Something Like Spring (Something Like, #4)

by Jay Bell

“Why are you just standing there?” a voice demanded. Nathaniel! Again! He walked up to Jason before his expression changed to one of surprise. “Oh, I didn’t recognize you before!” Jason’s mouth went dry. “You didn’t?” “No, sorry. Marcello said two waiters would be sneaking around his house. You’re one of them, right?” “Yeah,” Jason said after a moment. Nathaniel still didn’t have a clue who he really was. “How did everything go?” “Good,” Jason said. “Better than I expected, actually.” “So lucky,” Nathaniel said, eyes shining. “There’s nothing like young love. If I can offer some advice…” Could this night get any weirder? Jason nodded numbly. “Don’t let it stay hidden. Love is like a flower. It needs to be out in the open where it can get fresh air and sunlight. Secrets can be fun, but eventually they’ll smother what you have together.” Nathaniel paused and then winced. “Did I really just compare love to a flower?” Jason chuckled. “Yeah, you did.” Nathaniel shook his head as if disappointed in himself. “Anyway, you get my point, right? If you like this guy, you’ll both have to come out or whatever the issue is. That’s the only way you’ll make it.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” Jason said. Then he licked his lips. “So what about you? Anyone special in your life?” “No.” Nathaniel said this firmly. “No, I think I’m done with all of that. I have better things to do with my time. If love is a flower, then someone ran over mine with a lawn mower a long time ago.” Did he mean Caesar? ...