It really shouldn't make him feel this giddy just watching Eli moving around so comfortably in his house. If they could get through the next few months -- until Eli graduated -- this could become a regular thing. It's been some time since James had anything in the future to actually look forward to.

While Eli gathered his things, James tugged on his jacket -- it wasn't quite cold enough yet for his actual winter coat. He felt a little more self-conscious, though. It was daytime now and they were leaving his house together. But in the safety of the car, he promptly reached for Eli's hand again and held on all the way to the bar. His own car was still in the lot, right he left it last night. That's probably not unusual since a lot of people go to bars in their own vehicles and then up in a cab or a rideshare to get home.

It's an older model car, something he's had for over ten years now. But it worked and maintenance didn't cost more than it was worth, so he kept it. Why take on an extra expense if he didn't have to? The only problem with it?

"The passenger door sticks. It won't open from the outside," James explained as he unlocked it. Once he got inside, he leaned across the seat to open the door from within so Eli could get inside.