl "I bet you are."
Jay grimaced, he felt embarrassed by the way his so called friends were acting around Paul.
"Could the two of you grow up please - and don't you have a show to get ready for?" Jay barked at Eddie.
"Screw you" said Eddie. "You're going to miss me."
"Yeah, like a cold sore" Jay laughed, relieved this torture was going to end.
Donny and Eddie walked away, snickering like one of them just told a childish joke.
