Stick Around Awhile (1960s Jeamus)

Milkshakes & Cigarettes

December, 1965

The Beatles newest album, Help, played for probably the one hundredth time as James laid in his bed, listening to the new record that came out several months ago. He tugged at the collar of his plaid cotton shirt, as he blew smoke from his Kent brand cigarette. He couldn't help himself think about the boy he met yesterday at Edwin Cardona's party that the popular jock hosted last night. He'd never seen him before, his long blond hair, his ugly sweater vest, it looked as if he was waiting for someone who never showed. The blond boy left the party early, James would've followed him, but he figured that'd be the wrong way to make a first impression. Ironicaly, the track, The Night Before started to play. James needed some fresh air. He jumped on his motor cycle parked in the apartment building's parking lot. He decided upon going to his favourite diner, with the pretty waitress who knew him all too well.

James walked in the small diner, the place was usually empty, just like it was tonight. Mind you, James only went at late hours, anyways. Something caught James' eye, more like someone. The blond boy, sitting at the far booth, in the very corner. He was beautiful, just as he remembered. James smiled as he walked over, and sat down in the booth across from the boy.

"I'm James"

"Um, Seamus..." the boy replied, obviously confused.

"I think I seen you last night, Eddie's party?"

"Eddie? Oh, yeah. He used to be a good friend of mine..." Seamus trailed off.

"So, what's a pretty boy like you doing all alone?"

Seamus blushed, and turned away, letting out a huff. "Yeah," he said sarcastically.

Just as James was about to say something, the waitress walks over to the table, pen and paper in her hand. Her nametag sat just above her bust, on the right hand side. Her blonde hair, tightly curled, make-up perfectly done. She truly was beautiful.

"Dominika, how's it going, babe?" It was normal for James to call people babe, he knew Domi after all.

"Good evening, James. What would you and your friend like?" she smiled brightly, "the usual?"

"Yes, please, make it two."

"Got it." she grinned, she walked away, not even writing anything down.

"I hope you like milkshakes" James said, directing his attention back at Seamus.

"Never had one of their's, it's actually my first time eating here."

"Well then you'll enjoy it, promise."

The two talked about everything while they waited. Seamus was planning on being a lawyer, he was studying for it now. He was an only child, and also lived alone in an apartment not too far from James'. James never shared anything about himself, he simply listened to Seamus ramble on about law school. It was cute to hear someone talk about something they were passionate about. Seamus was nervous at first about this boy, but he seemed nice, and he got carried away talking to him. He'd heard about James Wilson; he was said to be dangerous, but Seamus didn't see it. He listened to him, it was rare anybody gave him that kind of attention. It wasn't long until Dominika arrived back at the booth, setting down the vanilla milkshakes without saying a word, and walking off.

Seamus took a sip, smiling at the taste. "Damn, this is really good." he said, taking another sip.

"Told you." James chuckled, taking a sip aswell.

In what seemed like no time at all, they were both finished. James rose from the booth, offering Seamus a hand, which he took without hesitation. They walked outside silently. It's gotten quite a bit darker outside than when they got here.

"I, uh, had a great time. Thanks, Seamus." James looked down nervously.

"Yeah," Seamus grinned, "me too" Seamus wrote his adress on a scrap peice of paper he found in his pocket. "I'd like to do it again sometime." He handed James the paper.

James turned around, a lit cigarette in his mouth, he took it out briefly, scaning the numbers, trying to remember them. He blew out the smoke from the corner of his mouth. "Y'know," he took a drag from his cigarette "it's pretty dark, you walk here?"

"Yeah, I don't live too far from here."

"I'll take you" James insisted.

"No, no, no," Seamus shook his head, "I can walk, thanks" he laughed softly.

"You sure? I don't have anything-"

"I'm- I'm good, see you soon, James." Seamus turned away, stuffing his hands in his sweater, walking away chuckling. Something about this almost made James mad. Did he do something wrong? Did he come off too strong? Dammit, he'd just have to wait.