Men of Charlestown 04 - Angel's Redemption by Andi Anderson

Author:Andi Anderson [Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Elijah stood in front of Jack's friends' front door and tried to calm his frazzled nerves. His heart beat frantically and he wiped his cold, clammy hand on the side of his shirt. But for Jack, he tried to muster up a smile.

"You okay, Eli?"

Elijah nodded and took a deep breath.

You can do this. They're just Jack's friends. It's no

big deal.

Jack knocked on the door and grabbed his hand.

Elijah leaned closer to Jack and lifted his chin. He would

do this for both Jack and himself. Elijah wanted Jack to be

proud of him and to show him that he really wasn't an

overly anxious freak. Even when Elijah secretly knew he

was.

"The moment you're ready to leave, we will, all

right?" Jack's voice was warm, soothing.

"I know. Thanks, Jack."

The sound of quick steps approached the door, and

it was suddenly swung open, showing a tall, blond, goodlooking man.

"Jack! We're so glad you and your friend could

make it."

Jack gave Elijah's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Thanks for the invite, Nick. I'd like to introduce you to my

very dear friend, Elijah."

Nick offered his hand. "Nice to meet you, Elijah.

Josh and I have been meaning to come over and welcome

you to the neighborhood, but since we got back from

vacation, we've been swamped with work and getting

Danny off to summer camp."

Even though the man obviously had a very busy

life, Elijah wondered how Nick still looked so relaxed and

content. He reluctantly let go of Jack's hand, offered it to

Nick and smiled. "Nice to meet you too." He was proud

that his voice sounded strong and didn't tremble from the

nervousness he felt.

They shook hands, and Elijah once again found

Jack's fingers.

Remember they're just everyday people like you.

This is no big deal.

"Come on in. Josh is mastering the grill, and Shiloh

and Allen are having cocktails on the back porch." Nick

stepped back so they could walk inside. Nick closed the

door and motioned for them to follow him. "What's your

poison? We have beer, and Shiloh's made his famous

strawberry daiquiris."

"I'll take a Coke if you have it," Jack answered. Elijah was relieved that Jack wasn't going to drink.

Not that he expected him to give up drinking forever, but it

would be nice not be the only non-drinker there. He gave

Jack a happy smile and chuckled when Jack winked at him. If Nick thought this was unusual, he didn't show it.

"How about you, Elijah? We also have Dr. Pepper,

Hawaiian Punch, sweet tea, or bottled water if you prefer." "I'll take some Hawaiian Punch, thanks."

"Ahh… Shiloh's going to love you. It's his favorite

drink. That's why we keep it stocked when we know he's

going to come over."

They followed him through the homey living room

and out the back door. "I'll fix your drinks and bring them

out to you shortly."

"Is there anything we can do to help you?" Jack

asked.

Nick grinned and shook his head. "Nah, we've got it

under control. Go on out and see everyone. They're excited

that you came and brought your new friend."

Elijah couldn't stop the grin that tilted his lips.

Maybe making friends with them wouldn't be so bad after

all. Some of his nervousness fled, and he relaxed a little as

he and Jack walked hand-in-hand out of the house.

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