It's the little things in life

 

Jools knew he needed to keep vigilant. He couldn't exactly study while at the convenience store. Even taking one class this semester was waring him out. He didn't exactly have a home, but luckily he'd been sleeping on somebody's couch. If he had the money he would have gone home. Now he was just waiting to be deported, but it hadn't happened yet. 

Thankfully, he felt the fresh snow was in his favor tonight. Folks weren't out and about and he was at his post in the well-lit establishment. He watched the weiners in the rotisserie. Actually, he thought the shriveled up meat should have been thrown out, but it would only make the owner be in a fret. 

He didn't want to let on how afraid he actually was to Valentina. He was certain he was to blame for his circumstances, but he never knew how much he needed Evan until now. He'd never anticipated something like this happening. He imagined he would always be with him no matter what.

But Evan was certain of it. He was going crazy and he didn't want Jools to see him that way. Of course, Jools didn't understand. He kept telling Evan it wasn't true. But then he remembered Evan couldn't sleep and he'd say people were watching him outside their window. So maybe Evan was right and Jools didn't want to see him being strange. After all, this was his better half.

Now he felt furious for letting Evan go. He didn't know what he should have done, but it was possibly not this. Not this job.

He was certain he'd be robbed at gunpoint, at least. Maybe worse. He hated this job. If only one job was enough. He hadn't been at the eye place very long. And to think he thought the only job he would ever really need was at the modern language department at the university and it no longer existed.

Yes, these were strange times. And he was out here in plain sight while everyone else with good intentions was at home. He wanted them to stay home, too. But the door"s electric chime let him know he was not alone. A customer. Jools felt his heartbeat tighten. Waiting for something tragic.

Jools did a double take. He thought he might know that person. Kind of. There was a party at the place he was staying and Jools saw him there, but Jools left because of so many people and walked around until he found an empty warm laundry mat to stay in. He really hadn't thought much about the party since.

"Oh, yeah, you were at Billy's-" his smile was quick and he pointed at Jools as he plopped a can of soda on the counter.

"I'm still and Billy's." Jools nodded.

"Really?" He winced. "Well, I'm Mick and I was wondering if you needed a place to stay. My roommates had a blowup. I mean, the place didn't blow up or anything."

Jools could see now Mick wasn't interested in dating him or anything of the like, just needing a roommate. Maybe Jool's luck had changed. 

"I am the only one left. They got mad over a girlfriend and too much hair in the sink. It was kind of silly, but they all went their separate ways. Honestly, maybe too many people were staying there, but now..now it's just me and..and I never lived on my own until now. And..and I'd hate to go back to my sister's because she's got this new boyfriend who's into snakes and rats. And I don't like either of those."

Jools couldn't help but laugh. "I'd hate for you to go back to your sister's." He hoped that didn't sound..well, he wouldn't think on it. 

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to, you know." 

The more Jools watched Mick talk he could see his youth and probably too friendly for his own good.

"What time do you get off?" Mick asked.

"Not long." Jools looked at the clock it was almost two in the morning.

"You could come over," Mick smiled, but Jools knew it had nothing to do with flirting. He knew Mick didn't want to be home alone.

"Sure." Jools nodded. It would be nice to have a quiet place to sleep.