To See You - 3. Chapter 3

But, in Nicholas’ current condition, standing in the rain, shivering way too much, he couldn’t say no. So he shyly nodded and got in the car.

In Jamie’s Blazer, Nicholas tried not to drip water everywhere. In a normal time, Nicholas wouldn’t have accepted the ride, but in his case, he couldn’t afford to refuse. Nicholas was really hopping that Jamie wouldn’t ask too many questions; he was certainly in no mood to answer. But, he knew Jamie’s type; he just knew that Jamie couldn’t resist being nosey.

Jamie never really met Nicholas’ mother, but the encounter he had with her the previous day and now with her leaving her son hanging at the mall didn’t leave Jamie with a great impression of her.

As Jamie drove off he asked, “won’t you tell me what happened? There’s gotta be more to this than just a ‘she must have forgotten me.’”

Nicholas shrugged and responded “I’m telling you, that’s all there is to it.” Granted he had told a little lie, but at this point, that’s all he was willing to say.

A little disappointed in the answer, Jamie tried and pushed a little further, “you know Nick, I know that we haven’t known each other for that long, but you said you moved here not so long ago, so you prolly don’t have that many friends around here. I know we just we work together, and all, but you can talk to me if something’s bothering you.”

Nicholas wasn’t totally stupid, he could see that Jamie was trying everything to make him talk. But he just wasn’t ready yet to disclose that much information. It was because he had opened his mouth that he wasn’t living in Quebec anymore. “Thanks Jamie, but really it’s alright, it’s just a big miscommunication.”

“What about yesterday in the parking lot?” Jamie couldn’t believe he had just asked that.

“That was nothing, really, I had done something stupid earlier and I guess I pissed her off more than I thought. But that’s all fine now.” Nicholas said, as he heard himself speak another partial lie.

Jamie looked at him incredulously. “Okay. You know, now that you’re already in my car, we’re already driving, do you want to get back home with me? I wanted to sleep in, but I had to get some milk so I’m wide awake now.”

Truth be told, there was nothing that would have made Nicholas happier than to go back to Jamie’s and to stay there for as long as he could. But for some reason that he said instead,” No, I really shouldn’t.”

Nicholas and Jamie fell silent, aside from Nicholas giving Jamie directions. A short while later, Jamie parked his car in front of Nicolas’ house. It was an impressively big and spacious house compared to those around it. Jamie noted the presence of the family car in the driveway.

“Well, thanks for the ride Jamie, see you at work.” Nicholas said as he jumped out of the car.

By the time Jamie registered Nicholas’ words, Nicholas was halfway to the front door of his house. Jamie simply gave a wane wave towards Nicholas as he ran inside.

Going back home, Jamie couldn’t help but think about Nicholas. He certainly realized that there was, most likely, nothing to worry about. Sure his explanation made perfect sense, but Jamie smelled a cover-up. Still, his gut feelings told him that ever since they got off work, Nicholas had seemed distracted.

It wasn’t like they knew each other for that long, only a single day. Jamie could certainly understand why, if there was something bothering Nicholas, he wouldn’t want to discuss it with someone he just met.

**

Andrew never slept in on the weekends. By nine thirty, or, at the latest, ten, he was awake -- but not that morning. It was nearly eleven when his cell phone woke him up. He didn’t even check the caller’s ID as he answered.

“Mornin’ Brendan” Andrew said, trying to fight back a yawn.

“Hey Andrew, do you think you can borrow your rents’ car?” Brendan said, quickly shaking Andrew out of his slumber.

“I think so, wh—“

“Great, wanna come with Nancy and me to the Champlain Mall? Now? Please?” Brendan urged.

By that time, Andrew was fully awake. “To Brossard? Why don’t we go the mall in St-Bruno instead? It’s closer you know and they got the same stores!”

“Well, Nancy wants to go the H&M there. Please, I’ll owe you?” Brendan said.

Andrew had to think over, and after a little mental fight between going and just staying home waiting for Jamie to come online, he finally agreed. “Ya, alright, come over, I’ll take a shower and I’ll be ready by the time you guys get here.” Just before hanging up Andrew added “Oh! And Brendan, ease off on the coffee next time, will ya?” Brendan just laughed.

Andrew had just enough time to take a quick shower, get dressed and ask his parents if he could borrow the car when Brendan arrived with Nancy tailing right behind him.

Andrew unlocked the car from a distance and told Brendan and Nancy, “there, go wait in the car, I’ll be right there.” He put on his coat, told his parents that he was leaving and he was off. In the car, Andrew started to look for a CD to put on but before he could, Brendan had already chosen what he wanted to hear so Andrew was stuck listening to House music all the way to the mall. They had just left the driveway when Brendan and Nancy were already in deep conversation. They were talking about going away the following weekend.

Andrew always liked Nancy. If he’d was forced to be with one, he’d want to be with someone just like her. Long blond hair, sparkling blue eyes, warm smile, and a great personality, in fact he’d want to be with her if that was the case, but she had already made Brendan a honest man years ago, the two having met in their first year of CEGEP at Dawson College. CEGEP is where students in Quebec go after finishing high school before starting at a university.

He was turning onto Tascherault boulevard when Andrew got stuck behind a car driving slow in the middle lane. “Arg, Câlisse! Andrew cursed in French. “It’s a 70 zone here!!”.

This sudden outburst took Brendan by surprise. “Andrew, you know it won’t make her go any faster” Nancy shot him a look.

“Ya, I know, but it helps me stay calm.” Andrew answered back.

“Good thing you stayed calm!” chuckled Brendan.

Nancy smacked Brendan on the back of his head as Andrew passed the slow moving car.

“What was that for?” complained Brendan

“her!?!?” Nancy repeated incredulously.

“Oops, Busted!” Brendan whispered to Andrew before apologizing to Nancy “Sorry, I won’t say it again.”

It was enough to satisfy Nancy.

“At least, I won’t let you hear it next time,” Brendan whispered to Andrew grinning like a bird fed cat.

“What was that?!?” Nancy asked, knowing full well what her boyfriend had said.

“Nuthin’ sweetie,” Brendan quickly replied.

“That better be the case,” she said tartly.

Pulling in the mall’s parking lot, Andrew drove to the second floor of the multi-level parking structure and found an empty space close to the entrance of the Bay.

Inside the store, the couple followed Andrew as he fought in vain to find his way to the mall. After having passed the electronic department twice, Brendan wisecracked, “Seriously Andy, are you lost or something. It’s this way.”

They all went to H&M, and Andrew could swear that he was being more useful to Nancy than Brendan. He could swear that maybe Nancy twisted Brendan’s arm to get Andrew to go shopping so she’d have someone to look at clothes with. But Nancy didn’t find what she was looking for and surprised everyone by saying that she wanted to go to the St-Bruno’s mall instead.

“What!!!!, I told you guys that we shoulda gone there in the first place!! We’re here now!” Andrew yelled in exasperation.

“Yeah, Nancy, he’s right! We’re already here!” Brendan added.

But Nancy made her best puppy dog face and that was enough to make the guys change their minds.

So yet again they were back in the car and Andrew drove down the 116 to St-Bruno but this time he wasn’t as lucky as earlier and parked the car far away from the store.

They first stopped at the Mexx store. Once inside, Andrew found a shirt and a nice pair of pants to go with it.

“Vous avez besoin d’aide?” (Do you need help, sir?) asked a clerk that was watching him.

“Oui, je voudrais essayer le pantalon et le chandail.” (Yes, I want to try on the pant and the shirt.) Andrew answered.

The clerk led him to an empty fitting room and said “voilà!” (There you go)

Andrew put the outfit on and looked at himself in the mirror. Still unsure, he decided to find Brendan and Nancy to get their opinion. It turned out, he didn’t need to look hard as they both spotted Andrew as he got out of the fitting room and walked toward him.

“What do you think?” Andrew asked Nancy.

“It’s not bad, those pants look very nice on you.” she responded.

“Ya, I’d definitely do you,” Brendan joked.

“Oh, stop making promises that you won’t keep! But seriously? Do they?” Andrew said.

“Yup, you got a nice ass in those pants,” Brendan said. “Wait, did I just say that to a guy!?!”

Andrew chuckled, “yup, you did.”

Brendan then went back in the changing room and got his clothes. Looking at the beyond expensive price tag attached to the clothes, he decided to only buy the pants.

After having made stops at GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Pentagone and Buffalo, the trio was worn out and they decided that it was time for a break and went for some coffee at Second Cup.

“Well, I’m exhausted,” Brendan said.

“I think I’ve seen all that I wanted to see,” Nancy replied.

“No kidding, I’m about sure that there’s no money left in your bank account!” Brendan said.

“We can go back home,” Nancy suggested.

Andrew added, “I’ve also spent more money than I prolly should have too.” Andrew had expensive taste and knew he’d spend all his money if given the chance.

“Alright, back home it is,” Brendan declared.

The drive back home was less eventful for the three of them. This time around, Andrew tried to get more involved in the conversation.

He learned Brendan and Nancy were spending the weekend in Ottawa. Leaving Saturday morning, they would hang out in town then go to the game that evening, the Habs against Senators, and then come back on Sunday. “Where will you be staying in Ottawa?”

“Brendan decided that we’d celebrate big time, we booked a room at the Sheraton,” Nancy announced.

“Well, that ought to be fun,” Andrew remarked. “And where did you say the tickets were?”

Brendan answered that one. “It’s like in the fourth row, right on the goal line.”

“Lucky bastard!” Andrew said grinning.

**

It was later, after Andrew got back home, when he was talking to Jamie, that he learned something that would soon change everything.

“Remember when I told you that I think Chris is gay or at least bi?” Jamie said.

Andrew was caught of guard and replied, “Umm no, you never told me that!! What makes you think?”

“I know he’s been here on my ‘puter. He never remembers to clear the history of recent documents,” Jamie answered.

“And he looks at some, um, interesting sites?” wondered Andrew.

“oh ya, and my documents too. He’s peeked at pics that I have saved.”

“Did he find time to check my pics yet?” inquired Andrew

Jamie giggled and nodded.

“Why don’t you confront him about it then?” continued Andrew.

“Well, I have to ask myself what would I do at his place being curious. Would I want someone telling me not to be who I am?” answered Jamie

“Agreed, but on the other hand, you might be the most qualified person to talk with him about it, don’t you think?” asked Andrew

“And what if he says he is gay? Then what? I know he wants to talk about it. I can see it. He’s just waitin’ for you to ask, ya know?” Jamie wondered.

Andrew knew that maybe it wasn’t the right time, but he couldn’t help but finding Jamie’s insecurities cute. “Well, it might be easier for him if you start the conversation since you’re the big bro.”

“So, maybe I could hint to him that it’s okay to chat about it to me?” Jamie asked.

“Ya, that would work, but you should choose the right time tho’. A time when you can be sure that you can talk without being interrupted or overheard by someone else as he’ll most likely want to keep it private for the time being” Andrew suggested.

Jamie suddenly looked behind him and quickly said, “Hey, I gotta go, he’s arriving!”

“Alright, I’ll talk to you later then.” Andrew said

“Promise?” Jamie said.

“Ya, of course!” Andrew replied.

**

Morning arrived and it seemed that the weekend had gone by far too fast for Jamie. At least that’s what he thought as he was driving to work.

Arriving at work, he was surprised to see that Nicholas was already there and working. Andrew was almost expecting him not to come in to work at all after what happened earlier between them. So, he said hi to his coworkers and then went to the lounge to change.

As he was about to get back in front to start working, Nicholas came in the lounge and, after a quick glance to see if they were the only ones there, locked the door.

“Jamie, I wanted to tell you that I was sorry about Friday and about Saturday. I guess you didn’t get me at my best time. I’m really sorry that I’ve snubbed your invites twice. I—“

Jamie stopped him. “Hey, no need to be sorry, alright, everyone has bad moments.”

“I wanna make it up to you. Do you want to come back home with me after work and hang out? You know, get to know each other, but outside work?” Nicholas asked.

Jamie certainly wasn’t expecting that but quickly responded, “yeah, of course, that’d be nice.”

Jamie could have sworn that Nicholas’ eyes brightened when Jamie told him that he wanted to come back and hang out at his place. Jamie just couldn’t make out what that meant or anything else about Nicholas for that matter.

Later in the day, during his break, Jamie went in the lounge to make a private phone call. He dug out his cell from his pocket and after a few rings, he heard the voice he wanted to hear.

“Hello?” said Chris.

“Quit touching it!!” Jamie replied jokingly.

Chris had grown used to those comments, giggled, and replied, “hey bro, wassup?”

Jamie answered, “Well turns out that I gotta change plans. I’m driving Nick back to his place and we’re going to hang out at his place.”

“So things went well with him today?” Chris asked.

Jamie sighed, “Yup, I guess you can say so, I don’t know more, but, we’ll see. Can you do something for me? I told Andrew that I’d be online before dinner, can you get on for me and tell him that I’m sorry, that I love him, but I won’t come on till later tonight?”

“Yes, for sure,” Chris replied.

After hearing the answer that he had expected, Jamie asked Chris about his day. Chris explained to him in great detail about all the latest rumors circulating around school. Chris told so much gossip that Jamie thought his ear would fall off. After Chris finished, Jamie told him that he had to get back to work.

**

“Are we still hanging out at my place?” Nicholas asked Jamie toward the end of their shift during a slow time at the shop.

“Yeah, of course we are!” Jamie said. Jamie was glad that, after a whole day to think it over, Nicholas hadn’t changed his mind about inviting him over.

As their shift ended, Jamie and Nicholas got ready to leave. They were almost at the door when Jamie realized he had forgotten something.

Jamie looked at Nicholas, took his car keys out of his pocket and gave them to Nicholas. “Here, take these, get in my car, I’ll be right with you, I left something in the back.”

Jamie hurried up to the back of the store and found what he was looking for, he had left his cell phone lying on the table. He would have kicked his own butt if he had forgotten it. He had the tendency to misplace things -- or worse losing things -- especially his keys and his cell. As soon as Jamie placed his cell securely in his pocket, he hurried up to the car where he found Nicholas waiting in the front.

“Sorry about that! Now we can get going,” Jamie said as he was getting behind the wheel. Jamie managed to drive all the way to Nicholas’ place without much help from Nicholas. It seemed like Nicholas was too preoccupied with staring and analyzing Jamie to talk. At least Jamie had kept the radio on to fill the silence.

Finally, they arrived and Jamie pulled over and parked right in front of Nicholas house.