All the Little Things

Chapter Fourteen: Jamie

"You look pretty flushed," Matilda says to him, her eyes critical as she looks him over. "What have you been up to?"

Jamie finds it hard to hold her all-to-knowing gaze. Instead, he takes a sip of the red wine Maris had given to him when he had come back downstairs a few minutes after Luca. She had looked genuinely contrite. Giving him a tight hug before handing him the glass. "I'm sorry, Jamie. Sometimes I just get a little..."

"Overbearing," Cally had finished for her.

Maris has shot her a look but then nodded. "Yes, overbearing."

Jamie had taken the wine in apology, and all was good again. Honestly, he had felt a little embarrassed as well once he had calmed down, but he knows that he wasn't in the wrong. Besides, Luca has been on his side.

Luca

His eyes immediately snap over to wear his best friend- maybe more- was standing, talking to his sister. He has a smile on his face, holding his own glass of wine.

Jamie's thoughts flash back to what had happened in the bedroom not too long ago. He had wanted nothing more than to climb and Luca's lap and have him right there. But, there had been a baby in his arms and a party going on downstairs.

Now, he has to physically and mentally restrain himself from going over to Luca and dragging him back upstairs. He has had enough of talking and pining. He wants to feel, a connection with the only man that has managed to snag his heart.

"Hello? Earth to Jamie?" Matilda waves a hand in front of his face.

Blinking, he turns back to look at her. "What?"

She rolls her eyes but has a knowing smile on her face. "Something happened up there didn't it?" She gestures toward the stairs. "You went up there flustered and came down here flustered, but for two very different reasons. Now you can't even keep your eyes off of Luca."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Jamie says, taking another sip of wine.

"I am so sure," Matilda says. She pauses, her face turning more serious. "Look, Jamie, be careful alright? I'm happy that you guys are working things out, but... but I don't want you to get hurt. Luca has always been the one who has the most power to hurt you and now you're putting everything into his hands."

Jamie turns to look at her. "I appreciate your concern, but that's not completely true. I am putting everything in his hands, but he is doing the same for me. This is scary, I am so fucking terrified right now, but I am heading your words and giving this a chance."

Her eyes flicker over his face. "Okay. I'll back off." She takes a sip of her wine. "For now." Jamie chuckles but is happy that the subject is dropped for now.

The party is going perfectly. The house is crowded but still feels homey. There is a fire rolling in the fireplace and Christmas music playing in the air. There is even snow falling outside. Jamie just shakes his head as he takes it all in. It is like some type of Hallmark movie, and he is feeling too giddy inside to feel gross about it.

Because tonight he has plans. He had meant it when he had joked with Luca upstairs. He sincerely hopes that they are able to do something fun tonight, something involving just the two of them in the bed upstairs.

"Dinner is ready!" Dad says, coming into the living room. "Go ahead and take your seats."

Luca doesn't seem to mind that Jamie's dad has taken over his party, but Jamie shouldn't be too surprised. He tends to take a backseat when he can.

When he gets to the dining room, he sees that the table is absolutely filled with food. Everyone had been encouraged to bring food, and they didn't skimp. It all looked delicious, and his mouth was already starting to water.