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Feeling a sense of anticipation he couldn’t remember feeling in a very long time—maybe since his first World Cup—he tucked his mobile in his pocket. It was the beginning of a new life, and he was all in.
Which meant trusting Rachel enough to tell her who he was.
Tonight.
Then, because there was one more person he needed to get in touch with, he opened a new message. Instead of writing something, he sent his mum some photos he’d taken. The language of images was more complete between them sometimes. He sent one of the ride from the airport, of the passing Chicago streets. He sent one of Didier and Erik in the kitchen, and the bottle of MacNiven whiskey he’d taken in Clancy’s for his dad. Lastly, he included his favorite picture of Rachel, sitting on her porch.
His mum replied to him moments after he sent the photos.
Mum
Who is she?
Of course his mum would pick up on the most important part.
Mum
And don’t tell me she’s just someone you met. She’s special.
The camera never lies.
Jamie
What do you see?
Mum
Forever, like I have with your dad.
He mulled that over. He had the sneaking suspicion his mum was right on that one. He just hoped Rachel was on the same page after he told her tonight.
* * *
I’m home. Come over.
Rachel’s text inspired both eagerness and trepidation in him. He put on his shoes, put his mobile and wallet in his pocket, and went downstairs to tell the boys he was going out.
Didier and Erik were in the living room, sprawled on separate couches. Erik was reading one of the new books, and Didier was typing on his phone. The moment he stepped into the room, Didier lowered his screen.
“I’m going out,” Jamie said as he walked in.
Didier looked him up and down. “You are seeingla belleRachel.”
“Yes.”
“Vous avez des préservatifs?”
He arched his brow.
“Quoi?” Didier held his hands up. “Do I need to tell you the importance of protecting your partner?”
He’d put a condom in his wallet, but he didn’t expect to use it tonight. “Tonight we’re just talking.”
“Dommage.” He nudged the kid. “This is why you need me as well, because there is a time to talk and there’s a time for no more talking,tu comprends?”
“I think so.” Erik nodded. “That’s where kissing comes in, right?”
“Exactement.” Didier reached over for a fist bump.
