Across the Square

 

Chapter five

He is my perfection

 

                  

“He's going to be here?” Jerry was freaking out and it was still so early. “You mean he's coming to breakfast with us?” We were already in the little cafe that we always went to and we were early which was proving to be a good thing because I didn't want Jerry scaring the crap out of my Mister Perfect. “Why did you invite him? This is our thing. And now, with Ty – the guy with a golf club stuck up his ass – in town for the next week, it's the only time we'll see eachother.”



“We also eat lunch together five days a week, Jerry. But he's staying for a week this time?” I felt the slightest twinge of jealousy. I wasn't going to see Jerry after work for a whole week. “He actually has a real life golf club stuck up his ass? I don't think you should have left him alone if that's true but I'm sure it's okay. Golf clubs aren't thick.”



Jerry laughed for just a moment before snorting, shaking his head. “I mean he's being a pain. He wants to go away with me for the rest of the week but you and I both know we have to book holidays at work way in advance so I told Ty there's no point me even asking. He's now being a dick about it.”



“You never know when he's going to be here or anywhere else so how can he expect you to... Ugh... Whatever, he's just being dumb. He'll get over it.”



“Can we order or do we have to wait for him to get here because it's almost eight and if we don't place orders right about now then the rush will start and we'll end up late for work.” I could only hope that he calmed the fuck down before Patrick walked in. And then it was too late, Mister Perfect walking into the cafe and spotting us.



“Morning, gentlemen.” Cool and collected.



I was about to stand and greet him properly when Patrick bent down and kissed me on the cheek before sitting down. “I'm sorry if I'm a touch late.”



“Can we now order please?” Jerry had never been a morning person but god damn, couldn't he have at least tried to be nice?



“Mhm, I'm ready if you two are. What's good here? I've never been in before.” Patrick took off his jacket, slipping it over his chair and getting comfortable.



“Mm, we usually have coffee and pastries. They're good here. They do a load of other stuff.” I pointed to a wall where all the boards were, smiling. It was one thing I couldn't stop doing while around him.



“Aha! I see. Well you can both order whatever you like. It's entirely up to you but I know you were uncomfortable about me coming here and crashing your breakfast thing..” He was trying to be nice and patch things up with Jerry but he wasn't wording particularly well and Jerry was now scowling. “So breakfast is on me.” He leant over to Jerry, giving him a smile that impossible to ignore. “He really didn't want me coming today so please don't blame him.”



“If he didn't want you here then why the hell are you sat at our table, annoying the shit out of me?”



“Jerry, for fuck sake.” I didn't get it. He was never usually so rude. “Do I ever complain or look unhappy when you drag me out with you and Ty? To see a movie, you claim, basically acting as the third wheel. To dinner where they've automatically booked you on a romantic table for two and it needs to be changed right when it's busy and everyone is watching and they have to ask if someone will switch so I can sit with you? No. I have never been rude like you are being now. At least we're not fucking in front of you like you and Ty do to me so shut the fuck up and appreciate a free coffee. You seem to need it to become human this morning.”



Patrick was sat staring between us, no doubt feeling terribly awkward. “If it really is a problem then I can leave because I don't want to cause arguments. I just thought it would be nice to get to know both of you at the same time in a neutral setting. You are with Isaac a lot. You're his best friend. You probably know him better than anyone. I like your friend, Jerry. If you have a problem with that then I'm sorry. Share a little, eh?”



“I need to go to the bathroom for a moment.” Jerry got up and headed to the bathroom before I could say anything else. Once he was out of sight I slumped in my chair, head in my hands.



“I'm so sorry. I don't know why he's being like this.”



“Are you sure you don't have something to tell me, Isaac? … What's between you?” Oh shit.



“I'd rather not explain in detail or when he can possibly hear, thanks.”



“Later then. What would you like, cupcake?” Nothing phased him.



“Something big and heavy that will numb the pain when he babbles on and on about crap for the rest of the day.” He smiled and patted my arm softly.



“How about we treat him and get him something equally as indulgent and then see if he can still complain, eh?” It sounded like a good plan.



When Jerry returned to the table we had already ordered and coffee was just being served, topped with extra sprinkles and some chocolate cream filled biscuit. “This..” He stared at it, thought about it, and then shrugged and sipped it, just to make sure we hadn't poisoned it. “Is good.”



“I'm glad, Jerry. I hope you feel better after your trip to the bathroom. Breakfast will be here in a moment.”



When a plate of scrambled eggs was set down in front of Jerry he frowned hard. “This ain't no pastry.” After a taking a bite, he smiled. “Is better.” Thank fuck for that.



I got my own plate of french toast and shared it with Patrick, enjoying his company greatly now that Jerry had his mouth busy with food rather than harsh words. The bread had a crispy outer shell and inside was soft, fluffy sweetness that I could have eaten all day, every day for the rest of my life, but it was soon gone and time ticked by.



“Isaac, we should go if we don't want to be late...” Jerry was getting up and shoving his coat on.



Patrick paid and we both thanked him, and then we were outside, by my car, Jerry already in. “Thank you for breakfast... And sorry for the drama that came with it.” Patrick simply smiled and pulled me close, hugging me for a long moment.



“I'll be waiting to hear the story about you and Jerry later, okay? I finish work early today so whenever you get around to being free is fine by me... But don't leave it too long. I may grow to miss you.” Our first fully sober kiss was right there, in the middle of rush hour on the street, and in front of Jerry. And I didn't want it to end. I didn't care who was watching or complaining. Kissing Patrick was like kissing no one else and I groaned when he pulled away from me. “Have a nice day at work, cupcake.”



Getting in the car I found Jerry was oblivious to the kiss, on the phone, talking to Ty about how he had a golf club up his ass. I drove to work with the taste of Patricks strong, black coffee on my lips and prayed for an easy day.

~~~

Author notes: Many thanks, as always, to my beta MissusAnn (fp)!

Lisa: I don't recall if it's happened already or about to happen but Patrick comments on how he's been watching Isaac on and off for a bit. Since he's almost always with Jerry, he'd assumed they were together in some way and then, seeing Ty made him a bit confused. But Isaac isn't trying to be slutty... I think it's just what being around Patrick at last does to him.

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